Again, this month, six new birds have been cared for in the Hilary Smith Bird of Prey Hospital. The numbers this year compared to previous years are down and this is probably due to the very mild weather.

Baby Tawny Owl

We have treated two Tawny Owls. One came into us via an RSPCA officer. The bird had been found at Christchurch, near Bournemouth. It was very thin on arrival and was also suffering from head trauma and eye damage. It may have flown into a hard object or a motor vehicle. It is responding to treatment but it is likely to be with us for a while before a full recovery takes place. Our other Tawny Owl is a baby which has come to us via a vet in central Bath. As you will see from the photograph it still has lots of downy feathers but the adult feathers are just beginning to show. It is about 7 weeks old. It is eating well and growing fast.

The Pale Buzzard

We received two Buzzards. Both were badly injured. One came from Avington near Winchester, with a bone stuck in its throat and a massive head swelling. Our vet was unable to save the bird and it had to be euthanased. The other one was grabbed by a dog on Hartley Witney golf course. It was very thin when bought in and died in our care.

One of our favourite species, a Red Kite, was brought to the hospital from the Wantage area of Oxfordshire, having been found near a road. It had an open wound to its wing and a serious infection. It may have been injured for a while before it was found. It died while receiving treatment at our vets.

Kestrel just prior to release

Hades by Alan Moss

Some good news. Last month I mentioned that a Kestrel had been brought to us from Ludgershall, near Andover. It was very wet and thin but did not appear to have any real injuries. I am pleased to be able to report that it has been successfully released back into the wild in the exact area it had been found.

Also back in March we started treating a pale feathered Buzzard that had been found near Lambourne. It was found near the side of a road and was very wobbly on its legs, as well as being very under weight. This bird has also been released.

The only Trust bird receiving treatment is Hades our Gyr Falcon. He has a slight foot infection. Treatment has only just started so I expect to be able to report more on his progress next month.