The landowner who first reported the bird kept us informed of the bird's condition and habits. It visited regularly, traveling among a raft of other turkeys that crossed the hilltop property nearly every morning and evening. Turkeys have incredibly sharp eyesight and are wary of even the slightest changes in their surroundings. For the capture to be successful, they needed the birds to get used to netting material, so they staged their capture equipment in advance.
The day arrived. With transporters lined up, and the veterinarian on standby, their capture team assembled at the property just after sunrise. At 7:20, the turkey was spotted heading toward the residence - traveling alone.
Everyone scrambled into position inside the house, remaining quiet and still as the bird approached cautiously. At 7:40, the injured turkey was captured!
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After a quick inspection of the wound, they believed it was better to remove the projectile than cut it. Wildlife rescue slowly pulled the long carbon fiber shaft from the bird's body, and she was placed inside a transport kennel.
During the 120-mile drive from Hollister to Fairfield, the young hen bird was uncharacteristically calm. They hope this behavior was due to her age and not because she was ill.
Once at International Bird Rescue, the bird was seen by avian specialist Dr. Rebecca Duerr.
By 11:30, the bird was under anesthesia. Radiographs were taken to check for fractures, and the wound was thoroughly cleaned.
By 1:00 p.m., after being observed for a while, she was headed back to Hollister to be released. All said and done, it was an 8-hour turnaround - from the time the hen was captured, to her release!
Amazing!