Richmond, VA Falcons

[Kris G.]

I think they need a bigger bird bath! 

They're in the process of building her own enclosure with a large bathing tub for her.  People commented about the small tub and WCV did say it was sufficient for right now..seeing as it's in an office.   

[MAK]

I think they need a bigger bird bath! 

They're in the process of building her own enclosure with a large bathing tub for her.  People commented about the small tub and WCV did say it was sufficient for right now..seeing as it's in an office.   

 

[Donna]

Another one admitted:

Admission Date:
September 29, 2014
Location of Rescue:
Surry County, Virginia
Cause of Admission / Condition:
Fractured wing, eye injuries
Prognosis:
Guarded
Patient Status:
Current Patient

On September 29, a juvenile Peregrine Falcon was rescued from a field in Surry County; reports note that the bird was seen down on the ground for three days. The bird was taken to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator in Virginia Beach. The rehabilitator found that the young bird had a wing fracture; the wing was stabilized and bandaged before a volunteer transporter drove the young falcon to the Wildlife Center that same day.

Dr. Helen Ingraham, the Center’s veterinary fellow, examined the Peregrine Falcon when it arrived. The unbanded bird is likely a male, based on size. Dr. Helen found injuries to both of the falcon’s eyes – there are retinal tears in the bird’s right eye, and a significant amount of hemorrhage in the left eye. The falcon was thin and dehydrated; initial blood work revealed that the bird was emaciated. The falcon’s left humerus was also fractured.

The falcon received fluids, anti-inflammatories, and pain medication before he was placed in the Center’s holding room for the night. Dr. Helen anticipates that the wing fracture will be able to be repaired with surgery, but first the falcon needs to become more stable. The falcon will be tube-fed initially; if the falcon gains weight and the blood work improves, surgery will be scheduled for Friday, October 3. The veterinary team will continue to monitor the falcon’s eye injuries; any permanent retinal injuries will make the falcon non-releasable.

[MAK]

3 days!!!! Whoever observed it for 3 days should be ashamed for making it suffer! 

[AlisonL]

3 days!!!! Whoever observed it for 3 days should be ashamed for making it suffer! 

I agree, MAK. Failing to do anything for three days might even be a chargeable offense. Poor little juvie.

[AlisonL]

There is an update today on the injured juvie at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. He has now had surgery, and I was very happy to read that there is significant improvement in his eyes. I am glad that he is receiving the excellent care he deserves.

October 6, 2014

On Thursday, October 2, the veterinary team decided to go ahead and schedule Peregrine Falcon #14-2208’s wing fracture repair for the following day. The falcon was brighter than he was upon admission, and blood work showed improvements.

On the morning of October 3, the veterinary team found that the falcon’s humeral fracture was “open� – meaning that during the night, the fractured bone punctured the bird’s wing, despite the wing wrap. Drs. Dave and Helen took the bird to surgery; while in surgery, they also found an additional fracture site on the falcon’s humerus. The two veterinarians were able to successfully place a pin in the fractured humerus; an external fixator was placed to stabilize the pin.



The bird recovered from anesthesia slowly, but was bright and alert the following morning. The falcon has been eating some of its meal of chopped mice.

On October 5, the veterinary team began performing physical therapy on the falcon’s wing while the bird was under anesthesia. This physical therapy will be important for regaining and maintaining the range of motion in the bird’s injured wing. The veterinary team also noted significant improvement in the falcon’s eyes.

[MAK]

   Thanks for the update Alison! 

[Donna]

Thanks Alison, poor thing!

[PatriciaRose]

Awww...glad he's doing better, get well, little juvie 

[Donna]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=932825646732882&fref=nf

Hope you all can see this little girl in training! 

[MAK]

She's a very smart young falcon to take commands in such a short time. 

[Kris G.]

Here's the video if unable to see on FB:

http://youtu.be/JnGF2N8lgJ8

[Carol P.]

Thank you Alison and Kris!  Good news! 

[MAK]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=932825646732882&fref=nf

Hope you all can see this little girl in training! 

Thanks Donna too! 

[Carol P.]

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=932825646732882&fref=nf

Hope you all can see this little girl in training! 

Thanks Donna too! 

Oh yes!  and thanks to Donna too!