Avian Wing Injuries

Today we released an Ovenbird that arrived at our facility on one of the first days of fall migration. She had suffered from a broken bone (ulna) in her right wing. She flew perfectly as she left my hand - no sign at all of the prior break.

It is with joy that we watch these releases. In wildlife, the will to live is almost unparalleled.

Although we successfully treat birds with breaks much worse than hers, her release still reminds me of why we aren't quick to euthanize animals unless we're absolutely sure that an animal cannot survive and be releasable. Over the years, we've learned that many injuries that were historically considered to be non-releasable are actually ones from which an animal can recover completely. If we are in doubt, we give an animal a chance. That's just one of our basic tenets.

We also don't decide whether an animal deserves treatment simply because the injury may take a longer period to heal - again, provided that we believe the animal can recover fully and have a normal life.

We understand and respect every rehab center's right to set their own policies relative to treatment protocols and euthanasia. These are simply ours and they are fundamental to Flint Creek Wildlife. And many birds and mammals that have passed through our doors approve.

Dawn

A Morning with Mayor Daley

We were honored that Mayor Daley spent time at our Northerly Island facility this morning. We appreciate his and his department's ongoing support. Without support from the City of Chicago and the Chicago Park District, we wouldn't be able to save the lives of so many birds in City. Hats off to our talented and dedicated group of volunteers that rescue and recover birds that strike buildings in the City and our amazing triage staff who quickly stabilize the birds, thus enabling us to Save Lives.

Mayor Daley and Dawn Keller discuss Flint Creek Wildlife's
Northerly Island bird hospital. Old Red, an educational
Red-tailed Hawk that resides at our newest location in Itasca,
is pictured in the foreground.



Mayor Daley watches as Dawn Keller feeds an injured
Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

Mayor Daley observes as a fully-rehabilitated Cooper's
Hawk is readied for release back into the wild.

The recovered Cooper's Hawk, which originally was picked
up by Chicago Animal Control and transferred to Flint Creek
Wildlife, just prior to flying off. The Cooper's Hawk flew far
north on the island and, on her maiden flight, caught what was
probably a Red-winged Blackbird.

Mayor Daley dons a gauntlet (glove used in falconry) and

offers Old Red some food as Commissioner Suzanne
Malec-McKenna watches.


Old Red pauses after accepting food from Mayor Daley.

Mayor Daley offers food to our Eastern Screech
Owl, Kotori. Kotori is one of 19 educational birds entrusted
to Flint Creek Wildlife's care. Kotori resides at our Barrington
facility.