Another Eagle Lost to Lead

A Bald Eagle was found coated in mud and  unable to fly in a feedlot near Hermiston. The initial exam found no injuries, but the eagle’s blood lead level was 105.7 micrograms/deciliter, a critical amount of lead. We administered IV fluids and the first dose of chelation (to lower the lead level) and then spent an hour bathing the eagle to remove the mud. The eagle died during the night. A rapid Avian Influenza test was negative. ODFW will confirm the eagle did not have influenza with a PCR test.

The eagle’s lethal lead level was likely caused by scavenging on a gut pile from a deer or elk that had been shot with lead ammunition. The hunter would have field dressed the animal, leaving the entrails and the part of the carcass damaged by the bullet. Lead is a relatively soft metal that fragments upon impact. It is also likely that there were lead fragments in the meat that the hunter took home for his/her family to eat. 

There is no safe level of lead. Lead impacts the functioning of various organs, including nerves that effect coordination, decision making and learning. Young children are particularly susceptible to its effects. To protect both wildlife and humans, Hunt Lead Free.

Welcome Casey

We welcomed intern Casey two weeks ago. Casey is from Wisconsin and is a pre-veterinary major at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire. Dartmouth requires students to take a term off during their junior year in order to explore their interests. At BMW Casey has already had the opportunity to learn some of the aspects of veterinary care of birds and help with the finishing touches of the new Intake Center.

Release of Great Horned Owl 22-422

A Great Horned Owl was found on December 16, 2022 in Baker City, tangled in fishing line and hanging in a tree. Initially the owl had a droopy right wing. Once the swelling went down and he was able to start exercising, he was soon flying perfectly. Since we did not want the owl to re-encounter the fishing line, the decision was made to release him at Ladd March near La Grande. Tricia and Casey made the trip, and Casey released the owl…