In order to properly treat the injured, sick and orphaned
wildlife that are rescued and brought to their care, wildlife
rehabilitators call on their years of experience and expertise.
They need to know whether the animal’s condition may require such
treatments as rehydration, splinting, medication or well-baby
care.
In order to properly treat the injured, sick and orphaned wildlife that are rescued and brought to their care, wildlife rehabilitators call on their years of experience and expertise. They need to know whether the animal’s condition may require such treatments as rehydration, splinting, medication or well-baby care. They must be able to recognize the physical differences, ages and natural history of many different species of birds, mammals and reptiles in order to determine the best method of treatment and feeding. In other words, wildlife rehabilitators are experts at putting the pieces together in a wildlife “puzzle.”
An example of such a puzzle arrived at the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center of Morgan Hill in June. Here are the “pieces of the puzzle” (i.e., the facts): The juvenile hawk was picked up by Gilroy’s Animal Control. Nobody had seen how the raptor was injured or knew how long it was on the ground. It was dehydrated, very thin and close to death from starvation. The right side of its head was swollen, its right eye was shut and the right wing was drooping. It was lethargic, uncoordinated and had difficulty standing. In addition to its injuries, another piece of the puzzle presented itself – due to its youth and emaciated condition, the hawk’s exact specie was initially undetermined.
Deciphering the puzzle: Because the injuries were all on one side of the body, it was evident that the bird had been hit by a vehicle. This is an all-too-common injury seen by rehabilitators. The young and inexperienced hawk was very likely in pursuit of a rodent that was scampering across a roadway. Or maybe the hawk was in the middle of the street eating an already-dead animal, and was unable to fly away quickly enough. Because of the bird’s low weight it was first thought that it was a red-shouldered hawk, but a closer physical examination revealed reddish edging on the tail. This was a drastically underweight red-tailed hawk.
Putting the pieces together to make the bird complete again (i.e., healthy): Volunteers immediately went into action to save the life of this fragile bird. The wing was wrapped to stabilize it and prevent further injury from movement. Fluids were administered to the re-hydrate the hawk. Medications were given to lessen its pain. The hawk’s critical condition required hand-feeding several times a day and there were times it was uncertain if he would make it.
But with WERC’s TLC, the hawk’s condition and disposition steadily began to improve. The protective wing bandaging was removed and the wing showed perfect alignment. After a lengthy period, the hawk began to eat on his own and then, his appetite suddenly became ravenous. In one day, he ate 30 mice all by himself!
However, he still had hurdles to face in his rehabilitation. After building up his strength and maintaining his weight, it was time for the hawk to prove himself capable of flying well. He was transferred to WERC’s large flight enclosure, where another red-tailed hawk and three red-shouldered hawks kept him company. He was observed flying the length of 100 feet and soaring to a high perch. A recent physical exam shows his feathers in perfect condition. He passed with “flying colors.” Now it’s time for the hawk to be released and be free and wild, once again.
The public is invited to help WERC complete the last piece of the puzzle: Come witness the joyful release of this beautiful hawk back to the skies at noon Sunday, Sept. 13, at the Old Machado School, 15130 Sycamore Ave. in Morgan Hill.
