I can’t remember the last time we had just one admission in a week, but that was the occasion last week. An adult Merlin was found along a road near Milton-Freewater with an injured left wing. The small falcon had been struck by a vehicle and was unable to fly. An exam and x-rays revealed his left coracoid was separated at the sternum, his left radius and ulna were dislocated at the elbow and his left humerus was rotated at the shoulder. The injuries were too extensive to repair and he was euthanized.

Sora 22-383 Released

Two weeks after admission with what appeared to be a back injury, the Sora was released to continue its southern migration. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Soras are common and the most abundant rail species in North America. Their reliance on dwindling wetland habitat due to urban and agricultural development may be cause for concern in the future. Their habit of migrating at night and frequently colliding with lighted towers could also potentially affect the population. We wish 22-383 a safe journey!