More Happy Endings

There was a lot to celebrate this past week as we were able to release 3 more birds including this cooper's hawk pictured just before release at the local zoo where she was found. Note the long tail that extends well beyond the long slender legs and toes. The cooper's hawk belongs to a family of raptors called accipiters. These high strung raptors prey mostly on other birds, but also small mammals. Because of these tendencies they are widely persecuted by keepers of domestic birds, especially pigeon breeders and racers. If you have read any of my previous entries, you know what a strong dislike I have for these individuals. I have seen it over and over this year and it is absolutely heartbreaking to imagine the hatred these individuals have for these magnificent birds. I have comforted many individuals that brought these birds to our center when they learn of the nature of these injuries. I appreciate those of you who share my outrage and I urge you to spread the word. The following link shows the depth of this problem. Please share this with others. The only way it will stop is if people realize the extent of the killing, and that is not just a group of mischievous children. These are adults who profess themselves to be animal lovers. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0BQY/is_11_53/ai_n20512695.

Speaking of shooting victims? Remember this dark phase short tailed hawk? It was admitted to our center back in December, after being shot through the wing. You can go back and view the xray under the posting "Rare and Beautiful Patient." These birds are rare sightings and many years we don't see any. This year however, we saw 4 and sadly this one is the only one to recover from its injuries. It is already banded, but will be fitted with a transmitter so that researchers can learn more about this elusive bird found only in South Florida and further down into Central and South America.




Finally, we also released a broadwing hawk that was found unable to fly. We suspected trauma, but quickly changed our opinion as the bird quickly began to deteriorate, displaying symptoms of toxicity. Luckily we were able to treat it in time and it made a full recovery in a short three weeks. It was released back in the neighborhood in which it was found, much to the delight of the retired couple that showed up to watch its happy return.

Update on shot cooper's hawk

Unfortunately the news is not good. As you can plainly see, there is a pellet lodged in the chest of this bird. The other metal that shows up in this xray are the surgical staples that were used to temporarily close the hole. This bird was transferred to Folke Peterson Wildlife for surgery. Dr. Beth Hirschfeld performed the surgery and was able to dislodge the pellet which was putting undo pressure on the bird's lungs, accounting for the respiratory symptoms we had already seen. The bird went into respiratory arrest shortly after the pellet was removed and died. Such a shame that such an incredibly beautiful bird was lost to the world because of such a thoughtless and cruel act.

Admission of shot cooper's hawk

One of the main goals of this blog is to bring public awareness to the plight of human inflicted injuries to birds of prey and other wildlife. I believe that if more people can witness these atrocities and the face of the individual animals they might think twice about walking away as they occur or keeping their mouths shut when they hear someone bragging about shooting that pesky critter that's been hanging around. It is morally wrong in my opinion to persecute an animal for its inherent nature, especially when its only crime is being born of some creature that some human deems unworthy to draw breath.



This beautiful fully mature cooper's hawk was admitted with a hole in her lower abdomen and one in her back. Although we have yet to find any remnants of ammunition, it looks suspiciously like a bullet wound (theorized as a high powered rifle by our resident gun expert). Cooper's hawks are frequently persecuted by bird fanciers and livestock owners. It is a federal crime and these people can only be prosecuted with the help of concerned people who are willing to get involved.


Although it certainly seems miraculous that this bird survived this heinous attack, she is not out of the woods yet. We will not know the full extent of her injuries until an x ray or radiograph is taken. She may have internal injuries as she has already exhibited respiratory distress. These pictures may be hard to look at, but I feel that it is important that people are exposed to this. Just think what the bird is and will be going through.



We also received a short tailed hawk also suspected of being shot. There was a massive amount of bleeding around the site. This bird unfortunately perished as a result of her injuries. This will make the fourth short tail received this season. A rare visitor to our center, and all under suspicion of gunshot injury.