Rick Schubert sent the following information on Saturday afternoon:
"I think I have gotten to the bottom of what was wrong with the hawk. There is definitely a sprain or small fracture near one of the ankle joints that I missed upon the initial exam, because you cannot palpate it, and the bird can still stand on it. However, it is progressively getting worse and is noticeable today.
This explains a lot. First, it could easily have happened as the bird took its first flight and landed on concrete, instead of on dirt and grass. It was able to walk so we didn't notice it. Second, it explains why the bird appeared weak and was not jumping up and down and practice-flapping its wings. Third, if the bird is in pain, just like a person, it is not in the mood to eat and therefore will feed less. Lastly, this can fall into the category of "human-caused" interference, since we're the ones who laid the concrete down, and hawks never evolved to have to deal with concrete.
I have immobilized the joint in a splint, and we have an appointment with Dr. Boutette for a radiograph on Monday. Despite the injury, it is actually quite strong and fights back viciously whenever handled."
This explains a lot. First, it could easily have happened as the bird took its first flight and landed on concrete, instead of on dirt and grass. It was able to walk so we didn't notice it. Second, it explains why the bird appeared weak and was not jumping up and down and practice-flapping its wings. Third, if the bird is in pain, just like a person, it is not in the mood to eat and therefore will feed less. Lastly, this can fall into the category of "human-caused" interference, since we're the ones who laid the concrete down, and hawks never evolved to have to deal with concrete.
I have immobilized the joint in a splint, and we have an appointment with Dr. Boutette for a radiograph on Monday. Despite the injury, it is actually quite strong and fights back viciously whenever handled."
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Sounds like something that can be treated.
ReplyDeleteWish there were some way to let the Mum and Dad know.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Thanks, Rick and Della for the update.
Is it eating? Would the parents accept it back if it could be relaeased? Is a splint that would dissolve in a week or so? Thank everyone that is contributing to our appreciation and awe of these wonderful birds.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the updates and photos. You guys are awesome!
ReplyDeleteGood to know that the problem is something that can be remedied rather than a congenital one.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for keeping us updated. One worries more if one doesn't know... Hope that the leg can be repaired and the chick released to the wild.
ReplyDeleteThanks to Rick and Della for the information. I hope the little one will be okay and can eventually be released.
ReplyDelete"Lastly, this can fall into the category of "human-caused" interference, since we're the ones who laid the concrete down, and hawks never evolved to have to deal with concrete".
ReplyDeleteReally?? That's a tight little pseudo intellectual bubble you have put yourself in. Why don't we all just apologize for existing?