Currently in the Wildlife Care Center
At the Wildlife Care Center, winter brings all kinds of gulls. On Dec 23, we received a hatch-year Western Gull from North-west Portland, courtesy of Multnomah County Animal Services. The gull fractured its right radius-ulna and bruised its left digits. Its right wing will be splinted for approximately 1.5 weeks and it has a guarded prognosis until the bones heal.
The Western Gull is a large gull that lives on the west coast of North America from Canada to Mexico. Like most gulls, it has 7 different color patterns-- one as a juvenile, a winter and summer pattern its first year, a winter and summer pattern its second year, and a winter and summer pattern as an adult. The Western Gull hybridizes extensively with Glaucous-winged Gull, especially in Washington. The Western Gull is an opportunistic omnivore, capturing its own prey (including fish, marine invertebrates, and the eggs of other birds), scavenging refuse, and even usurping food.
Merlins are small, migratory falcons that live in the Northern Hemisphere. In North America, Merlins breed in Alaska and Canada and winter in parts of the United States (including Oregon) and from Mexico to northern South America. The Wildlife Care Center is currently caring for a male Merlin that was likely hit by a car. (Being hit by a car is a common reason that birds are brought to the WCC.) He suffered head trauma and a broken bone (his left coracoid). While he heals, his prognosis is stable but guarded.
Because they rely on their speed and agility to hunt their prey, Merlins tend to live in open areas, including open woodlands, marshes, prairies, estuaries, shrublands, grasslands, steppes, and moorlands. They form monogamous pairs during breeding season, and nest in abandoned corvid or hawk nests. Merlins primarily eat small birds, as well as larger birds, insects (such as dragon flies and moths), small mammals (such as bats and voles), and reptiles. Merlins are known for their aggressiveness and agility, which helps them catch prey as well as avoid becoming preyed upon.
Oct 27 Band-tailed pigeon update:
The last two Band-tailed pigeons (both of which were window strikes and had broken bones) have been released. This year, the WCC has released 13 Band-tailed pigeons!
December 8, 2011 Dark-eyed Junco
Dark-eyed Juncos are year-round residents of the Pacific Northwest and the Wildlife Care Center is currently caring for four of them. Junco 2441 is a cat caught bird from Beaverton. It arrived with paresis of the legs (it was unable to stand) and had difficulty breathing. It was treated with antibiotics and a medication to reduce swelling of the spinal cord. While most victims of cat attacks aren’t so lucky, it is currently in a flight cage, preparing for release!
Dark-eyed Juncos are a medium sized sparrow that have gray or brown feathering, a pink bill, a lighter abdomen, and white outer tail feathers. They breed (nesting on the ground) in coniferous and deciduous forests across Canada, the western United States, and in the Appalachians. During winter, they form flocks, and can be found in woodlands and fields across the United States and in Mexico. They primarily eat seed, but during breeding season, they will also eat insects.
Outdoor cats (including those that have homes and are allowed outside) kill millions of wild animals (including birds and squirrels) every year. Unfortunately, bells have been proven to be ineffective at preventing these casualties. Additionally, outdoor cats are at increased risk for disease, being hit by a car, and being killed by a predator. It is estimated that cats that are allowed outside have an average of less than 5 years, compared to an indoor only cat which lives for an average of 12 years. For the health and safety of both the birds and your cats, keep your cats indoors. For more information on outdoor cats and how to make your cat into an indoor cat, please visit http://audubonportland.org/backyardwildlife/brochures/cats/cats.
Every year, between October and April, the Wildlife Care Center receives 20 to 50 Varied Thrushes, primarily due to window strikes and cat contact. This year, the WCC has already received 15 Varied Thrushes, 2 due to cat contact and 7 due to window strikes (with 2 more that were possibly due to window strikes). To learn how you can help reduce window strikes, you can visit our Bird Safe Portland page.
Varied Thrush 2357 was presented from SW Beaverton due to a window strike. On presentation, he was severely neurologic and was given supportive care, including a medication to reduce brain and spinal swelling. It took approximately a week for the neurological symptoms to subside, and he is currently in a pre-release flight cage preparing for release.
Varied Thrushes are a member of the thrush family (Turdidae) and are closely related to American Robins. They have burnt orange on their chest and throat, with a dark mask, back, and chest band. They breed in Pacific Northwest in mature coniferous or mixed forests. Many migrate south (to California) and/or to a lower altitude (such as Portland) for the winter. They are omnivores, feeding on arthropods, fruit, and acorns.
Oct 27 Band-tailed pigeon update:
Of the five pigeons that were being rehabilitated by the Wildlife Care Center, four have been released and the remaining one is in a pre-release flight cage, preparing for release. Another Band-tailed pigeon, which also hit a window and suffered a broken bone, has joined that pigeon. We are hopefully that these two native pigeons will also soon be released.
Sept 21 Domestic duck update:
Along with three domestic ducks from the Westmoreland Park roundup, this domestic duck found a wonderful, new home! We are pleased that this little duck, which had such a rough start to life, will have such a superb second chance!
November 21 Western Screech Owl
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November 21 update: Western Screech Owl: This Owl was successfully released last week with a few of the people who found it and helped bring it safely to us!
On Halloween, a Western Screech Owl was presented to the Wildlife Care Center from Sherwood. This little owl made news, as several neighbors helped it on its journey to the Wildlife Care Center. The owl was likely hit by a car, and it was initially kept in an incubator, with access to heat and oxygen. Despite this rough start, it is currently in a pre-release flight cage. You can keep tabs on it by logging onto our facebook page!
November 10 Common Raven
Nov 21 update: We released the Common raven at its site of origin in Zig Zag (a volunteer drove all the way out to Zig Zag). At the time of release, he was strong and healthy; his weight was stable and nearly twice that of when he arrived!
In mid-September, an emaciated, weak Common Raven was presented from Zig Zag to the Wildlife Care Center. Immediate action was taken to stabilize the animal, including giving fluids and providing warmth. Although it did have a heavy load of parasites, the raven did not appear to have any injuries. Parasites, although not uncommon, can cause wild and domestic animals to deteriorate, especially if something else is wrong with the animal (such as an illness or an injury). While treating the raven for both the parasites and emaciation, the raven gained weight and strength. He is currently preparing for release in a flight cage.
Ravens are highly intelligent birds in the Corvidae family, and are related to crows, jays, and magpies. Compared to American Crows, ravens are approximately 3 times bigger and have a significantly bigger/thicker beak. They tend to live as pairs in wooded areas, near open areas and/or waterbodies. They are opportunistic omnivores, and their diet varies based on location and season, but may include carrion, fruit, and eggs.
November 3 Western Painted Turtle
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In the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area, there are two species of native turtles: the Western Painted Turtle and the Western Pond Turtle. Both species of turtles are listed as a Sensitive Species due to their declining numbers, which is due to habitat loss and invasive species (such as red-eared sliders and bullfrogs).
The Wildlife Care Center is currently rehabilitating four Western Painted Turtles and has a Western Painted Turtle as an education animal. Of these five animals, three were hit by vehicles and two were confiscated from people who had them illegally (one later developed pneumonia, which it’s being treated for). Turtle number 1552 is an adult male turtle that was hit by a van in July of 2011. We are currently developing a protocol to help correct the damage done to his shell due to this incident. However, even with luck, this turtle, and the other 2 that were hit by vehicles, will be in care for at least 1.5 to 2 years, as turtles heal very slowly.
October 27, Band-tailed Pigeon
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The Wildlife Care Center is currently rehabilitating five Band-tailed Pigeons. Three of them were presented due to cat contact (including one that had to be hand-raised), one was presented due hitting a window, and one was presented as a youngster after a failed re-nesting attempt (it was very malnourished). The one that hit the window had a leg that was broken in multiple places and was thin. The donors had kept the bird for multiple days, and had attempted to set the leg and feed it, but when the bird arrived here, the leg needed to be splinted, the bird was so malnourished and injured that it wouldn’t eat on its own so we had to hand feed it, and it needed medications to reduce swelling and pain, as well as calcium to help heal the bone. After being here for nearly one and a half weeks, the bird is eating on its own but the prognosis is still guarded as the leg is still healing. It’s always in a sick or injured animal’s best interest to bring it to the Wildlife Care Center as soon as you find it so that we can begin appropriate treatment and provide appropriate food.
Band-tailed pigeons are one of two native Columbiformes (pigeons or doves) in the area and one of four Columbiformes found in the area. The other native Columbiforme in the area is the Mourning Dove, while the two feral Columbiformes are the Rock Pigeons (also called city pigeons or rock doves) and the Eurasian Collared Doves. (The WCC rehabilitates Band-tailed pigeons and Mourning doves, but does not rehabilitate Rock pigeons or Eurasian Collared Doves.) Band-tailed Pigeons are similar in size to rock pigeons but have yellow beaks and legs, and a gray band on their tails. Unlike rock pigeons, which prefer to live in cities, Band-tailed pigeons prefer oak, coniferous, and mixed forests at altitudes of 900 to 3,600 m. They eat seeds (notably acorns), as well as fruit, pine nuts, and flowers.
Although they are a sea duck, the Surf Scoter (also called “skunk-headed coots”) breed in Canada and Alaska and winter on the coast of the northern USA, with some birds migrating to Europe and the Great Lakes. They dive for crustaceans and mollusks, and ducklings live off of freshwater invertebrates. (This juvenile is being fed mealworms and bloodworms, in freshwater, which are being supplemented with nutrients according to its needs.) Although they are considered a species of least concern, the San Francisco harbor oil spill in November 2007 killed thousands of Surf Scoters and their population has declined at least 50 percent over the past 40 years.
October 6 Saw Whet Owl
October 6 Update: Northern Saw-Whet Owl: This Owl, from Clatskanie, originally arrived with an injured right wrist. Although it was in a pre-release flight cage, it was brought back from the flight cage with an injured right radius and ulna. The veterinarians determined that it was blind in its right eye. After significant rehabilitation of its wing, gaining some weight, more flight training, and ensuring that it could hunt live prey without injuring itself, this first-year Saw-Whet Owl was released last week at its site of origin!
On September 9, the Wildlife Care Center received a juvenile Northern Saw-Whet Owl from Clatskanie with an injured wrist and ectoparasites. After having her wing wrapped for a week and treating the parasites, the juvenile is currently getting her strength up, preparing to be released.
Saw-Whet Owls are the third smallest owl in Oregon (normally 54 to 124g), only slightly bigger than Flammulated Owls (46 to 63g) and Northern Pygmy Owls (54 to 87g). They primarily live in small, dense conifer trees, nest in tree cavities, and eat mice, small birds and insects. Each year, the WCC receives an average of 5 Saw-Whet Owls and we are happy that this one will soon be released.
Sept 27 Gunshot Red-tailed Hawk
Within the past week, the Wildlife Care Center has received multiple birds that have been illegally shot. One of them was a beautiful adult Red Tailed Hawk from Toledo, Washington. The bird was found to have a piece of shot in its leg, a broken humerus (wing) and multiple other injuries. The only way to save the wing and possibly save the bird was to surgically repair the humerus. Although the bird was in stable condition, sadly it had to be euthanized, due to severe nerve damage.
Red Tailed Hawks are a raptor within the Buteo genus, which includes wide-ranging raptors with large bodies and broad wings. The Red-tailed Hawk is one of the most common and one of the largest hawks in North America. Females are larger than the males and lay 1-5 eggs a year, and together the pair raises the young. Those from Alaska and Canada migrate south, while birds from the rest of the continent typically do not, sharing the countryside with northern counterparts. They are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Act and state law.
Shooting or killing a protected bird (such as a hawk, crow, or other non-game species) is a federal and state crime. In 2007, the Portland Audubon began intensive lobbying to ensure that intentional crimes against protected bird species result in significant penalties. In 2009 and 2011, the Portland Audubon helped pass legislation to establish stiff minimum penalties for people who kill birds of prey and commit other offenses (for more information, please visit http://audubonportland.org/news/wrapup). Despite these potential punishments, poaching and illegally shooting birds continues to be a significant problem.
The care and treatment of gunshot animals is time consuming, expensive and often devastating. While we always hope that this does not occur, illegal gunshot injuries too often result in the death of animals, sometimes after weeks of care. If you would like to help defray the cost of these gunshot and other animals in rehabilitation, please donate to the Wildlife Care Center.
On Sunday, the Wildlife Care Center received a young domestic duck that was found living in the wild but was unable to walk or fly. It was unable to walk because of severe bumblefoot and unable to fly because it is too young to fly. Bumblefoot is an inflammatory (and often infectious) reaction on the feet of birds (and rodents), often caused by improper surfaces (such as perches or concrete) or by a penetrating wound. It can cause considerable damage to the feet of the animal and may require surgery to fix. Although it occurs more often in animals that are in captivity, it can occur in wild and feral animals as well.
Feral animals are domestic animals that live in the wild. Portland has a number of feral animals including domestic pigeons and doves (including city pigeons), domestic ducks and geese, domestic rabbits, a variety of turtles, and cats. Many of these animals started life as companion animals, but were dumped because of cost, time and/or space.
It is illegal and inhumane to dump (or to set free) any domestic animal. Domestic animals do not have the ability to fend for themselves in the wild. Most die from starvation or become easy prey for predators. Those that do survive become part of the non-native population, proliferating and taking space away from the native animals, as well as spreading disease to native wildlife. If you find that you are no longer able to care for a companion animal, there are legal and humane resources to find new homes for animals, including feed stores, humane societies and rescue groups (for a partial list, please visit http://www.animalaidpdx.org/library/resources.php). Once the domestic duck recovers from his injuries, he will be placed in a permanent home.
September 14, 2011 Northern Flicker Window Strikes
- Northern Flicker - Michael Liskay
Every year, the Wildlife Care Center receives hundreds of birds that have hit a window. Many of these birds are young (who have the size of the adults, but not their knowledge) or are migrating. Some recover in a few hours or days, while others arrive dead or die a few days later. This year, the WCC received over a dozen juvenile Northern Flickers within one and a half weeks that were believed or confirmed window strikes.
Northern Flickers are a medium sized woodpecker native to Northern and Central America, and are one of the few woodpeckers that truly migrate. Although they eat fruit (especially berries), seeds, nuts and invertebrates, they primarily eat insects. Ants alone can make up 45% of their diet and help keep them free from parasites.
Due to their injuries, these birds had to be hand-fed every 2 to 3 hours, were given specific medications (to reduce brain and spinal swelling), and were treated for other injuries. Even with this intense care, only a few of these Northern Flickers recovered and were released.
To help reduce these window strikes, you can take the following steps:
- Move feeders and birdbaths, either 30 feet away from windows or within 3 feet of windows.
- Densely apply decals to the outside of the window, apply CollidEscape window film to the outside of the window (http://www.flap.org/new/film.htm), and/or allow the window to stay dirty!
- Plant trees or shrubs very close to the window and/or install awnings (which may help reduce deceptive reflections).
- Turn off unnecessary exterior lights from dusk until dawn during migration and turn on bright interior lights during the day.
- Eastern Fox Squirrel - Jim Cruce
A few days ago, we received a phone call from a family that had found two young squirrels which they believed were orphaned because the squirrels were on the ground. They were worried that their dog or the neighborhood cats would kill them and/or that they would starve to death. After carefully listening to them and making sure that the two squirrels were not injured, we assured them that the mother often moves their babies and sometimes drops the young squirrels while moving them. We advised them to pick up the two squirrels together using a towel (so that they did not touch them) and put them under a tree, to take their dog into the house, and to leave the squirrels alone for 4 hours. After four hours, they went and checked and sent me an e-mail saying, “Just wanted to let you know that both squirrel babies had… hopefully (been) picked up by their mother. Thanks for your advice - it worked beautifully!” It’s always wonderful when our advice results in a success story! If you find what you believe to be an orphaned, injured or sick wild animal, please call us for advice.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and staff of the WCC, we are also able to report that many of the previous stories also have happy endings. The surviving swifts were released, the five Cedar Waxwings that were presented due to habitat loss have either been released or are on their way to being released, and one Black-headed Grosbeak’s that was presented due to cat contact is on its way to release (sadly the other one passed away)! Thank you again to everybody for their hard work and dedication, and please remember to trim your trees during the winter and keep your cats inside.
August 30, 2011 Mink
American Mink are a native, semi-aquatic, carnivorous Mustelid, with an excellent sense of hearing and sight. While mink are related to ferrets, imprinted mink will often become aggressive when they become adolescents. Mink and other wild animals never make good pets and are illegal to keep as pets.
Because the mink was imprinted on humans and because mink will travel long distances via water, the mink was deemed unreleasable. Luckily, a zoo was able to take her as an education animal. However, most animals that are imprinted on people and/or raised by people do not have such a positive outcome.
If you find an orphaned or injured wild animal, bring it to a wild rehabilitator as soon as possible. If this is not immediately possible, put it in a container and set the container on a heating pad set to low. Do not feed the animal or give it anything to drink, as this may harm the animal. Instead, immediately contact a wildlife rehabilitator for further advice and instructions.
Every year, the Wildlife Care Center receives animals as the result of habitat destruction. Habitat destruction includes trees (which have nests in them) being cut down; berries bushes, roses and trees (with nests) being trimmed; and nests being washed off of buildings or houses. This year alone, the WCC has received owls, finches, Cedar Waxwings, and other animals because of habitat destruction.
Federal Law prevents killing or in any way interfering with “any migratory bird, any part, nest, or eggs.” Property owners, tree trimmers and power washers may be cited and fined for knowingly destroying an active nest.
The best way to avoid citations and destroying a nest is to trim your trees and bushes in between November and January, after you have thoroughly searched the area for nests and animals. Fall is considered the best time to trim trees, as trimming in the spring and summer can lead to disease. Regardless of the season, search the area by looking on the ground for a collection of droppings, looking for birds harassing you and looking for nests. This may help save the animals and can prevent you from being citation.
August 12, 2011 Cat Caught Black-headed Grosbeak
Black-headed Grosbeaks are part of the Cardinal family, and are related to tanagers, buntings, and Cardinals. (Although they are physically similar to and eat a similar diet to Evening Grosbeaks and Finches, they are not related to these animals.) The Black-headed Grosbeak is a medium sized seed-eater that occurs in the Western half of the United States. The males and females are distinguished by their color and song, with the males being brighter and having a longer song; both the male and female sing beautiful songs.
Even though it’s August, the Wildlife Care Center is still receiving young birds. Because these young birds cannot fly and are still learning how to be birds (which includes learning what predators are), young birds are at significant risk to being predator caught, especially by cats. Unfortunately, the majority of songbirds that are caught by cats do not survive due to internal bleeding and infection.
Outdoor cats (including those that have homes and are allowed outside) kill millions of animals every year, including songbirds, chipmunks/squirrels and rabbits. Bells and other warning devices have been proven to be ineffective at preventing these casualties. Unfortunately, outdoor cats are also at increased risk for disease and toxins, being hit by a car and being killed by a predator. It is estimated that cats that are allowed outside have an average of less than 5 years, compared to an indoor only cat which lives for an average of 12 years. For the health and safety of both the birds and your cats, keep your cats indoors. For more information on outdoor cats and how to make your cat into an indoor cat, please visit http://audubonportland.org/backyardwildlife/brochures/cats/cats.
July 29, 2011 Vaux's Swifts
Vaux’s swifts are aerial hunters of insects. Nesting in dark cavities, these birds use small twigs and saliva to adhere a nestcup to a vertical surface. Vaux’s swifts most commonly nest in hollow trees but will also occasionally nest in chimneys.
We get many calls this time of year regarding loud chirping from someone’s chimney or they may have found a small, dark bird in the fireplace unable to fly. These are Vaux’s swifts! The young experience a relatively long nesting period of roughly four weeks and may lose their footing and fall down the chimney during this period. Don’t worry, they’re usually not injured. If this happens to you and the bird appears healthy (no apparent injuries and grasping with feet), simply pick up the bird with its feet pointing outward, reach your hand as high up the chimney as you can and allow the bird to grab onto the side wall. Once it has a good grip, instinct will direct the bird to climb upward, back towards the nest.
When breeding season is over, Vaux’s swifts will return to their usual habits of roosting communally in large hollow trees or chimneys - famously, at the Chapman School chimney in NW Portland!
July 17, 2011 Mallard Duck Update
After a full recovery and plenty of exercise, the mallard duck and her duckling were returned to the water where they were found for another chance at life in the wild!
This mallard duck and her duckling came into the Wildlife Care Center entangled in fishing line. The duckling’s right ankle was wrapped in line so tight that blood flow was restricted. The mother duck had a large fishing hook and lure lodged in her neck. Luckily the hook did not enter the trachea or esophagus but unfortunately, in her efforts to free herself from the line, the mother duck ripped a large hole in her neck which had to be cleaned and sutured. The line from the duckling’s ankle was removed. Fortunately, he is able to use his foot and there appears to be no permanent damage.
They are both being treated with antibiotics and allowed to swim daily for physical therapy and to promote waterproofing. Both mother and duckling are healing well and are very bright and active.
Discarded fishing line is a common source of injury to animals entering our clinic. Shorebirds and waterfowl are most typically affected however raptors and even songbirds have been presented at the Care Center entangled and trapped in fishing line. Fishing hooks are sometimes swallowed secondarily by fish eating birds and turtles who then suffer internal injuries due to perforation of the GI tract and subsequent life threatening bacterial infections.
June 21, 2011 Muscovy Duck
- Muscovy Duck - WCC
Throughout the spring and summer Audubon receives a steady stream of injured domestic ducks and geese and orphaned domestic ducklings and goslings — last year we saw well over 100! Rather than send these birds back to parks that are already overcrowded, we try to find them permanent homes with private landowners who have appropriate facilities to give them a healthier, happier life.
Please contact Dr. Deb Sheaffer at dsheaffer@audubonportland.org if you have a private pond or an appropriate area on your property for one of more of these birds..
June 20, 2011 American Bittern
June 13, 2011 American Bittern
- American Bittern - Chelsea Lincoln
This American Bittern came into the Wildlife Care Center last week from Battleground Washington where it was found down on the ground, unable to walk.
The Bittern has a fractured ankle very close to the foot. After x-rays were taken, confirming the fracture, a splint was placed and will remain on for another week and a half.
Bitterns are marsh birds that feed on small fish, salamanders and invertebrates. Adults are poor eaters in captivity and this bird has to be force fed fish twice daily.
Bitterns are in the heron family and breed in Oregon and across northern North America and winter in the southern United States and Mexico
May 11, 2011 Steller's Jays
It’s spring in the Wildlife Care Center! Our native birds have been busy and breeding season is in full swing. For us that means we are seeing many injured and orphaned songbirds and raptors.
These two Steller’s Jays came in separately and because they are both fledglings of very similar age, we are able to raise them together. Raising birds with other conspecifics (animals of the same species) helps them to form natural associations and diminishes the chances of young birds habituating to people.
Both of these jays were brought to the WCC because they were found sick and/or injured: one with a sinus infection and the other with a fractured leg due to a cat attack.
The Care Center does not accept young birds that are not injured and/or not confirmed to be orphaned. The fledging period is fraught with hazards and challenges that the bird must overcome in order to survive in the wild. It is a critical learning period where they must not only learn to fly but also learn how to find food and water and avoid predators. Most fledgling birds are still dependent on their parents for survival.
It is almost always best not to interfere with healthy fledgling birds. The most helpful thing you can do for a fledgling is leave it alone and make sure pet cats and dogs are kept indoors (a good idea anytime!).
If you find what you suspect to be an injured or orphaned fledgling, please call the Wildlife Care Center for advice (503.292.0304) before capturing or transporting the animal.
April 21, 2011 - Kildeer
On April 20, a woman emailed this photo of some healthy baby birds that her daughter found on the road. She wondered what they were and what she should do with the adorable chicks. This is a common question in the Wildlife Care Center during the spring. They had found Killdeer chicks, which nest on the ground and are precocial, meaning they hatch feathered and ready to run after their parents to learn how to hunt for food. All chicks have a better chance of survival if they can be reunited with their parents who can teach them skills we cannot. With her children, the woman returned the two chicks to the area near the road, and the mother of the chicks returned immediately. In some cases, it may take a little while for the parents to return, but usually they are just waiting for humans to leave the area. After they leave the nest, many species of birds spend several days on the ground being fed by their parents. If you find an unfeathered, healthy baby bird, look around and see if you can return it to its nest.
If you can't spot the nest, you can put the chick in a small box with drainage holes such as a cardboard berry basket and attach it securely to a branch. If it has feathers, place it in a small shrub or tree. If you find an injured bird, please call the Wildlife Care Center at 503-292-0304.
April 12, 2011 - Bald Eagle
Dr. Sheaffer suspects the head and feet wounds will heal without complication, but is concerned about the shoulder trauma. At this time it’s too early to speculate on the eagle’s chance of good flight and release back to the wild.
The eagle’s wing is in a wrap, similar to a cast. She’s being treated with anti-inflammatories, fluid therapy, and antibiotics.
Wildlife Care Center staff will evaluate the bird’s progress daily. Check back for periodic updates.
The eagle is thought to be a female due to size. Females tend to be significantly large than males.
April 6, 2011 – Common Raven Update
The cause of injury remains unknown – ravens have most often been admitted to the Care Center suffering injuries from being hit by cars and trucks as well as gunshot.
Thank you to the many volunteers who gave their time and energy in treating this raven and to Rock Creek Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Tom Tsui for donating orthopedic surgery and expert advice. Photo credit: Ada Norris
March 16, 2011 Great Horned Owl
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Owls are some of the year’s earliest nesters and we have already seen one Barn Owl and three Great Horned Owl fledglings come into the Wildlife Care Center.
This particular was injured during the fledging process and came in with a bruised shoulder and dried blood under the right wing. After the soft tissue damage healed, the owlet spent two days “branching” in an outdoor enclosure. Many tree and cavity nesting owls do not fledge by jumping to the ground but rather spend time hopping from branch to branch and practicing short flight between limbs.
After six days of recuperation, the owl was returned to the park where it was found in Canby. Using a tall ladder, WCC wildlife veterinarian, Dr. Deb Sheaffer, and Audubon volunteer, John Plant placed the owlet directly on a lower limb of the fir under which it was originally found. The owlet soon proceeded to hop and climb to higher branches.
The following day, watching from afar, John witnessed a parent attending to the owlet perched high in a tree adjacent to where it was released. Success! Release photos coming soon...
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The beaver was released today along the east bank of the Willamette River close to where it was found. The beaver immediately entered the water upon release and swam upstream periodically inspecting the east bank along the way. Photo by Kristina Raum
- Beaver Ultrasound - Cornell Center Animal Hospital
Today we sedated the beaver and transported to Cornell Center Animal Hospital where Dr. Veronica Verdoliva performed an ultrasound. Dr. Verdoliva, found no free fluids in the abdomen and all other tissues examined appeared healthy and functioning within normal limits. Cornell Center also provided a new set of radiographs taken at their hospital; the Xrays appeared normal.
With regular, thorough cleaning and debriding, the original puncture wounds have healed almost completely with just very small scabs remaining on the surface of the skin. The beaver remains bright and active and there is a good prognosis for release very soon.
A very special thank you to the doctors and staff of Cornell Center Animal Hospital, for donating their time and expertise in treating the beaver.
(Photo caption (left to right): Dr. Veronica Verdoliva, Kathy Logan, Dr. Bethany Groves, Kristina Raum) Photo credit: Cornell Center Animal Hospital
An American beaver came to the Wildlife Care Center late last month. The beaver was found injured along the east bank of the Willamette River under the Burnside Bridge and was captured and brought to Portland Audubon by an Oregon State Police officer.
Although the animal had multiple, deep puncture wounds on her back, she remained bright and active. Abscesses had formed at the wound sites due to bacterial infection. The wounds were cleaned and surgically debrided by local veterinarian, Dr. Bethany Groves, and a culture was taken from the wound. Unfortunately, the bacteria growing are resistant to many antibiotic therapies.
In addition to the puncture wounds, the beaver was found to have a distended belly due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. This fluid could be a sign of an underlying condition or illness that rendered the beaver more susceptible to attack by a predator in the first place. Cornell Center Animal Hospital has generously offered to ultrasound the beaver so that we might gain insight as to the source of the abdominal fluid. The ultrasound is scheduled for this coming week.
About beavers: American beavers (Castor canadensis) are North America’s largest rodent and are aptly nicknamed “nature’s architect”. Beaver dams can slow the course of a river or stream and cause silt and soil to accumulate to the point that a wetland and eventually a meadow may develop. This kind of ecosystem alteration provides critical habitat for many kinds of animals including species of fish, turtles and birds. Mainly nocturnal, beavers forage for food on land at night and retreat to their watery lodges for protection from predators during the day.
February 14, 2011 – American Beaver
An American Beaver came to the Wildlife Care Center late last month. The beaver was found injured along the east bank of the Willamette River under the Burnside Bridge and was captured and brought to Portland Audubon by an Oregon State Police officer.
Although the animal had multiple, deep puncture wounds on her back, she remained bright and active. Abscesses had formed at the wound sites due to bacterial infection. The wounds were cleaned and surgically debrided by local veterinarian, Dr. Bethany Groves, and a culture was taken from the wound. Unfortunately, the bacteria growing are resistant to many antibiotic therapies.
In addition to the puncture wounds, the beaver was found to have a distended belly due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. This fluid could be a sign of an underlying condition or illness that rendered the beaver more susceptible to attack by a predator in the first place. Cornell Center Animal Hospital has generously offered to ultrasound the beaver so that we might gain insight as to the source of the abdominal fluid. The ultrasound is scheduled for this coming week.
About beavers: American beavers (Castor canadensis) are North America’s largest rodent and are aptly nicknamed “nature’s architect”. Beaver dams can slow the course of a river or stream and cause silt and soil to accumulate to the point that a wetland and eventually a meadow may develop. This kind of ecosystem alteration provides critical habitat for many kinds of animals including species of fish, turtles and birds. Mainly nocturnal, beavers forage for food on land at night and retreat to their watery lodges for protection from predators during the day.
January 16, 2011 Raven Update
The Common Raven that came into the care center on Dec 2 has been moved from the hospital to an outdoor enclosure where it may exercise and gain strength. The right leg fracture has healed, however mobility of the leg is limited. Nevertheless, the raven is able to fly, stand, walk, and grasp well with both feet. Time will tell if the right leg will function well enough to be suitable for life in the wild.
January 16, 2011 Cooper's Hawk Update
The swelling around the left eye has resolved completely and the bird is bright and eating well. Unfortunately, upon examination by veterinary ophthalmologist Dr. Susan Kirschner, the hawk was found to have extensive damage to the retina. We are continuing to treat the hawk with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications in hopes that part of the retina might reattach.
January 6, 2011 Cooper's Hawk Hit by Car
The hawk suffers from head trauma and possible permanent damage to the left eye. Older abrasions found along the ankle area tell us the bird may have already been on the ground for a short while – perhaps previously hit by another vehicle.
We are treating the injured eye with a mix of antibiotics and steroids and while the soft tissue surrounding the eye has already healed significantly, it remains unclear as to whether vision will recover.
Cooper’s hawks are a member of the family Accipitridae family along with goshawks and sharp-shinned hawks. Accipiters have short, broad wings and long tails good for maneuvering through trees in wooded areas. Cooper’s hawks are very similar in appearance to the sharp-shinned hawk. Both are regularly seen in neighborhoods and occasionally may be spotted near bird feeders as they are agile predators of songbirds.
In 2010 nearly two hundred animals known to have been hit by a car or truck were brought to the Wildlife Care Center. Many more were found near or along a roadside, suspected to have been hit by a vehicle.
December 11, 2010 Varied Thrush
The Wildlife Care Center has received over thirty Varied Thrushes since October 1st. Two-thirds of these birds hit a window or were caught by a cat.
The Varied Thrush pictured came from Beaverton where it was attacked by a pet cat. It is missing many of the feathers necessary for flight and is also fighting a respiratory infection due to punctures on its body from the cat’s teeth and claws. This thrush is being treated with antibiotics and is showing signs of improvement.
Most cat caught birds are not this lucky. Over 80% of songbirds that are caught by cats do not survive. A cat’s teeth cut deep and often makes contact with internal organs. Internal bleeding and infection can result from these punctures. Free-roaming cats kill millions of animals every year – including songbirds, chipmunks, squirrels and rabbits. It is in the best interest of both the cat and native wildlife to keep cats indoors.
About Varied Thrushes
The Varied Thrush is a robin-sized bird of the Pacific Northwest. It is omnivorous, feeding on insects, berries and acorns and typically inhabits coniferous forests. The Varied Thrush is a year-round resident of Oregon spending the summers at higher elevations and winters in lower regions like the Willamette Valley.
December 2, 2010 Common Raven update
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This adult Western Painted Turtle was found in early September in a residential area in Tigard. It has a fractured shell, probably a victim of a car. Turtle shells take a very long time to heal and we suspect this turtle will be with us for 1 ½ to 2 years before it’s ready for release.
Here in the Portland-Vancouver Metro Area we have two species of native turtles: the above mentioned Western Painted Turtle and the Western Pond Turtles. Both of our turtles are listed in Oregon as Sensitive Critical Species due to their declining numbers.
The decline of our native turtles is due to the loss of their critical wetland habitats and from the introduction of invasive species. Our native turtles spend most of their time in shallow streams, lakes and rivers. They prefer slow-moving water with soft, muddy bottoms and not only need intact wetlands but they also need adjacent terrestrial landscapes for breeding, nesting, traveling and wintering. They also rely on the connectivity of their habitats in order to survive and for populations to mix. In urban areas there are also many hazards and many turtles can be roads and other impassible barriers.
Invasive animal species are another major threat against our native turtles. Many of the turtles you might see and find in our local wetlands are actually invasive turtles from the East that where introduced to the Pacific Northwest from the pet trade. Red-eared sliders and snapping turtles where introduced and are now widespread and common throughout the area and contribute to the decline of our native turtles.
Bullfrogs are another major threat. Young Western pond and painted turtles are particularly susceptible to predation by bullfrogs. In some areas bullfrogs can eat almost 100% of the baby native turtles! That in combination with the fact that it takes Western pond turtles 10 – 15 years to even reach sexual maturity makes it incredibly important to try to protect these young turtles.
Sept 23: This young Western Grey Squirrel has been in the Wildlife Care Center since July 17, 2010. He was found on the side of a road near Mollala, presumably hit by a car. The squirrel had a broken left leg and his right pelvis was fractured. After several months in the hospital he's now rehabilitating in a large outside cage where he can run, climb, and jump.
Sept 24: This squirrel was released near where it was found in Mollala.
For information on our area squirrels, see our Living with Wildlife brochure.
- Marine Drive Red-tailed Hawk - tammi miller
Red-tailed Hawk Injured on Marine Drive Rescued by Multnomah County Deputies
Mid afternoon August 9 Multnomah County Deputies brought an injured Red-tailed Hawk into the Wildlife Care Center. The three deputies rescued the bird from NE Marine drive where it had been observed flopping across the road. Presumably the bird had been hit by a moving vehicle.
An initial examination revealed the bird’s legs were paralyzed and he had a cut on one shin. Additionally, the crop (an outpocketing of the esophagus or feeding tube) was full so the bird had eaten recently. The bird was stabilized in an intensive care incubator and given fluid therapy and anti-inflammatories. Due to the paralysis a spinal trauma is suspected.
Case Update 8/10/2010
Unfortunately the Marine Drive Red-tailed Hawk is not better today. We monitor reflexes to see how he’s healing and there has been no improvement in the related reflexes we can check. We’ll continue to treat with anti-inflammatories and supportive care.
Case Update 8/11/2010
The Red-tailed Hawk declined throughout the day yesterday and regrettably died last night.
Our wildlife veterinarian, Deb Sheaffer, performed a necropsy (like an autopsy) on him and found extensive swelling of the lower spine which would have caused the leg paralysis. There was additionally internal bleeding which most likely contributed to his death.
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This young Bald Eagle did not leave the nest for days after its sibling had. Once on the ground, it was captured and brought in to the Wildlife Care Center for care. The bird was very weak, anemic and emaciated. It has extensive feather damage – the feather shafts are crusty and eaten away. We suspect the bird was debilitated by a heavy lice infestation. Although the eagle is gaining weight and getting stronger, only time will tell if the damaged feather shafts will delay its release and for how long.
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*Orphaned baby crow. How can you tell if a crow is an adult or a youngster? Baby crows have blue eyes – adults have black eyes. photo: Chelsea Lincoln
*Fledgling Anna’s Hummingbird. This tiny bird is now eating on it’s own and learning to fly! We hope to release it soon. photo: Chelsea Lincoln
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The Care Center is currently caring for 13 young orphaned barn owls. Many are currently a large off site flight cage (100x60) learning to hunt for live prey and develop flight coordination. Raising barn owls isn’t cheap! Each one eats about 4 mice a day and the mice cost $.55 each. That’s $2.20 per day for up to 3 months! We are often able to release these owls into local natural areas at public releases.
These owls were released on September 24 on Sauvie Island.
We are able to provide a place for these and thousands of other injured and orphaned wildlife to recover. If you would like to make a donation to help, please specify your donation is for the Wildlife Care Center.
