Hospital report

Between April and June 2017, our National Bird of Prey Hospital™ received and treated a total of 36 birds.

During that period, we have experienced very mixed weather and seasonal changes, from spring frosts to early summer with exceptional humidity and high temperatures. The birds admitted to the hospital in this time included:

• Sparrowhawks – one with a fractured left wing and the other a young chick fallen from it’s nest. The bird with the fractured wing received treatment and was succesfully released back to the wild. The younger bird remains in our care as it is still receiving treatment. It will be released once it is older and deemed fit enough.
• Tawny Owls – As is often the case at this time of year, Tawny Owls have been admitted in high numbers this year.
• Barn Owls – all were admitted with severe injuries and either died as a result of their injuries or were euthanized.
• Buzzards – they had a variety of conditions including Rickets, a broken spine, tick reaction, a beak injury and head damage. Although some injuries were too severe to be treated (meaning the birds were euthanized), the other birds are still receiving treatment in our care.
• Peregrine Falcons – admitted with exhaustion and died while receiving treatment.
• Hobbys – admitted low in condition and still receiving treatment.
• Little Owls – a number of chicks admitted this month with some released back to the wild, one died whilst receiving treatment and the others are still receiving treatment and will be released back into the wild once they are fit enough. Adult Little Owl admitted with a badly broken leg that couldn’t be treated and was euthanized.
• Kestrels – a number of chicks admitted to the hospital this quarter having fallen from their nest sites. Some have been released back to the wild already whilst others are still receiving treatment. The adult birds are still receiving treatment for a broken shoulder and being low in condition.