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July 2009
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The female hawk is doing significantly better. The swelling in her eye is much reduced and she is eating very well. She has added about 100 grams to her weight. She does however face some significant challenges: Our veterinarian took and x-ray of her jaw. It is clear from the x-ray that the bone in her lower jaw has been compromised from the infection. There may be very little that we can do about this other than simply clear up the infection. Her beak is somewhat misaligned. This could either be a result of swelling associated with the infection or it may have to do with the damage to the bone. This would not necessarily keep her from being released but it could cause her some problems down the road. There were some questions about birds and fireworks--specifically whether fireworks disturb nesting birds. The answer really varies from case to case and species to species. Most birds find a spot to roost at night and then stay put regardless of what is happening around them. Birds are at a huge disadvantage to nocturnal predators such as coyotes and great horned owls. If they start moving or flying about they make themselves all the more visible. Generally they roost in places that reduce their silhouette such as up against a structure or the trunk of a tree. They may be a little stressed by the explosions, but generally they are just going to hang tight and wait it out. It is hard to say how differently a bird might perceive fireworks from say thunder and lightening. We do occasionally see nestlings jump prematurely during firework displays. This my be a "startle effect." I don't tend to worry too much about fireworks on urban landscapes ---primarily I worry when the fireworks are either very close to a designated natural area or in close proximity to imperiled species. Several years ago I got to monitor the peregrines that nest in the Interstate Bridge to determine whether they were disturbed by the massive Vancouver fireworks display. The birds showed no discernable response but we did get to watch a good show. 10 CommentsLeave a comment |
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Thanks so much for the update on our hawk. I was so afraid that the next entry I would see would be sad news. I'm so glad to hear that she's rallying, even with the challenges she's facing. Sounds like it's a good thing she acquired an appetite for what comes out of Audubon's kitchen when she was released the first time...lol. How much weight is it estimated she lost, and what would she need to gain to be back in better shape? Any sightings or word on the rest of the "Raptor-Cam Family"?
Thank you so much! I've been checking several times a day for an update, and was so afraid that no news was going to be bad news. You made my day! (:
Also, thank you for the fireworks mention; I was concerned about that too, and am glad to learn that it's of little discern to the birds.
THANK YOU!!!! for the undate and what you all are doing to help.
Thank you for the update Bob. I am very concerned about our little hawk's beak. I am sure you are familiar with the Norfolk Botanical Garden and their eaglet last year that had avian pox. Its beak has had several surgical trimmings because of its misalignment from the disease, and even now a year later it is still under care and needing trims, and cannot at this time be released. Is our hawk facing a similar outcome? I fear if she cannot feed herself properly what will become of her? I hope there is still a possibility of a better future for her. Let us know your thoughts on this when you can. So many of us are checking in and waiting and rooting for her. Thanks for all your good work.
Thank you for the update Bob. I am very concerned about our little hawk's beak. I am sure you are familiar with the Norfolk Botanical Garden and their eaglet last year that had avian pox. Its beak has had several surgical trimmings because of its misalignment from the disease, and even now a year later it is still under care and needing trims, and cannot at this time be released. Is our hawk facing a similar outcome? I fear if she cannot feed herself properly what will become of her? I hope there is still a possibility of a better future for her. Let us know your thoughts on this when you can. So many of us are checking in and waiting and rooting for her. Thanks for all your good work.
Thank you so much for the update and for all those that take care of our animal family. I will keep positive thoughts for a full recovery.
Thanks so much for your update on the female (kid) raptor. I have kept up with them this year as I never knew about them last year. So sorry, to hear that the female is sick. Hope all still goes well for her so, that she can be released back in the area to learn more about survival. I really enjoy your blog Bob so, I will check in everyday to see how it goes. Have a good day!
Thanks so much for your update on the female (kid) raptor. I have kept up with them this year as I never knew about them last year. So sorry, to hear that the female is sick. Hope all still goes well for her so, that she can be released back in the area to learn more about survival. I really enjoy your blog Bob so, I will check in everyday to see how it goes. Have a good day!
Bob, any recent sightings of brother hawk?
I work in the US Bancorp Tower and haven't seen any hawks lately......
Has anyone else?