This male kestrel came to us recently, having been found by Anglian Water in an outdoor sewage processing pit.
It was soaked through, covered in sewage and couldn’t fly, however, thankfully, we couldn’t find any obvious signs of injury, sickness or starvation. We assume this kestrel could have attempted to bath, or was possibly hunting insects around the tank and fell in.
After administering some fluids to help with hydration and shock, we began to carefully bath the kestrel in warm water and washing up soap. Washing up soap is great for removing contaminates from feathers, but it does also temporarily remove the waterproofing oils on the feathers - so we gave it several days ‘box rest’ to dry off and preen. This is a process whereby the bird will add waterproofing oils back onto the feathers.
The kestrel ate very well from day one and we are pleased to say it is now under observation outside in an aviary, to ensure it can move around easily enough ahead of release.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, the response to our ‘Save Our Sanctuary' appeal has significantly helped us towards the expense of feeding, caring, cleaning, veterinary services and medication requirements of the injured or unwell wild birds of prey that pass through our hospital.
However, accrued financial shortcomings means we need to continue to raise funding to look after birds such as this kestrel, who need specialist feeding, exercise, medication and veterinary treatment.
Determined to survive, we ask for your help to maintain our full range of rescue, rehab and conservation services through the winter months ahead, without compromise. Donating a few pounds a month to our 'Onwards & Upwards' survival fund by becoming a Friend of S.O.S. will help us to do this.
As always we thank you for your support, and we hope to be able to welcome you back through our doors soon.