We have ended 2008 and will start 2009 with the hospital being quiet as far as the number of patients is concerned, allowing us to carry out some essential maintenance work.  We have only treated nine wild birds during the last few weeks.

We have seen three Kestrels. Two came to us via the vet in Fairoak and our own vet in Andover (both in Hampshire). The birds were uninjured but very thin and in poor condition. One died during its first night with us and the other is recovering well, now that it is getting regular food and rest. The third bird had a right wing fracture and had to be euthanased.

One of my favourite owls is the Short-eared Owl. We are treating one with a broken right wing. It has been treated by our vet and is now responding very well to our care. We are hopeful that it will fully recover, so that it can be released back into the wild.

Yellow-billed Kite

Madeline receiving treatment

We also saw a Long-eared Owl with a broken left femur. On examination by the vet it was decided that the break was too severe to repair and the bird was euthanased.

The Buzzard we saw came in with an RSPCA officer. It had difficulty standing and was very wobbly. Its legs appeared not to be able to work and we had concerns about possible spinal damage. The bird recovered very quickly and was soon flying around its recovery bay making use of the perches at all levels. It was released back into the wild after spending a week with us, by an RSPCA officer.

Finally our last three wild patients were Tawny Owls. One arrived dead following a collision with a car. One had to be euthanased as it had blood in one eye and was probably blind. It was also very thin so it is possible that it could not hunt for itself because of its poor eyesight. The third one has only just arrived and is currently with our vet under examination and observation. More about him next month.

We also have a number of park birds staying with us at the moment. This is usual during the winter months. The Yellow-billed Kite we are treating has a wing odema caused by the cold and wet weather.  This is usually due to poor circulation in the wing aggravated by the poor autumn weather. Treatment is progressing.

We also have Madeleine, our older Secretary Bird, visiting us, with a wound in the chest which is healing well. It was caused by a kick from another not so friendly Secretary Bird.

MRW