Frightful's been at it again! New COOL sighting, post 191

[sfw2]

I didn't really think the vet would be much help, just that they might know somebody who could.

 

[suburbanminifarm]

Call an avian vet, they should be able to answer questions on the phone. If no avian vet, try one that claims "all creatures" or "exotic specialist"

 

[Countrywife]

I know someone who does bird rescue. If you pm me your number I will pass it to her and see if she can help.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

If you were closer, I'd suggest Wildheart Ranch rescue. You may want to try and contact her. She will be able to give some VERY helpful advice and possibly be able to give you ideas as to who to contact.

http://www.wildheartranch.org/

 

[bargain]

Call your DNR....they should have a rescue group....What a beautiful picture in my mind that your rescue did! You are so cool!

Thank God for good folks like you.....

 

[OccamsTazer]

This is such a cool story! I hope you find someone to help you, and I hope your hawk gets better.

What about your local zoo? If he's old or has a permanent injury, they might could let him be an education animal, he'd have a nice "retirement home" there

 

[mstricer]

You should call the humane society for the number to the wildlife people in your area in some areas it could be against the law to harbor falcons. We had a injured green heron in yard and the humane society directed us to a refuge center in our area. and thats where he resides due to wing damage.

 

[wegotchickens]

I named the hawk Frightful, after he hawk in the book My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George. Turned out to be a good name

I left the house for my doctor appointment and then went to work for few hours so that I'd leave her alone. When I got home she was resting quietly with her head tucked under her wing. And I had one of those 'Duh!' moments and called Ijams Nature Center. They referred me to a very smart lady in Oak Ridge, Katie at the Clinch River Raptor Center.

Katie let my daughter and I stay with her while she examined Frightful. She is fairly sure that Frights is a female, a little over 2 years of age (based on tail & eye color). There were no broken bones, but Frightful is VERY emaciated, and has external and therefor internal, parasites. Damage to Frightful's foot and beak support my theory that she was hit by a car. Nothing broken, just some bad bruising. But the damage I noticed to her feet/legs that made me think age was actually from spending a LOT of time on the ground recently.
katie flat out told me that had I not gotten Frightful today she'd have been dead by tomorrow morning (we've had an all-day rain and really low temps tonight).

Katie let me feel Frightful's keel bone and chest, and even I could tell there was nothing there. She's literally feather and bone. That, and the fact that I was able to catch her at all, are considered bad signs. The only way Frightful will survive is if her organs don't start to shut down. She will be on liquids/electrolytes for 7-10 days, and slowly 'weaned' back onto solid food if she makes it.
In Frightful's favor are her very clear attentive eyes, and the fact that while I was gone this afternoon, she nestled into a more comfortable position and slept with her head tucked under her wing. That means she felt safe and was comfortable (that gave me warm fuzzies).

I will get e-mails to let me know if she makes it, and how she's doing. And should she recover completely I will be invited to her release. You can bet I will be praying for that day EVERY day.
My life has been really rough the past six months. Tonight is the most peace my heart and soul have felt for a very long time. No matter what happens, holding Frightful and helping her was like touching Heaven's gates. I am so very very thankful that I found someone I absolutely trust to take good care of her. All part of the Big Guy's master plan, I'm thinking.

Meet Frightful:

Asleep, with her head tucked under her wing:

That's a box that reams of paper come in, and you can see how she fills it. Hopefully that gives an indication of her size.

 

[sfw2]

You did a wonderful thing. And the circumstances were pretty wonderful, too. Makes you think, doesn't it?

I hope you'll keep us posted on any progress reports.

God bless.

 

[wegotchickens]

Yes, Alison, the circumstances were pretty wonderful. It makes me feel very hopeful that she'll pull through.

Sure, I'll post any updates. Sure do want it to be good news!