Remembering Alex Gadaire
We were privileged to welcome the extended family of former intern Alex Gadaire this past week. Alex passed away this spring from the effects of a seizure disorder. His family spent two days volunteering at the center in honor of his memory. Alex’ parents, Cindy and David Gadaire are in the photo below along with Bob and I.
Heron Release
Five weeks after being shot, a Great Blue Heron was released at McNary Wildlife Refuge in Burbank, WA. Twenty-two gunshot birds have been admitted this year. The heron was one of just three that were able to be returned to the wild. The release went perfectly. The heron flew across the pond in a graceful arc, landing near two other herons standing in the water. If you look closely below, you will see the flying heron below the arrow on the right and the two herons in the water below the arrow on the left.
Gunshot Crow
Sadly, the next day an American Crow with a broken wing and a broken leg was found at the La Grande High School. A radiograph showed the bird had been shot. The right humerus was shattered and the right shoulder and elbow badly damaged. The left leg was also fractured just below the heel joint. The Crow was euthanized.
Osprey Tangled in Baling Twine
Two fledgling Osprey were tangled in baling twine, one hanging in a tree and one from a nest this past week. The Osprey in the tree died shortly after being rescued, likely the result of struggling for several hours in the extreme heat.
Pacific Power again came to the rescue of a second Osprey found hanging by one leg from baling twine tangled in its nest. It is unable to stand. The prognosis is guarded.
Kidnapped Flycatchers
These two fledgling Flycatchers were kidnapped this weekend. Their nest was blown to the ground along Upper McKay Creek and a youngster wanted to see what was in the nest. Rather than putting it back up in a nearby tree or bush, the nest and babies were brought to the wildlife center. The babies are just learning to fly and are old enough to be terrified of humans. After three days of intense effort, the interns have gotten the flycatchers to beg for food. Hopefully they will be self-feeding soon and can be returned to suitable small flycatcher habitat.
