This Week at Liberty 08/23/2010

Before the surgery special update, I need to pass along some sad news. A while back, it was suspected, and later confirmed, that Barbosa, our new young RTH educational bird, was losing the sight in his left eye, the only one he had. But he seemed to be adapting well and was totally able to eat on the glove and still did a wonderful job at education programs. Then a few weeks ago, he lost his appetite and though was healthy in all other respects, he was losing weight. A few days later he began to eat again, but last Monday, he appeared very weak and was taken inside. A few hours later, he died peacefully in his brooder. It is believed his early departure was the result of some artifact stemming from his original injury, a serious head trauma that cost him his right eye when he was a fledgling.

Though saddened by his loss, we know he is now flying in the light, free from the darkness that had enveloped him.

We'll miss you, Barbosa...

A short stay with us, but one that touched us all.

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Two injured peregrines in our care were scheduled for surgery last week. Dr. Wyman, assisted by Jan and Lori Reger, did some repair work on a large female with two injured wings, and amputated the end of a wing on a little male bird. This week, we chronicle the operations.

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The little male is ready for anesthesia.

The mask goes on...

...and soon the bird is under.

The mask is removed and the sleeping bird is intubated.

As Dr. Wyman removes some feathers, Jan wraps his feet for safety.

Jan monitors as Dr. Wyman begins.

Skilled hands work quickly.

The damaged wing tip is removed.

Then the end is wrapped.

Fluids provide hydration lost from stress and bleeding.

While he's under, his talons get a trimming.

Lori helps Jan wrap him for warmth as he begins to wake up.

The intubation tube is carefully removed.

Lori provides warmth and support to the groggy bird.

"I'm awake now...mostly."

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The second falcon is a larger female with injury to both wings.

The big girl is next.

Once again, the mask is used.

The feet are wrapped in case the bird should suddenly wake from the anesthesia.

Jan notes the time the operation starts and keeps track of respiration and heart rate.

Teamwork is essential.

Another successful outcome!

This second operation was much less traumatic. The bird has damage to both wrists, but didn't require such an extensive amputation. Although neither will be releasable due to their flight being compromised, they will both survive many years and be great education/display birds when we place them.