A Season of Thanksgiving
Even in a year dominated by a pandemic, there is much to be thankful for. At Blue Mountain Wildlife we are very thankful for volunteers and members whose gifts of time, talent and finances allow us to serve the wildlife and people of our region. You have faithfully supported BMW throughout a year like no other. Transport volunteers were particularly busy this past week (more about that in a bit).
This week I’m especially grateful for the Gadaire Family. Several winters ago, Alex Gadaire interned at BMW. He continued to volunteer the following summer while helping his grandparents who live in Pendleton. Two years ago Alex died unexpectedly from a seizure disorder. Since then, his family has held multiple fundraisers for BMW and always stop by for a visit whenever they are in Pendleton. This week they brought shovels and finished digging the trench for the plumbing and electrical for the new display pens. Thank you David and family for your friendship and support. Thank you also to Ari for sharing the photos.
Bald Eagle 20-597
Although we like to think the birds are grateful for the care we give them, we know they really aren’t. So often people who find an injured bird will say they think the bird knows they are trying to help it because the bird is so calm. I reply perhaps that is the case, or the bird may be paralyzed with fear or so gravely injured it is near death. That is why we ask people to put the bird in a padded box, close the box and place it in a warm quiet place in order to minimize stress.
A call came in from a woman who had seen a Bald Eagle along a road in rural Adams County (120+ miles from Pendleton). I suggested she call WDFW or Adams County Pet Rescue. They might be close enough to come and capture the eagle. A while later, a WDFW biologist called. He had picked up the eagle and taken it to Pioneer Veterinary Clinic in Moses Lake (145 miles from Pendleton). He commented that the bird seemed in really good body condition, but was very calm. The vet had examined the bird and found a crack in his upper beak and blood in his mouth, but no fractures in the wings or legs. The vet also commented on how calm the bird was.
The challenge now was getting the eagle to Pendleton before Thanksgiving. It was Tuesday morning. The vet could transport the eagle to the Tri-Cities Wednesday evening, but that was 75 miles short of Pendleton. I called volunteer Bill Dunham in Walla Walla. Sure, he would pick up the eagle in Moses Lake and bring him to Pendleton, a 300 mile round trip. Bill had the eagle in Pendleton before 3 pm (he was back on Wednesday with a Western Screech Owl from Walla Walla).
During the exam it became apparent why the eagle was so calm - he hurt from head to toe. In addition to his cracked beak, his right coracoid was separated from the sternum and there was a fracture on the right side of his pelvis. Because the eagle was in such good body condition it was very difficult to palpate the fractures, but they were apparent on an x-ray. His blood lead level was 46 mcg/dl, subclinical lead poisoning. The eagle was feeding on road kill when he was hit by a car. He must have also scavenged game or gut piles from animals shot with lead ammunition. We are chelating to remove the lead and administering pain medication along with fluids. As of Friday he is beginning to show an interest in food, but he is still a very calm Bald Eagle. His demeanor will change as his injuries heal.
Two More Gunshot Victims
American Crow 20-603 was found in Richland, WA with old fractures in the right wing. A necropsy confirmed the crow had been shot.
Sharp-shinned Hawk 20-604 was found in Pasco. The wound in her wing was fresh. The projectile left a quarter-inch hole through the wing. The damage could not be repaired and she was euthanized.
Cooper’s Hawk 20-600
There was good news this past week. We suspect the Cooper’s Hawk was stunned and unable to fly after hitting a window. After a couple of days at BMW he wanted no more of our hospitality. Volunteers Kenny and Janie released him near where he was found in Pasco. Janie said he flew really well out of the box. That is the best thanks we could receive.
Thank You Volunteers & Members!!!
There were 11 new admissions this past week. Two were from Pilot Rock, OR and delivered to the Pendleton Center by the finders. The remaining 9 birds were found in Washington. They had help getting to Pendleton by Bill, Nanette, Alisha, Kenny and Janie. Ken and Joan, along with Kenny and Janie helped Laurel and Michele at the Tri-Cities Center. Nancy, Nichol, Sarah B, Mary, Judy, Denise, Sierra, Lisa, Sarah D, Mike, Krista, Kassie, Janice, Tiffany and Adams County Pet Rescue also regularly help transport birds. Burt, Denise, Rebecca, Tara and Dave transport birds from the farther reaches of eastern Oregon. We are also grateful to Pioneer Veterinary Clinic in Moses Lake, Animal Clinic East in Walla Walla, Desert Veterinary Clinic in Richland, the Pet Health Clinic in Sunnyside, Prosser Animal Hospital in Prosser and Pendleton Veterinary Clinic who all donate there services in care of injured wildlife. This is the tip of the volunteer iceberg. Providing care for wildlife in need in eastern Oregon and eastern Washington is a huge undertaking and is only possible because of your generous support. Thank you to all…
Now please enjoy this video created by Samantha and Winnie, with help from Lauren...
