Bald Eagle 21-292 Release
The eagle was found unable to fly near an irrigation ditch in June. It was thought to have been struck by a vehicle.
After being examined by Dr. Mike Fuller at Ellensburg Animal Hospital the eagle was transferred to Blue Mountain Wildlife in Pendleton to recover from a dislocated shoulder and multiple lacerations.
This past week volunteers Virginia, Ken, Janie and Adrian transported the eagle from Pendleton to the Yakima Nation Coho Hatchery near where the eagle was originally found so he could be released. Adrian opened the box… It was a spectacular release!
Golden Eagle 21-778 Admission
Three days after the Bald Eagle was released duck hunters found an adult Golden Eagle near Patterson, WA. The eagle was standing, but didn’t move as the hunters approached it. They called BMW and Ken, Janie and Virginia soon had the eagle on its way to Pendleton.
Our exam found no injuries, but the eagle’s clenched feet are a classic sign of lead poisoning. Eagles and other scavengers are poisoned when they feed on carcasses that have been shot with lead ammunition. We are using chelation to remove the lead from the eagles blood. His clenched toes are being reminded of their normal placement with eagle booties. The white powder on the towel in the photo below is livestock dust. The eagle was covered in lice! We have a zero tolerance policy for lice in the clinic!
Two days later the eagle is looking much brighter, and had mostly removed one bootie. The halux (large back toe) still needed a little help fully extending, but the other three toes were being placed normally. The wing bandage is keeping the eagle from extending his wing and removing an IV catheter that was placed to facilitate fluid therapy. Rehydration is an important part of our intake protocol. It is particularly important when treating lead poisoning because the medication used to remove lead is also toxic. To prevent lead poisoning Hunt Lead Free!
Happy Thanksgiving
I have much to be thankful for as we begin this holiday season. I’m especially thankful for all BMW’s friends and supporters who give so generously of their time, talents and finances allowing BMW to further our mission of helping the wildlife of our region. Thank you everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!
