Last week I glossed over the actual information gathered during a raptor health check. This week I wanted to go into more depth about what we examine and what that tells us about the bird’s overall health.

The very first piece of information collected is the bird’s weight. The weight combined with the amount of muscle on a bird’s keel (similar to the breastbone in humans) are the first indicators of whether the bird is healthy. Any significant loss of weight or muscle may indicate there is problem that should be looked into further.

The feet and talons also need to be examined. Since our birds are in captivity their talons (aka their claws) sometimes become overgrown. Not only can this be uncomfortable for the bird but overgrown talons can puncture their feet. These wounds can lead to a bacterial infection known as Bumblefoot. That’s why a bird’s talons need to be trimmed regularly, just like people trim cats and dogs claws.

Since most of the raptors at the Sanctuary have wing injuries, it is important that we check the site of their injury. If the wound is open, the enclosure should be rearranged to prevent further harm. We also examine the feathers at this time. If the feathers appear chewed up, it is a sign that the bird has feather mites and should be treated with a broad spectrum anti-parasite medication.

Finally we look at their head including eyes, ears, and mouth. In the mouth we look for any discoloration (sign of infection) or dryness (sign of dehydration). We also examine the eyes for damage and make sure the bird can blink properly. The very last thing is to put the bird back in its cage after the ordeal.

Great Horned Owl being wrapped for a health check

Just like humans go to the doctor for a yearly physical, the captive birds of prey here at the Bird Sanctuary also have physicals, only theirs are monthly. Each week a health check is performed on one to two of the raptors, depending on when the birds were last examined. While I have observed the procedure before, this past week I performed a check and captured a bird from its enclosure for the first time.

Luckily I started off with the smallest bird of prey on the property, the Eastern Screech Owl. I put on my leather gloves (he may be small but his talons are sharp) and walked a bit hesitantly into his enclosure. But there was nothing to worry about, all I had to do was lift the lid on his box and reach my hand inside. Even though he put up a fight I didn’t feel anything with the gloves. Then he was taken to the research building so that we (two people are needed for a health check) could record his weight, inspect for damaged feathers, and make sure there was nothing noticeably wrong with the bird.

After my trial run with the owl I moved onto larger prey: two Red-tailed Hawks. My thin leather gloves wouldn’t protect me from their talons. I needed thick Kevlar lined gloves instead. I’ll admit it was a challenge to catch the birds. While neither of the birds can fly, they are quick on their feet making them difficult to capture and the slick snow didn’t help. However, we eventually caught them and recorded their information. In both the hawk’s and owl’s case I’m sure they were very happy to be released.

I hope this gives a little insight into what it takes to maintain the health of some of the birds here at the sanctuary.

Examination of a Red-tailed Hawk's mouth during a routine health check

Hello again, all you readers. Well it’s my second full week here at Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and I am settling into a daily routine as the avian care intern (at least as routine as can be when everyday is slightly unique). With the recent snowfall new responsibilities are necessary to maintain the birds’ enclosures. I placed more pine boughs in some of the upland game bird display pens for additional protection during the winter weather. So if you’re having trouble finding the northern bobwhites, that’s my fault. They’re probably huddling together under the boughs in a rosette shape to keep warm.

Even though I’m not sure how the birds feel I personally love winter, the snow covered trees and glistening white ground. It’s a different world full of new discoveries. In the morning after the first real snow (at least since I’ve been here) I could see all the duck and goose footprints on Wintergreen Lake. Hundreds of tiny tracks scattered across the snow covered ice creates a charming scene.

Two Trumpeter Swans coming in for a landing on frozen Wintergreen Lake

Watching the waterfowl come in for a landing is also an entertaining sight to see.  The ducks almost make the descent look graceful. The way they slide to a stop on the ice, as if they were skating. The geese and Trumpeter Swans don’t have it so easy. As they circle over the lake looking for a place to land, they attempt to slow their momentum by gliding in. Even that doesn’t completely work so they have to use their wings as brakes making their entry appear clumsy. However for a lucky few the entry is all about a splash as they land in the small pools of open water created by the bubblers. Whether its geese prints in the snow or ice skating ducks, the bird sanctuary truly is a winter wonderland.

Hello. For all those people reading my post let me take a minute to introduce myself. My name is Heather Kraus and I am the new avian care intern at Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. For the next few months I will be helping the head animal caretaker with the daily responsibilities needed to maintain the health and welfare of the birds.

As a first timer in Michigan (I was born and raised in Pennsylvania), I was unfamiliar with the waterfowl that reside in the area, especially Trumpeter Swans. I had looked at pictures before my trip, but that didn’t prepare me for the first time I saw a Trumpeter Swan in the feathers. I will admit it was a bit of a shock. Did you know they’re the largest waterfowl native to North America? I didn’t (www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Trumpeter_Swan). Besides their size, I now understand where the name comes from. Their call sounds like a brass player warming up for a concert.

Two Trumpeter Swans swimming in Wintergreen Lake

Besides the permanent sanctuary residents there are many other backyard birds to observe. It may seem like most birds have flown south to escape the Michigan winter, but some brave birds still remain. Over the weekend I surveyed the tough individuals on the Sanctuary grounds. What I saw was expected: ducks, swans, geese, and a few resident songbirds. However, what I didn’t expect was such a massive number of ducks and geese. Wintergreen Lake was packed with CanadaGeese. I personally counted a little over 300 but I’m sure I missed some.

So if you’re interested in seeing some of the winter species, stop by for a visit. Walk the trails and survey the lake. You may see what I saw: a nuthatch crawling along the bark of a tree, a flash of cardinal red in the bushes, or a giant gaggle of geese. Just check out my postings every week to find out the recent bird sightings at KBS (http://www.kbs.msu.edu/visit/birdsanctuary/visitor-info/birds-at-kellogg-sanctuary).