Lots of Releases
The week started with Nicole releasing a young Cedar Waxwing admitted five weeks ago as a nestling.
Later that day, Nicole and Megan helped two young conservationists release two Barn Owls. The girls found one of the owls in their yard. The other owl was a friend who convalesced at the same time.
Three hawks were released on Friday. Nicole released Red-tailed Hawk 18-078 who had been shot in April.
Samantha released adult Swainson’s Hawk 18-545 who had been shot in August.
Megan released juvenile Swainson’s Hawk 18-521 who had been admitted in August with a coracoid fracture in her left shoulder.
It was an amazing day. Often birds with gunshot injuries or coracoid fractures are not releasable.
Who said Baby Season was Over?
Two nestling Barn Owls were admitted on Friday. They were picked up by Boardman city officials, but came with no other information. They will join two other young Barn Owls at the hack site who have not yet fledged.
Golden Eagle 18-634
While overall admissions have slowed, raptor numbers are holding steady. The past week brought three Barn Owls, one Great Horned Owl and one Western Screech owl. There were two Cooper’s Hawks, one American Kestrel, one Peregrine Falcon and another Golden Eagle.
The eagle was found north of Naches, WA by chukar hunters Sunday morning. The eagle was lying in the middle of a gravel road, apparently unable to stand. By the time he reached Pendleton, several hours later, he was standing. No injuries were found during a physical exam, and no lead was found in the eagle’s blood. Perhaps the eagle collided with a vehicle or a power line and was temporarily stunned. The eagle is receiving supportive care with the hope that he will soon be ready for release.
