Fundraiser continues, as do intakes

We’re currently at $1400 of our $2000 goal—just $600 to go! Many thanks to those who’ve donated, and if you’re waiting, why? “If not now, when? If not you, then who?”

 This week saw two new intakes, the most recent—yesterday—a gorgeous second-year red tail, a small male. Nothing appears broken but he can’t get lift, suggesting a coracoid fracture.  We’ll aim at x-rays this week, although coracoid fractures usually don’t show on x-rays. (And yes, I know the gloves are useless draped over my shoulder...)

The second, albeit earlier, intake for the week was an adult red shoulder with an open wing fracture. He required euthanasia.

The fledgling MIKI may also be facing euthanasia; his “good eye” on the left has what appears to be a cataract that developed literally overnight late-week. I started medicating in hopes that the white mass I was seeing was a clump of white blood cells, but there’s no improvement. He’ll also head to the vet to see if there’s anything we can do for him. The right eye cleared up nicely but the pupil remains deformed into a straight line and tightly constricted. He’s stopped self-feeding because he can’t see the food or the forceps so I’m having to hand-feed him until we can get a firm diagnosis.

And the red tail from last week’s update, who I now believe is female, based on her size in comparison to this week’s male, is showing some slight improvement in her mobility. She’s still not able to get real lift, which again, in the absence of any wing fractures—confirmed by x-rays; see last week’s update—could be a result of soft tissue damage or a coracoid fracture. She remains a regal, commanding presence in the main flight—takes my breath away every time I look at her!

Finally, although they’re not here yet, two nestling/brancher red shoulders are headed to LWR Monday. DNR’s Bob Sargent, who’s actually head of the eagles program, contacted me late last week to ask if I could take the two young ones from UGA. There are two bat techs headed to the coast Monday who’re supposed to drop off the red shoulders on their way. The photo below was provided by the vet overseeing their care at UGA.

More birds means more mice needed—see that fundraiser link above to donate!