Here’s some of the most recent patients to spend some time at our Raptor Hospital.
TAWNY OWL
This female Tawny Owl was found bewildered in a woodland where the finders were working - although a bit underweight there was no obvious cause for concern however she was brought to us for observation. After a few days it was evident she was suffering a potential injury to her wing, as she was showing signs of being limp on one side (which she hid very well to begin with!) This really shows the importance of a period of monitoring as these birds instinctively are very good at hiding acute injuries. Now it has been observed she has started a course of medication to ease the symptoms and hopefully get her back to health.
GOLF COURSE KESTREL
This kestrel was found in the middle of a golf course, unable to fly. The condition of the bird was confusing, as it carried a fair bit of body fat and very little muscle - this is usually conducive with an aviary environment which could point to a previous rehabilitation stint this bird may have had. Upon further investigation it was found to also have a slightly swollen head which would indicate some kind of trauma - however in this instance road or impact trauma were ruled out based on where it was found. Possibly it was attacked by a corvid of some sort. After a brief course of medication it was deemed fit to be monitored in an aviary where it can regain it's strength and hopefully build up some muscle condition before release.
BARN OWL
This gorgeous boy was brought to us after being found on the ground in a field absolutely exhausted. When he arrived, we found he was carrying a BTO ring. His records indicated he was rung in 2019 as a nestling near Capel St Mary, Suffolk. He was luckily suffering nothing other than exhaustion from hunger and potentially recent cold weather so has benefitted from a short 'hotel SOS' stay with plenty of meals served fresh!
VET VISIT
On his most recent visit, our specialist vet Elliot checked all our current hospital birds including our golf course kestrel for signs of more acute illness, and signed off others to be released. These visits are not just for our hospital however, whilst here Elliot will be taken around to our resident flying team and aviary birds for a quick assessments, and any concerns raised whilst here are addressed. Many older birds will suffer minor health issues (as we all do!) that simply need careful monitoring and occasional intervention and having this professional support is vital for the health and wellbeing of our residents.
Derek the Harris’s Hawk getting his check up by Elliott. This is important with our older birds so that we can spot any issues and treat them quickly before they become serious.