A Burrowing Owl and a Sharp-shinned Hawk were the two admissions this past week. Burrowing Owl 25-034 was found behind the grill of a pickup. Unfortunately the tiny owl was no match for the vehicle. Its left humerus had multiple fractures.The damage could not be repaired.

Sharp-shinned Hawk 25-035 was admitted with a compound fracture (the bone was exposed) of its left humerus. The wing could not be repaired and the awk was euthanized.

There is good news this week! Barn Owl 25-024 is ready to be returned to Baker City for release after recuperating from a dislocated shoulder. We will coordinate with ODFW to determine a good release site for the owl.

Western Screech Owl 25-029’s fractured ulna is healing well. One of the initial concerns was that the ulna would adhere to the radius as the fracture healed. The fracture is healing nicely and there is full range of motion in the wing. Below is the initial x-ray.

The fracture was immobilized by placing a figure-8 bandage on the wing resulting in better alignment at the fracture site. We are cautiously optimistic this little owl will be releasable within a month or two.