SNN (ScrollingNetworkNews) ✿ ✿ Our Mel and Sydney returned to their nesting box with plenty of bonding occurring..but after 2.5 months of Sydney in the box from Dec 2013 to mid Feb 2014, the lack of prey gifts from Mel ( perhaps due to the severe and historic drought underway in California)and they have forgone the nesting process this year as many other raptors ✿ Compared to other owls of similar size, the Barn Owl has a much higher metabolic rate, requiring relatively more food. Pound for pound, Barn Owls consume more rodents – often regarded as pests by humans – than possibly any other creature. ✿ We remind viewers that sometimes owlets may not survive - the parents will dispose of things in "The Owl Way" -viewer discretion is advised, this is nature and the "Owl way". ✿ ~ ✿ “Animals, like us, are living souls. They are not things. They are not objects. Neither are they human. Yet they mourn. They love. They dance. They suffer. They know the peaks and chasms of being.” ― Gary Kowalski, The Souls of Animals ✿ Each species is a masterpiece, a creation assembled with extreme care and genius." ~ E.O. Wilson

Friday, November 2, 2012

Bald eagle release -The Wildlife Center of Virginia

On October 5, an animal control officer rescued a mature Bald Eagle at the King and Queen County landfill. Upon admission, the eagle was quiet, but was standing in its transport crate. Dr. Dana, the Center’s veterinary intern, examined the bird, but couldn't find any significant injuries. Blood was drawn for an emergency panel and a lead test. Lead results measured at 0.13 ppm – a level that is considered “subclinical” and does not require treatment. Dr. Dana also took a set of radiographs, but did not see any injuries. Dr. Dana did note what appeared to be two pieces of metal in the eagle’s stomach. Because the eagle’s lead level was low, and it was not exhibiting any neurological symptoms, Dr. Dana does not believe this should be an issue for the eagle. Weighing in at 4.59 kgs, it’s likely that this eagle is a female. Because a bacterial or viral infection could not be ruled out, Dr. Dana started the eagle on a course of antibiotics, as well as subcutaneous fluids. The eagle was placed in the Center’s holding room for overnight observation. On October 8, the Bald Eagle was bright and alert – and was bouncing around in its enclosure. The veterinary team decided to move the eagle outside to a large flight pen – A1 – for further observation. When the eagle was placed in the flight pen, the bird flew the length of the flight pen two times before landing on the ground. While the eagle could get lift, it appeared to tire very easily. The staff then continued to monitor the bird – with the assistance of a new Axis PTZ [pan-tilt-zoom] cam in A1.

November 1, 2012 Bald Eagle #12-2442 was successfully released yesterday at Zoar State Forest. A crowd of about 20 people gathered as President Ed Clark released the eagle in a field.
Gorgeous! Perfect release!
Bald Eagle #12-2442

The Wildlife Center of Virginia, is a leading teaching and research hospital for native wildlife.