The Last Babies of 2021
The lone Swainson’s Hawk has been released. Several hawks are still returning for food, but soon they will be on their way to Argentina. There are just two fledgling Barn Swallows in the clinic. One is completely self-feeding, the other is still taking food from Kirsti’s forceps, but it has also started picking up mealworms on its own. They will be ready for release this week.
Challenging Rehab Week
Of 11 birds admitted this past week, 11 either died or had to be euthanized due to their injuries. The lone survivor is a nestling Mourning Dove that fell from its nest. Fortunately it has recovered from its injuries and is doing well.
On a happier note, Kirsti and Tricia have been working with American Kestrel Yoda. Below, Yoda enjoys her breakfast of mouse on Kirsti’s glove.
Why Do You Bathe a California Gull?
Because it is no longer water-proofed. The Gull was mauled by a predator and had to be handled to treat its injuries. Even though we are careful not to directly touch the gulls feathers with our hands, just restraining it using a pillow case disrupts the feathers' water proofing. We gave the gull a bath and let it preen its feathers to restore the water proofing. You will notice there are three bath pans in the video below. The first has the most concentrated solution of Dawn dish soap. The third has the least concentrated solution of soap.
