Red kite being given an injection

This month we have treated nineteen wild birds in the hospital. We have seen a diverse group of admissions covering most of the more common birds, plus a couple of Red Kites, which we always enjoy trying to help - in fact Red Kites are my favourite wild birds.

One of the kites came to us after being hit by a car, injuring its feet. It went to our vet for further examination and John was concerned about it and took a blood test just as a routine. When the results became available, they showed that it was suffering from lead poisoning. Medication started and is now continuing and the bird is showing signs of making a good recovery. It is probable that this kite had fed on carrion, such as a rabbit, that had been shot. The other Red Kite was found in a trap or snare with severe damage to its right foot, and had to be euthanased.

A Buzzard that came to us from a vet had tail damage. We have also received three Sparrowhawks. Two of the three (one of which came in via the RSPCA) had badly broken wings that were not treatable. The third is still with us and is receiving medication.

Sweeny Todd having some free time in the hospital whilst her bay is being cleaned out

We have seen three Tawny Owls and two Barn Owls. Two of the Tawny Owls were seriously injured, while the other one had a slight head injury from which it recovered well, and has now been released back into the wild. One of the Barn Owls was found trapped between two sheets of metal in a barn wall and could not free itself. It spent a short time with us and was then released. The other one was very thin and may have a dislocated left wing. At the time of writing it was with the vet undergoing x-rays and further examination.

This month we have seen four Kestrels. Three of these were in very poor, untreatable condition, one of which had a badly injured right wing and serious maggot infestation. The fourth bird had slight concussion and recovered after 48 hours in our care and was released.

Finally, we have seen three Hobbies, two of which had wing damage that was untreatable. The other bird had collided with a vehicle and and is still with us undergoing medication.

We still have three baby Trust birds in the hospital. The snowy owl, Sweeny Todd, is continuing to do well. It is training and being introduced to guests and members of the public. Meanwhile, two yellow-billed kites are growing well but as yet have not learnt to fly.