This month has seen fifteen birds, either new into the hospital or continuing their treatment. This has meant that most of our treatment bays have been kept occupied.

The Hobby that was bought into us by the RSPCA Officer back in October with a wing injury has had to remain in the hospital, as it did not recover in time to join its migration south. It will remain with us until the Hobbys start to return in the spring.

Sparrowhawk being weighed prior to re-release

We have treated three Kestrels this month. One came in with severe spinal injuries and had to be euthanased and one died while with us. It was very thin but had no obvious injuries. The other Kestrel from the Andover area came in very wet and thin but is recovering well and is putting on some weight. It will go back into the wild once the weather improves. We treated two Sparrowhawks. One died from its injuries and the other recovered well. It was brought in from the roadside near Middle Wallop with head and leg injuries. It was released back on 8^th January. The photograph (left) shows the bird being weighed prior to release.

Duffy the European Eagle owl (he likes to see what is going on in the park so we give him a bay with a window !)

We are treating one Tawny Owl which was also found near a road and it is assumed was injured by a vehicle. It is recovering well.

We have treated, or are treating 8 park birds. Galaxy the Spectacled owl, whom I reported on in December, has recovered well and has returned to his aviary. Sirius, the Striated Caracara is still with us and is doing well. Duffy our old European Eagle Owl is staying in the hospital having some “tender loving care” during the winter months. He is not ill but needs a bit of extra attention. We all enjoy our daily chats with him.

Spotted Little owl

One of the Trusts kestrels sadly had to be euthanased due to the severity of its arthritis. Also one of our Tawny Owls lost its sight and was euthanased. Harris Hawk Laura, has an ear infection and is receiving antibiotics. Madeleine, our Secretary Bird, has an infection to her right leg and is also receiving medication. She will probably be returning to her aviary very soon.

From one of our larger birds to one of the smaller ones on the park; we are treating a Spotted Little Owl who came in very unwell and was having difficulty getting off of the ground in his aviary. Our vet was able to diagnose an infection. He is now back with us and is receiving daily antibiotics and showing good signs that he is recovering well.