BajaNomad - Injured Osprey- what next?

Injured Osprey- what next?

Feathers - 4-27-2012 at 04:57 PM

The youngster appears to have a broken (possibly just injured) wing. It's from a nest we've been watching for months. He (she?) has only been flying for 10 days or so.

It was grounded in our backyard sometime today. Our neighbor's boy was flagging a t-shirt at it, trying to get the bird to fly away. It flapped it's wings but made no real attempt to fly off. It was holding one wing out awkwardly, which lead us to the "injury theory".

There a literally dozens of free-roaming dogs here, so the decision was made to secure him to safety under a large wooden crate covered with a blanket.

It's safe, warm and quiet. We'll keep him there to rest overnight and see how he's doing in the morning.

If you have any advice, I'd sure appreciate it.

I've successfully rescued and released a lot of stunned birds... but never a bird of prey.

woody with a view - 4-27-2012 at 04:59 PM

do a search here. there was another case last year that didn't end so well.

nature will decide....

Feathers - 4-27-2012 at 05:53 PM

Thank you so much, Woody... I read the thread.

Tonight he rests. Fingers crossed that he'll take flight in the morning.

woody with a view - 4-27-2012 at 06:29 PM

fingers crossed, indeed! :saint:

Do You Have a Wildlife Rescue Organization Near You?

Gypsy Jan - 4-27-2012 at 06:45 PM

Do you have a way to cage or secure the young bird?

The sad fact is that if a bird shows any vulnerability, it will be, if you will forgive the image, recycled.

It is the law of the wild. Leaving a damaged bird unprotected outside just ensures the end, but that is not necessarily a bad thing, either.

It just depends on how much effort you are willing to put into rehabilitation.

Floatflyer - 4-27-2012 at 07:45 PM

Feathrs, sorry to hear about the injured osprey. We had the same situation except no dogs around to hassle the bird. Here is the link to our thread and I will send you a PM as well. Good luck. FF

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=56140#pid6674...

Feathers - 4-27-2012 at 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Gypsy Jan
Do you have a way to cage or secure the young bird?

The sad fact is that if a bird shows any vulnerability, it will be, if you will forgive the image, recycled.

It is the law of the wild. Leaving a damaged bird unprotected outside just ensures the end, but that is not necessarily a bad thing, either.

It just depends on how much effort you are willing to put into rehabilitation.

The osprey is safe for the night, but the crate certainly isn't large enough for any long-term rehab. If he won't/can't take flight tomorrow, I'll ask hubby to build a temporary enclosure in our carport.

Sadly, we're headed back to the States next Thursday. It's unavoidable.

If he survives through next week, I'll need to re-home him. We have 2 neighbors who I'm sure would gladly step up and care for him, but they are both in the States and won't be back for 1 and 2 months, respectively.

We'll also check with the locals here.

One day at a time....

Feathers - 4-27-2012 at 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Floatflyer
Feathrs, sorry to hear about the injured osprey. We had the same situation except no dogs around to hassle the bird. Here is the link to our thread and I will send you a PM as well. Good luck. FF

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=56140#pid6674...

Thanks FF! You've got mail. ;-)

I'll update tomorrow.

Mulegena - 4-27-2012 at 10:36 PM

Good Luck with your wonderful bird.

Even injured they're magestic and its a privilege to be near them and help.

Here's the deal: they are fish eaters. You must get this bird fresh fish first thing in the morning. You cannot wait.

Keep bird safe and in a relatively quiet place, a room or a secured area in a yard. Don't keep him locked in a box.

If he doesn't eat he'll not live.
If he eats, he'll likely live, but he may not.
If there are extenuating injuries he may appear to be doing well, but suddenly die. This is the way with all birds; they don't display weakness if they are ill. They just suddenly die.

Good luck and thanks so much!

Feathers - 4-27-2012 at 10:52 PM

Thanks Mulegena! I'm confident we can meet his housing and nutritional needs... especially if he'll eat triggerfish or sand bass.

Mulegena - 4-27-2012 at 11:06 PM

Live baitfish would be a good choice of food.

It's called "Carnado" in Spanish, I believe.

How enticing, a little fish flopping around on the floor might bring a real smile to your young bird. Poor little guy.

shari - 4-28-2012 at 07:26 AM

I fed Queeny...the injured royal tern...strips of calico bass on chopsticks to avoid her narly beak. We had her in the house as she liked the company. When she gained strength and could walk around, she would waddle over to me and open and close her beak at me asking for food.

After a few days she began trying to fly in the house...the second day of that I took her outside and off she went...very gratifying....suerte amigos...you will know if a few days if your bird will survive or not.

BajaBlanca - 4-28-2012 at 08:37 AM

Shari - now that is a good story !

Poor bird, Feathers .... if it hasn't flown by Thursday, let's get someone to supply fish in the mornings and I will "watch" it during the day .... I have never done this before but am willing to give it a whirl ...

Les suggested it be taken to Dr Romero ???? He loves animals and can maybe give some advice.

Feathers - 4-28-2012 at 10:04 AM

Update:

It appears his carpal (wrist) joint is broken. This little guy wants to fly SO bad.

We moved him to to ground and he made no attempt to bite. Just made sweet little clucking baby noises.

I tossed a triggerfish fillet at his feet and now 10 minutes later, he's got the fillet in his talons! I don't want to get too excited, but that sure did make me smile. :yes:

Unfortunately, I don't have windows on the back of our RV to watch him... but I'll sneak back and take a peek in a little bit.

Feathers - 4-28-2012 at 10:34 AM

Thank you for sharing, Shari... that's a wonderful story and I'm so happy it had a happy ending.

Blanca: You are such a doll. Hubby just came back from Jose's house... and Jose said he'd be happy to care for the little guy! He loves birds and I'm confident he'll make sure the youngster is fed fresh fish.

http://s794.photobucket.com/albums/yy228/mismadison/

woody with a view - 4-28-2012 at 10:44 AM

cool bird. thanks for trying to help.

Feathers - 4-28-2012 at 11:32 AM

You know, woody... I consider it a privlege to assist this magnificent bird.

Here's my attempt at picture posting. You can see he's got a determined grip on the raw fillet.

Osprey - 4-28-2012 at 11:45 AM

If you read the other post about care for injured birds, you'll see I saved an Osprey. My Mexican pal was the real saviour who, with his bare fingers, removed the last 1/4 inch of necrotid flesh from the bird's tongue. He taught me that birds in trauma lose that all important part of the tongue, won't eat, then they die.

Must be a place to research that. Must be vets who would know about that kind of holistic animal husbandry emergency care.

Oso - 4-28-2012 at 02:31 PM

I once rescued a pelican with a broken wing on the beach near Oceano. Some dogs were harrasing it. I grabbed it and took it to the vet in Arroyo Grande. He taped the wings to the body, saying that was how you set the bone. On his advice I kept him in our garage 4 weeks. There was a small fish market in Grover City. When I explained my situation they saved me the scraps, skins etc., from their filleting operation. "Pedro" ate them and did ok. When I felt it was time, I got a pony keg of beer and a dozen friends and took Pedro to Port San Luis where an arm of the hills gives some shelter. I cut the tape and let him go. He flew a short distance and landed on the water and floated away while we partied.

BajaBlanca - 4-28-2012 at 02:36 PM

feathers ... did s/he manage toeat ?? what a beauty of a bird ...

and just to give you all some history - we have all here on the beachside followed these birds growth for weeks now ... we watched them sit and squawk til mom and dad brought fish ...we watched them tentatively spread their wings in order to test them out and finally we watched as they took their first flights. There were 3 baby birds in this particular nest, quite a treat. One of our guests made a video of them when they were tiny - I don't remember how to load a video or I would.

I am so glad that Jose is experienced and can help the bird along.

So, the wrist is broken ???? meaning one of the talons is not functioning ?? but why then can't it fly ???

I will be over tomorrow to see what the latest update is ....

Feathers - 4-28-2012 at 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
feathers ... did s/he manage toeat ?? what a beauty of a bird ...

and just to give you all some history - we have all here on the beachside followed these birds growth for weeks now ... we watched them sit and squawk til mom and dad brought fish ...we watched them tentatively spread their wings in order to test them out and finally we watched as they took their first flights. There were 3 baby birds in this particular nest, quite a treat. One of our guests made a video of them when they were tiny - I don't remember how to load a video or I would.

I am so glad that Jose is experienced and can help the bird along.

So, the wrist is broken ???? meaning one of the talons is not functioning ?? but why then can't it fly ???

I will be over tomorrow to see what the latest update is ....

The youngster hasn't eaten... so hubby just headed to the estuary for some live bait fish.

I think all our neighbors consider these chicks a part of the family. It was thrilling to see all 3 survive and flourish. I'm sorry *G* isn't here because I have no doubt he'd move mountains to provide this baby optimal care... and quite possibly medi-vac transport to the nearest wildlife rehab sanctuary. ;-)

On a bird, the wing is considered an arm; hence the wrist reference.

We'll keep him overnight in a larger enclosure and hopefully have him eating live fish before we send him to Jose's.

Will keep you all informed and pray for the best.

To Osprey: Thank you for the advice. I'll wrap him in a towel and examine his tongue for necrotic tissue later this afternoon. He's not the least bit aggressive, thank goodness.

I'm also seeking advice via an email (w/pics) from a Raptor expert provided by FF.

"Leave no stone unturned." is my current motto... but I won't ignore Rule #1: Know your limitations.

Feathers - 4-28-2012 at 03:30 PM

WOOT-WOOT!!! :bounce:

The youngster is eating! Hubby just lobbed a 6" herring at his feet and that boy came alive. He immediately grabbed it and started chowing down!

It's a GREAT day here in La Bocana. One hurdle overcome... YAY for the Osprey!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Edited on 4-28-2012 by Feathers]

BigOly - 4-28-2012 at 04:01 PM

You are wonderful people. Soon, the Osprey will be doing this!

goldhuntress - 4-28-2012 at 04:06 PM

Congratulations! Job well done. I think I heard a big sigh of relief :tumble:

vgabndo - 4-28-2012 at 04:18 PM

At our trout hatchery here in town I was watching the Ospreys taking catch-able Rainbows from the raceways one evening. Facing West, I was being transported by the light, and the splash, and the reflections and wriggling as a big Osprey took a fish, rose a couple of wingbeats and shook-off a thousand diamonds in the sunset. As it flew straight at me, a single ice cold drop of spring water, visible all the way down in that magic light, hit me right between the eyes. Yeah, maybe there's a little something spiritual in me. :lol:

I've sure told that story before, and couldn't resist now. :saint:

Osprey - 4-28-2012 at 06:35 PM

Vag, almost the very same thing happened to me. Perhaps a little different >> it was sunrise and the fish must have been swimming in very muddy water. The drop that hit me was an ugly brown with some gooey white stuff. A magic moment tho.

Mulegena - 4-28-2012 at 09:09 PM

Yayyy! for the osprey!

Thanks for getting him some small, live fish.

Don't worry too much about his beak and talons; he knows what's up and that you're helping him.

Please note: Do NOT attempt surgery. Birds are a specialty among veterinarian practice. Their systems are highly delicate and their tolerance for drugs-- especially anesthesia-- is very, very narrow.

BajaBlanca - 4-29-2012 at 09:33 AM

such a magestic bird ! and we are so priviledged, as feathers said, to be able to watch them day after day. you done good FEATHERS !!!!

BajaBlanca - 4-30-2012 at 11:12 AM

visited the bird today and it is doing really well, eating 4 fish a day ... amazing and hopefully onits way to recovery. we are trying to find someone to care for it while feathers is out of the country

I will do it but I have zero experience with birds ..... so am hoping that someone who really knows their stuff steps up to the plate - even is only to help me better understand these awesome birds if I end up taking care of it.

just wrote to a vet in guerrero negro - we shall see what happens ....

Ateo - 4-30-2012 at 11:24 AM

You guys are awesome....keep up the care and good work!

shari - 4-30-2012 at 11:51 AM

hip hip hoorah for the bird....have you named him yet? Please tell him/her we are all pulling for him...awesome he's eating...good luck Blanca.

Cypress - 4-30-2012 at 12:25 PM

Feathers, Congrats. Hope the Osprey will make a full recovery. Thanks. Birds of prey are different critters. :yes:

Here is a great osprey video - youtube

Pompano - 4-30-2012 at 01:25 PM

Hope this works for you...it sure did for me!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/nA3LtXnNIto?feature=player_embe...

Feathers - 4-30-2012 at 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano
Hope this works for you...it sure did for me!

http://www.youtube.com/embed/nA3LtXnNIto?feature=player_embe...

Wow... What a beautiful video, Pompano! These are such amazing birds!

Feathers - 4-30-2012 at 03:55 PM

Thank you so much to everyone for your kind words and well-wishes!

As Blanca said, the update and current condition of this little "Girl" is fantastic!

The research I read said that all fledglings have a white chest like the male, but develop a necklace fairly soon... and our youngster definitely has a necklace. ;-)

We've currently got her in a soft sling-like cast that supports her wrist but doesn't interfere with her shoulder/elbow movement. We'll get some vet wrap in the next day or two and fashion a better soft cast. My best guess is to leave it on for 10 -14 days. After the cast is removed, the wrist will need to be gently flexed, then just see what she can do.

I have put emails into a couple of experts, but haven't heard back yet, so I'm really just "winging" it... forgive the pun.

The youngster seems perfectly content.

She's loving the herring and will eat it dead so that's good news. It took her a few minutes to decide it was ok to eat a different species of fish (pictured), but I don't know what it is.

We decided it wasn't prudent to send this girl to our friend Jose. He just had hernia surgery and can barely get around.

Blanca, hubby and I have been brainstorming ideas, keeping what's best for the osprey as the top priority.

Blanca has generously offered to care for this little girl, but
ideally, we're hoping to find a forum member here who is more familiar with birds, feels comfortable around them?

My husband is going to Mulege on Thursday and can deliver her (and a supply of frozen herring) if someone lives in that area.

Dang... it just dawned on me that we really should name this little girl.

How about some name suggestions?

Floatflyer - 4-30-2012 at 05:01 PM

How about Suerte?

Feathers - 5-3-2012 at 07:59 PM

YAY... so many good things to report!!!

Our Osprey girl has a name... Isabeau... "Issy" for short. (I've always loved the movie "Ladyhawke" so this wasn't a huge leap of imagination. :saint:

)

Blanca was fully prepared to rehab Issy when the eleventh-hour contact was initiated by yet another earthbound angel...

Mary Lynn.

She's a full-time Mulege resident, an avid "Birder" with love and experience AND she's friends/neighbors with David Rose, the PAWS Vet there.

The Universe doesn't just get any sweeter than this.

Updates and more pics to follow.

You all have been so supportive... I cannot thank you enough!!!

Skipjack Joe - 5-3-2012 at 08:14 PM

Perhaps it may be important to eventually release him where you found him. Rather than Mulege. Just a thought.

Mulegena - 5-3-2012 at 09:19 PM

Its not in the bird's best interests to move her, imo.

Its a traumatic car ride of several hours into an environment that is hot and humid, or worse, air conditioned.

Moreover, the PAW Clinic is closed in Mulege.

Are you sure you're doing the right thing in moving her? These are the reasons I didn't volunteer to take her on. She's already receiving the best care and rehabilitation she can at the moment given all circumstances, imo.

Sorry to be a voice of negativity here, but I do have some experience with rehabbing raptors. Its not easy at best.

If she is moved to Mulege I will step up and help her, of course. Just let me know via u2u.

[Edited on 5-4-2012 by Mulegena]

Feathers - 5-5-2012 at 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Perhaps it may be important to eventually release him where you found him. Rather than Mulege. Just a thought.

I couldn't agree more... God Willing.

Skipjack Joe - 5-5-2012 at 10:52 PM

I agree with Mulegena - moving the bird from one coast to another could be stressful to the bird. In both directions, but especially from the cortez to the pacific.

There is a major difference in weather. From hot, still, humid weather to a cool and windy environment. No bueno.

I don't say this from an understanding of the birds but from our own personal experience. We always get the chills when we drive from BOLA to Guerrero Negro. Last year my kid got bronchitis from the abrupt temperature change. When we camp on the pacific side it usually takes a period of days of gradual exposure to that wind before I can fish all day. Otherwise you come back with a headache and a runny nose on your first day.

Now this bird is going to be unprotected from the elements. No camper to duck into until the wind subsides.

Stability is important to his/her health.

Feathers - 5-5-2012 at 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
Its not in the bird's best interests to move her, imo.

Its a traumatic car ride of several hours into an environment that is hot and humid, or worse, air conditioned.

Moreover, the PAW Clinic is closed in Mulege.

Are you sure you're doing the right thing in moving her? These are the reasons I didn't volunteer to take her on. She's already receiving the best care and rehabilitation she can at the moment given all circumstances, imo.

Sorry to be a voice of negativity here, but I do have some experience with rehabbing raptors. Its not easy at best.

If she is moved to Mulege I will step up and help her, of course. Just let me know via u2u.

[Edited on 5-4-2012 by Mulegena]

I sincerely appreciate your trepidation/concern.

I made this decision based on what I felt was best for Isabeau, in the long run.

I'm grateful to learn you have Raptor experience, and I hope you'll offer Mary Lynn advice/guidance on Issy's care as needed.

Feathers - 5-5-2012 at 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
I agree with Mulegena - moving the bird from one coast to another could be stressful to the bird. In both directions, but especially from the cortez to the pacific.

There is a major difference in weather. From hot, still, humid weather to a cool and windy environment. No bueno.

I don't say this from an understanding of the birds but from our own personal experience. We always get the chills when we drive from BOLA to Guerrero Negro. Last year my kid got bronchitis from the abrupt temperature change. When we camp on the pacific side it usually takes a period of days of gradual exposure to that wind before I can fish all day. Otherwise you come back with a headache and a runny nose on your first day.

Now this bird is going to be unprotected from the elements. No camper to duck into until the wind subsides.

Stability is important to his/her health.

Again, agreed... but it's a NON-issue at this point.

Isabeau has gone from La Bocana (cool climate) to Mulege (warm climate.) It'll be an adjustment... and I recommended Mary Lynn to blow a fan on Issy to keep her cooler.

Bottom line: It is what it is. No sense playing the Monday-morning Quarterback... not even if you were a player in the game.

Well wishes, however, are always appreciated.

[Edited on 5-6-2012 by Feathers]

Skipjack Joe - 5-5-2012 at 11:36 PM

We posted at the same time, feathers. I wasn't aware you were answering mulegena as I was writing.

Feathers - 5-5-2012 at 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
We posted at the same time, feathers. I wasn't aware you were answering mulegena as I was writing.

It's all good, Skipjack Joe... at least it's all the good we can do, everything considered.

I apologize for sounding snarky.

Issy is alive and well, 8 days grounded.

I'll keep updating and please keep your fingers crossed.

We all want Isabeau soaring again.

[Edited on 5-6-2012 by Feathers]

[Edited on 5-6-2012 by Feathers]

Cypress - 5-6-2012 at 12:24 PM

Feathers, Good luck with your wounded Osprey. Be very careful when you handle it. Those talons will do a number on your hands. Speaking from experience.

Feathers - 5-6-2012 at 04:34 PM

lol... I hear you, Cypress... her talons are daunting!

The word from Mary Lynn is that Isabeau is adjusting nicely in Mulege and eating well.

Evidently, David Rose (the PAWS Vet) consulted an Avian expert in the States. They aren't too confident that Issy will fly again, but she just may prove them wrong.

We shall see... que sera, sera.

BajaBlanca - 5-6-2012 at 06:33 PM

Feathers, it turns out that the kid who was waving at Izzy to fly when you saw her the first time had already had her for 2 weeks...and he had her in a cage which means her tail was dragging and her wing was not wrapped. So so so sad, but I bet this took all of Izzy's chances of flying away... He was doing what he thought was best....and he did save her.