By Yvonne Wallace Blane | Co-founder, Fellow Mortals
It’s nearing summer’s end, and late-nesting songbirds have fledglings on the ground; squirrels and rabbits are raising their last litters before winter. New patients continue to arrive daily when unintended conflicts occur.
While the earth teems with new life in the trees and on the ground, humans are preparing for fall -- cutting, burning, landscaping and mowing -- which is how many wild ones are accidentally injured and need to come into care.
Sadly, as so many wild ones are just beginning their lives, we’re witness to many others who are struggling to survive, arriving at the hospital emaciated, dehydrated, lethargic; some lack any awareness of their surroundings, some seem to be blind, others stumble and are unable to stand or fly — all symptoms of what has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in the past.
WNV is now documented in hundreds of species of birds and mammals. Since its discovery in crows in the late 1990’s, WNV affects more and more species every year, and every year different species are hit harder than others.
At Fellow Mortals, it was barred owls that were first affected, then crows. This year has been particularly hard on eagles, red-tailed hawks, Cooper's hawks, crows, and blue jays.
There is no treatment for WNV. Supportive care is all we can provide, trying to keep our patients comfortable and nourished while they weather the virus. Fluids, tube-feeding nutrition, and anti-inflammatories are standard, with supplemental oxygen providing some relief for the most critical patients -- but survival ultimately comes down to the individual. Where one red-tailed hawk will survive, another will not, despite receiving exactly the same care.
Wildlife rehabilitation is hard on our hearts when we know that no matter what we do, it may ultimately not be enough – which is why when a bird suddenly turns a corner and ‘wakes up’ it is amazing and wonderful to witness.
The bald eagle pictured is one such success story. The pictures tell her story and give us Reason to Hope.
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