We have treated six wild birds again this month.  The number of birds being brought to us is quite low at the moment.  This may be because of the recent spell of mild dry weather which has led to plenty of food available for them.  There appear to be plenty of small rodents and rabbits in the countryside.

Buzzard waiting for the moult

We treated two Buzzards. One came from Porton Down near Salisbury with damage to its face, particularly a wound to the right eye.  It was seen by our vet but died while being treated.

The other one came from Chippenham in Wiltshire.  It was found caught hanging upside down from its wing feathers.   Both the wire and some of the wing feathers had to be cut to be able to release the bird.  It was initially treated by a vet in Swindon, who referred it to us.  It has some damage to its right wing and the missing feathers.  It will be with us for a while until new feathers moult through.  It is on medication and would not eat for a few days after arriving, but it now doing well.

Kestrel recovering well in hospital bay

We have treated two Kestrels.  One came in from near Salisbury and had been found covered in paraffin or similar solvent.  It had been cleaned when it got to us but we were unhappy with its condition and it was taken to our vets for a further examination.  It died while at the vets.   The other Kestrel came from Ludgershall in a very wet and thin condition.  It is recovering well and putting on weight.

A trained Harris Hawk was found, also near Salisbury.  It had flown off while out with its owner.  It was returned to the owner on the same day as it was brought in to us.

We are treating Bottom, one of our American Black Vultures from the flying display team.  She has a sore on her side/back which is receiving medication.  She is recovering well.

Tawny owl about to fly off

Buzzard being weighed prior to release

Last month I reported that we were treating several of our park bids.  Laura, the Harris Hawk, Goose, the Bateleur Eagle and two black kites, Mint and Fennel are all fit and well and have been returned to their aviaries.

We have successfully released back into the wild a Buzzard to Bighton (Hampshire) and a Tawny Owl to King Sombourne (Hampshire).  Both birds had been with us since just before Christmas.