This has probably been the quietest month we have experienced this year. However we have had 13 wild birds bought into us and 4 of our park residents have received care and treatment.

Two Tawny Owls - note the grey phase of the bird on the left

We are still seeing Tawny Owls, but the number is now reduced. Most appear to be as a result of them flying into objects or cables, or being hit by motor vehicles. Wing fractures and head/eye damage are the most common injuries. The two birds pictured came in separately but settled into the recovery bay well together. They are making good progress. It is worth noting the different colour shading of the feathers; one is quite grey in colour compared to the more normal pale to mid brown.

Tawny with pinned wing

The other photo of the single Tawny Owl in a small bay shows the skill of our vet John Chitty. This bird came in via John’s surgery with a fractured wing. John has repaired the broken wing which can be seen from the external fixings. This bird is also making a good recovery.

Kestrel in a recovery bay

We have treated 3 Kestrels all of which had received wing damage from possible road traffic accidents. The picture shows one of them, which came from Overton in Hampshire, with a splint fitted by the vet to its left wing.

Three Barn Owls have been bought in with very severe injuries. These either died or had to be put to sleep. The same actions were also necessary with a Buzzard and a Sparrowhawk.

Wordsworth our Gymnogene, age about 11 weeks

Our young Gymnogene, Wordsworth, is growing quickly as can be seen from the photo. He has moved from the incubator via a small bay into one of the larger bays. When the sun is warm as it has been recently, he is spending some time out on the grass in front of the hospital making the most of it. It is certainly better than in his hospital bay. He is still receiving 3 meals per day and feeds himself very vigorously.

Griffon Vulture Kipling in his new enclosure

Kipling, our very large, nearly fully grown Griffon Vulture has moved out of the hospital into one of the outdoor aviaries. He started off spending the days out and the nights back in the warmth of the hospital, going out after his morning feed. He seems to be very much enjoying his new home especially when visitors stop to take notice. He is still under the care of the hospital for the time being.

Widgeon the Harris Hawk

Widgeon, our Harris Hawk, and Figaro the Bramhiny Kite are still patients under the care of the hospital and our vet. Both are receiving daily treatment for their ailments.

In the outside rehabilitation aviary we have 6 Red Kites, one of them being the long term patient with the white feathers. These birds are gradually building up their flying skills and increasing their wing muscles in preparation for release back into the wild before the winter sets in.