Birds came from throughout eastern Oregon to Blue Mountain Wildlife this past week. A starving Golden Eagle was transported more than 140 miles from Unity, Or by ODFW and the Tribal Bus. The one-year old eagle was nearly 50% under weight and we were not able to save her.
Two American Kestrels from separate locations in Ontario, OR, a distance of 167 miles were also transported to Pendleton by the Tribal Bus. A third Kestrel was found in a dumpster at a freeway exit near Hermiston. Fledging can be dangerous work! Fortunately the kestrels were uninjured and will soon be placed in a hack box in preparation for release.
A fourth fledgling Kestrel was not as lucky. He crashed during an early flight, fracturing the left radius and ulna at the wrist joint. The injury was not repairable and the tiny falcon was euthanized.
A young Barn Owl released at the end of May was struck by a vehicle not far from BMW. His left humerus was fractured and right elbow dislocated. The injuries were not repairable and the owl was euthanized.
A fledgling Great Horned Owl was found in the middle of the road between Enterprise and Joseph. The person who found the owl transported it to La Grande and put it on the Tribal Bus. The owl is in quarantine until she can be tested for avian influenza in the coming week. Her injuries appear to be minimal and we are optimistic that her recovery will be swift. We are very grateful to the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The bus service is provided free of charge to all residents in the region, both humans and birds. Thank you CTUIR!
Two nestling Ferruginous Hawks were found in the middle of a rural road near Heppner. These hawks are a federal species of concern and rarely admitted to BMW. They are found in open and arid landscapes and nest in juniper or cottonwood trees or on rocky outcrops. These two birds appear to have been blown from a nest on a rocky cliff. Each has a broken leg that has been splinted. It is hoped that their young age will help them recover quickly.
You can spend a weekend or a week! This is our busiest time of year and we are short-handed. If you have a few hours or a few days to spare, we would welcome your help. The intern trailer is available to stay in. We are pleased to have board treasurer Kirsti and her husband Ken here for a few days. They are helping with a variety of tasks including making preparations for the installation of new cameras in the clinic and Education Building. Thank you Ken and Kirsti!
Kirsti captured these photos of American Kestrels as they began exploring their world. We will continue placing mice on the platform until they no longer return for food, having perfected the craft of catching their own.
