Orange Beach Wildlife Center Releases Special Patient

Orange Beach Wildlife Center Releases Special Patient

The pictured juvenile red-tailed hawk presented a unique case for the Orange Beach Wildlife Center staff. He was found sitting in a field, unable to fly because all of his feathers had been burned, assumably as a result of the bird falling into a methane burner. Landfill burners are typically located in excellent rodent habitat, which in turn attracts a variety of raptors (especially young raptors). Birds that are perched on or flying over a burner can be killed or seriously injured when a flame ignites. Raptors also face some similar threats, such as electrocution, however those injuries typically have a visible entry and exit wound. The treatment was to allow the bird to molt out all of its burnt feathers and grow new ones, a long process. After many months in OBWC care, the bird molted out all of his burnt feathers and grew in his adult plumage. Before being released in November, the red tailed hawk was fitted with a silver USGS federal bird band. (Photo by Nenah Demunster).