Western Grebe 18-664
Fall is the time of year when we occasionally admit grebes. They mistake wet pavement or a large puddle for a larger body of water and crash land. Even if they are uninjured, they are unable to take off because they need to run across the water in order to get air born. This Western Grebe did injure itself, fracturing the left acetabulum (hip socket). Fortunately he is being a cooperative patient and eating very well. After about two weeks of cage rest we will begin swimming therapy. Hopefully he/she will be ready for release soon.
American Kestrel 18-661
Sadly, another gunshot Kestrel was admitted this past week, this one from Plymouth, WA. The damage to the left shoulder was not repairable.
Red-tailed Hawk 18-669
At first glance, hawk 18-669, a young female, did not appear to be very lucky. She was hit by a car, wedged into the grill, and rode there as the vehicle traveled about 30 miles to the Tri-Cities before stopping. The hawk was assumed to be dead until she was removed from the grill. It soon became obvious that she was quite alive.
During the physical exam no fractures were found. There was indication of trauma from the vehicle collision, and a wound on the right leg. Closer inspection revealed entrance and exit wounds consistent with a gunshot injury, and a large amount of necrotic tissue in the wound channel. The wound was cleaned and bandage. She is using her leg normally and has a healthy appetite. In a crazy way, her being hit by a car may have saved her life. The untreated leg wound would have very likely continued to fester, eventually limiting her use of the leg and her ability to catch prey. She will indeed be a lucky bird if we are able to release her within the next month or so.
It’s that time of year again…
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