A First and a Second
The first admission this past week was a female Anna's Hummingbird transported from Hermiston to Pendleton on the Tribal Bus. It is large by hummingbird standards, weighing 7 grams (1/4 of an ounce). She is thought to have hit a window. There are no obvious fractures. She holds her wings symmetrically, but is unable to get more than a few inches off the ground. Hopefully a week or two of cage rest will do the trick.
Common Poorwill
An injured Common Poorwill was found near Stanfield. It has a fractured radius and ulna (the bones between the wrist and elbow). The prognosis for a releasable bird is slim, but we have immobilized the wing and will wait and see.
This is only the second Poorwill to be admitted. It is smaller than a Nighthawk, weighing 46 grams (compared to about 70 grams for a Nighthawk.
Owl Release
After some hesitation, the Western Screech Owl who had been trapped in a fire place was released. The home owner has made arrangements for a spark arrester to be placed on the chimney to prevent other unwanted guests from entering the house.
A Rough Week
Fortunately there were some bright spots this week to ease the rough spots. A Sharp-shinned Hawk, a Red-tailed Hawk, a Northern Saw-whet Owl, a Great Horned Owl and a Crow either died in transit to the center or after they arrived or had to be euthanized.
The bright spots include a very feisty Burrowing Owl (admitted last week) who now is able to stand and eat whole mice without assistance.
The American White Pelican with a broken back is able to pick up and swallow whole fish. It still has trouble standing, but is slowly improving.
Duck on the Bus
A Mallard Duck with a broken leg was taken to Animal Clinic East in Walla Walla. They examined the duck and determined the fracture was already starting to heal. Clinic staff put the duck on the Tribal Bus to be transported to Pendleton. He is already starting to use the leg.
Open House Saturday, October 11, 1- 4 p.m.
It looks like we will have amazingly gorgeous fall weather for the annual open house on Saturday. Bring the entire family for an afternoon of fun. In addition to awesome raptors, exciting falconry demonstrations, live music, fun children's activities and tasty treats, we will end the day with the release of three Red-tailed Hawks!
If you would like to bake a batch of cookies to share that would be welcome too. You can bring them by any time Friday or Saturday morning. Thank you in advance!
