Western Grebe Release

There were just two admissions this past week, Little Brown Bat 24-367 and Western Grebe 24-368. Although the bat had no fractures, he was unable to fly due to internal injuries. It is challenging to evaluate x-rays of a 5 gram bat (that is less than one-quarter of an ounce), but when we compared his x-ray to the x-ray of Little Brown Bat 24-327 who had two broken wings, but no internal damage, it was apparent that 24-367 did have internal injuries. The prognosis for recovery seemed poor and the bat was euthanized.

The prognosis for the Grebe was much better. It had been found on the ground in Wallowa. Grebes sometimes land on surfaces they think are water, but turn out to be wet pavement or some other solid surface. They need to be able to run across water in order to get airborne. The Grebe appeared to be uninjured and was released at McKay Wildlife Refuge where there are other Grebes.

The Camera Project

BMW treasurer Kirsti and husband Ken have been here working on the Camera Project. Kirsti is heading back to Portland today, Sunday. Ken could use more help on Monday or Tuesday. Thank you to Burt who’ll be here on Wednesday! Kirsti will be back Thursday evening! If you are able to help please call the clinic: 541-278-0215. Thank you in advance!

Kirsti took the photos below during a break from helping Ken. 

Ferruginous Hawk 24-192 fell from this nest as a downy baby, breaking his left leg. He is now flying in the large flight pen…

Bald Eagle 24-265 was admitted as a fledgling along with her brother. Both birds were emaciated. They are recovering nicely and should be ready for release in November. Big sister poses and then takes flight…

Lynn explaining to the Ferruginous Hawk “That’s not the way things are done around here.”