The Week in Review
We finally had a slow week with just three admissions, a more typical number than the 36 birds during the first three weeks of January. Sadly, the first bird was an adult, female Bald Eagle 22-037 who died of a gunshot wound before she could be transported from Heppner to Pendleton. Authorities are investigating.
It wasn’t any better for Red-tailed Hawk 22-038 who had multiple fractures in its right wing. Even with a surgical repair, it was almost certain the ulna and radius would fuse as the fractures healed, preventing the hawk from being able to fly.
Great Horned Owl 22-039 was found in Hermiston with a severed right wing. Again, there was nothing we could do and the owl was euthanized.
The week ended on a much happier note with the release of Bald Eagle 22-015 who had been admitted three weeks earlier exhibiting classic signs of lead poisoning. He responded very well to treatment and on Saturday volunteers Virginia, Nanette, Michelle and Shelly transported the eagle 100 miles from Pendleton to Sunnyside Dam, a few miles north of where he was originally found. It was a great release! Volunteer Michelle sent this photo.
Click on the image below to read an article in the Yakima Herald about the eagle’s recovery from lead poisoning and release…
And please help spread the word about Hunting Lead Free!!!
