Thank you to those who shared the correct name with me of the plant that I called sagebrush last week. It is rabbitbrush, a perennial shrub that is common throughout the west. At a time of year when we are surrounded by lots of tan foliage, it’s nice to see an occasional patch of color.

Barn Owl Release X 2

Two Barn Owls in the large flight pen have recovered well from their injuries and their release is planned for the coming week. Barn Owl 26-420 was admitted with a fractured scapula. Barn Owl 26-424 had a head injury. Return to the wild is the result we always strive for!

Fall is in the air, our first frost could come any day now and we had another week of trauma. Admissions included 1 Dark-eyed Junco, 1 Red-tailed Hawk, 1 Western Screech Owl, 1 Great Horned Owl and 2 Northern Saw-whet Owls. 

The Junco died during the initial exam. It had multiple injuries including a broken leg.

We are waiting for the avian influenza test results for the Red-tailed Hawk. She is very alert, but unable to stand. The Screech Owl had a badly dislocated left shoulder and was euthanized.

The Great Horned Owl had multiple injuries including a hemorrhagic right eye, a dislocated right shoulder and hip damage. Avian influenza is also a possibility. Euthanasia seemed the kindest option. A sample will be sent to the lab on Monday to test for avian influenza.

We are hopeful both Northern Saw-whet Owls will be success stories. Owl 26-441 had a droopy wing, but is looking good now. Owl 26-444 has a radius fracture. We are cautiously optimistic he will recover.

Although a bit chilly outside, the sage brush is looking gorgeous…

The week started with the release of American Kestrel 26-408 who was admitted one month ago 25 % under weight with a dislocated hip. He had completely recovered and was ready to go.

Great Horned Owl 26-438 was admitted at a normal weight and severely anemic. We suspect that the collision that dislocated her elbow also caused her to bleed internally, causing the anemia. After two doses of fluids and anti-inflammatory medication, her attitude completely changed. She went from very depressed, unwilling to stand…

She is standing, alert and has a typical Great Horned Owl attitude! We will continue her treatment and see if her elbow can recover.

Fall migration is well underway. Many birds who are normally active during the day, migrate at night in order to avoid day-time predators. You can help them migrate safely by turning off or dimming outside lights. If that is not possible, make sure the lights point down toward the ground. Bright lights can disorient birds. We know a healthy world needs clean water and clean air. It also needs a dark night sky to help birds migrate safely and give you the opportunity to view the nighttime sky.

There was a was full moon on September 26. If the night skies are clear, as they often are in Pendleton, the moon is an amazing night light. I often don’t need a flashlight when placing mice on feeding platforms for the Barn Owls who are still returning for food. 

There was just one admission this week, a Spotted Towee who was caught by a cat. He had multiple injuries that were not repairable and he was euthanized. 

Cedar Waxwing 26-391 was released at a park on the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The fledgling had been admitted a month earlier with labored breathing, unable to fly. It had collided with something, perhaps a window or vehicle. Cage rest and anti-inflammatories provided the opportunity for recovery and a welcome success story.

The clinic is still a work in progress. More storage was added.

There were six admissions during the week. Four had non-repairable injuries. Barn Owl 26-424 has a head injury. He is more alert after three days of supportive care. We are hopeful he will continue to improve.

Northern Saw-whet Owl 26-426 has a shoulder injury. The 75 gram (~3 ounces) owl has a good appetite and is very feisty. We are cautiously optimistic about a full recovery. It would help if he would take the prescribed “cage rest” more seriously! He immediately removed the bandage intended to immobilize his shoulder.