End of the week thread.
Update: When I drove up to our four way this AM, I could see one eaglet flapping hard and lifting off the nest 2-3 feet. I'd say the fledge is getting close for our oldest one, and the other two not far behind...
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New Nest 1224 pm - Scout arrives with some bedding. He moves the straw like material about. 1226 pm - Scout picks up the squirrel pe...
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Sunday thread.
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Fresh thread.
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11/4 526 PM visit a short one min video 617am Bella arrives first Trills from the attic before landing Then Shep show Lots of sti...
330 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 330 of 330Eagle Lover: Is the damage cause by the disease reversible with treatment, or is surgery necessary?
Ed Clark: We don't know yet, at least about the curve of the beak. We know that we have to get that growth off the beak...the easy part....and out of the sinus cavity....the really hard part
that's nice weekend
mARGY: Are his chances for recovery good after treatment?
Ed Clark: We are in touch with veterinary sugeons who specialize in birds to be sure we can get as much of the growth as possible, but the little bird is still in a very precarious place.... If we can get rid of the growth, and the beak is not too deformed, he has a good chance.
trish: This virus is carried by mosquitos?
Ed Clark: As I understand it, we know that it is physically carried by mosquitoes, as opposed to some other kinds of virus carried in the systems of the mosquitoes, but I honestly don't know how easy it is to detect in those vectors. The mosquito basically just carries it from bird to bird, as opposed to being a reservoir....again, as I understand it.
Lefty: It was mentioned about the soft swelling on the roof of the mouth. Has this increased and gotten worse?
Ed Clark: Yes, it has gotten worse. We are now treating this virus using some of the same protocols and drugs used to treat HIV, including interferon. At $500 per bottle, we don't keep it on hand, but the drug arrived today and the treatment has been started. We hope this slows the growth of the lesion
Bee: What type of surgery is contemplated at this time? How extensive will it be (possibe removal of some of the beak)?
Ed Clark: The surgery will be extremely invasive to the side of the beak. What we don't know is the condition of the underlying bone. That is the real question at this point. A lot of people have suggested prosthetics, but that is unlikely to be our first choice, and may not be an option at all if the bone has eroded
bird watcher2: Is the eaglet in any pain or is he suffering in any way?
Ed Clark: No! The bird is comfortable and has actually been started on an anelgesic to control any pain. We have reason to believe that prior to the use of this pain control drug, the bird's beak had become sensitive. Pain is a stressor that can affect immunity so we want to control pain, just like controlling infection
Have fun at your wedding, Helen.
TracyLynn: Whats the probability of nest being infected, and would it affect the next clutch next year
Ed Clark: I really don't think that is likely to be the case, even though theoretically it is possible. This virus is in the environment anyway.
Artsy Mom: Is this chick in danger of expiring due to its condition and is it being quarantined to prevent spreading the virus?
Ed Clark: I am taking that as two questions..... Yes, the little bird's life still hangs in the balance. Just because we know what the problem is does not mean it is not still extremely grave. Second, it has been isolated to keep it away from other patients and insulated from stressful activities and noise
Might know, I have to leave during all of this. Going to daughters! Will be back later....late. Will have a lot of reading to do at that time.
Louise: Is it possible that some contaminants are in the area where the chick was born. also what about the possibility of tainted food he has been eating
Ed Clark: You have hit on a point that goes to the larger conservation concerns raised by this case. Yes, it is definitely possible that other pollutants or contaminants have cause this bird to be weak.... We are conducting tests for metals and pesticides now
tweety: Is there any possible connection between avian pox and the behavior of the paretns towards the intruder earlier this season? It seemed to be less agressive than expected.
Ed Clark: I'm not sure we can make that leap of logic. There are lots of reasons for birds to react aggressively or not. I don't know enough about what happened to speculate
kathy: How long can it be kept in captivity before being released into the wild becomes impossible?
Ed Clark: That is not our limiting factor. We have held eagles for more than a year before returning them to the wild.
Are we missing one of our eaglets, or am I blind???
Spidey's web very obvious today, too!
ostrich: Ed, one news report stated there are some new anti-viral therapies that might be used in this case. Can you elaborate on this at all, as I understood normally the options for directly treating the virus itself are limited (i.e. treatment consists of preventing other complications until the bird's own immune system can ward off the virus)
Ed Clark: We are using what are certainly unusual therapies for veterinary medicine....i.e. interferon, a human drug. We are investigating other things as well. There have been interesting studies showing that echinacea helps with immunity in raptors and we're even using that
Bless you Deb--can't get into Chat on this retarded/monitored 'puter at work!
HARDCOREEaglelover: Did you get the question about if the eaglet is likely to get more pox on him or if this one is the only one he will have to fight?
Ed Clark: We believe that, like most viruses, the body will develop anti-bodies to defend against future infection, much like people only get chicken-pox one time. I'm not sure that has been tested and proven, but we have no reason to believe otherwise
The third eaglet is right under the white thing that sticks out, you will see it move every once in awhile.
CatLuver: Untreated, what is the natural progression of AP?
Ed Clark: Untreated, and in "normal" cases, the lesions form much like warts, become inflamed and sometimes cause problems with vision or breathing, but eventually will subside if they do not overwhelm the victim. Eventually, the "warts" and lesions go away and leave only scars. It can take quite a while though.
Chris: Is the avia pox cutaneous or diphtheritic
Ed Clark: The test identifying it as pox did not "type" the virus. It makes no difference to us in the treatment protocol whether it is "dry" pox or "wet" pox. Treatment is identical.
The eaglet is directly under the camera at the tree.
tweety: Have any results been released on the two eggs removed from the nest? Were they tested for avian pox?
Ed Clark: I do not know. That question will have to go to the state agency or to the Center for Conservation Biology. We were not involved in that.
Thanks, Sharon, just walked back in and checked the cam and blog...eaglet playing Spunky's tune, eh?
christina: When treatment is done and hopefully sucessful will the eaglet be relesaed back in this area?
Ed Clark: It is too soon to speculate, but the release site will likely be determined by where we can find a concentration of other young eagles. They learn a great deal from each other.....and they steal food from each other until they learn to fish on their own. For young birds like this, we often choose the bald eagle refuge on the James River where a very large number of juveniles concentrate.
Ed Clark: We are a long way from planning that event, though
Where is Spunky, Where is Spunky? :)
EagleWatcher: is he being watched 24hrs a day
Ed Clark: No, there is no reason to do so. Watching him actually ads stress to the bird. He really just eats, sleeps and poops, so it is not much for spectators at this moment. He is checked regularly, but is not under constant surveillance.
Skipper: If the virus has affected the growth of the eaglet's beak, once the growth is removed, will the beak "fix" itself or will they have to do some kind of reconstructive surgery? If the surgeons have to reconstruct the beak, will the eaglet be released to the wild?
Ed Clark: Great questions, but we can't really answer them yet. If the beak is not too badly deformed, we can correct it somewhat by grinding the tip of the beak to put pressure on the short side...much like an orthodontist does with braces. If it is really bad, something more will be required. We don't know yet
jwnix: Is it in a location where it can at least hear the adult bald eagles in the center? and once you determine no longer contagious, might they share space....and adults could teach him "life skills for eagles"?
Ed Clark: No, the bird is insulated from outside sounds, including eagles. Unlike songbirds who must learn vocalizations, eagles don't really need that. We may move him to a cage with other eagles in the future, but for now, we are working to be sure he even has a future.....
He is really hiding now, You can't even see a little of him. (or her)
Hardcore Heart: do you have any idea how long chick has been infected then ( or has this already been addressed?)
Ed Clark: We were told the lesion was noticed on day 14, but that means it may have been infected during its first few days of life.
I know, Deb...I looked back on the tape and saw a wing come out once and that's all.
jbcaprine: Is he being fed with an "eagle puppet," to insure that he's not being imprinted by humans?
Ed Clark: This bird is too old for the "imprinting" process at this stage. We are looking for a feeding puppet, but have simply been feeding him "blind"....that is using long tongs and not allowing him to see humans much at all.
joann: Given his age would a surrogate bond with him?
Ed Clark: Yes, probably, but the bonding is less important than the association... We don't need the surrogate to feed this guy, just to hang out and show him "eagle stuff", including appropriate reactions when people enter the cage, and what to do with a fish.
Skipper: I understand that surgery is scheduled in a few days. If the virus is growing rapidly, why was the surgery not performed right away?
Ed Clark: The surgery is not just a matter of lopping off the external growth. There is almost as much growth inside the sinuses as on the outside. We are currently giving anitbiotics and anti-fungals to prepare the bird for surgery, by eliminating the chance of secondary infections. We also needed to build up his weight to withstand the anesthesia for what will undoubtedly be a long procedure
Even when I know they are there, I still get a little edgy thinking "what if?"
Deb - this is what Spunky used to do...drove us crazy!
kathy: Do you think environmental factors have perhaps weakened its immune system?
Ed Clark: It is a very real possibility that environmental factors may have contributed to the problem, though we have not identified any specific smoking gun. We are awaiting results for heavy metals and pesticides as we speak.
Aha, there's our eaglet!
Yup, Sharon, I was just about to go look at the tape again...
Poop shoot!
Hope that doesn't mean take off time!
hardcore jamie: Since he was the 5th egg for our pair, would this have any possible relation to his being sick or prone to sickness?
Ed Clark: No, it is not the "runt" of the clutch. Immunity is usually conveyed to the chicks after they hatch, not before.
Lots of good questions today
bev: I f he cannot be released into the wild will you keep him as an educator bird(what a ambassodor he is already}
Ed Clark: If he cannot be released, we will evaluate his future at that time. I do not want anyone to think that euthanasia is not among the possible outcomes of this case. We are trying desperately to save this little bird and get his back to the wild. If we can't life in captivity is possible. However, we will not condemn him to 30 years of suffering. He will have to have a good quality of life
Ed Clark: That is what makes our jobs so hard.....options
Ed Clark: and lack of options....
dee: Mr Clark, is this little eaglet the most famous you have cared for at the Center today?
Ed Clark: I would have to say that of our 50,000 patients treated, none ever came with a fan club before! It doesn't really affect our decisionmaking, but it does add significance to the outcomes. We want to save the bird, and avoid breaking the hearts of all who care so much about him
Ed Clark: including all of us!
MJ: Is the avian pox linked to West Nile?
Ed Clark: No, not at all.
Has there been any other cases of avian pox that is similar to what WCV is dealing with when it ocmes to the eaglet?
Ed Clark: We have treated avian pox, and variations of it, for many years. However, we have never seen anything like this. It almost grows before our eyes....
That is too funny about the fan club!!
HARDCORE TRACY: is it possible to put cam on baby so we can monitor him?
Ed Clark: At this point, we are discussing it, but we have not determined how to do that, or honestly if it really is the best thing for the bird. He is being kept in a very low light environment to keep him sleepy, so a cam is not likely to be very effective. If we get through the surgery and have a prospect of recovery, we might consider it.
Ed Clark: keep in mind we'll admit 500 other patients this month as well!
HARDCORE TRACY: Do you think the parents knew something was wong with him?
Ed Clark: This is the last question. I do not think the parents had any reason to be aware of the problem with the baby. He was eating well and growing normally.
Ed Clark: Thanks to everyone for joining. We'll talk with WVEC and see if another special chat can be arranged if there is more to tell. Thanks to all of you.
wvec-moderator: Thanks to Ed Clark from the Wildlife Center of Virginia for taking the time to answer some questios about the eaglet today.
wvec-moderator: Next week, we will hold another live chat session with Stephen Living, wildlife biologist from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
wvec-moderator: Steve will recap the eagles’ 2008 season at Norfolk Botanical Garden, and answer your questions about Eagle Cam and other ecological issues.
wvec-moderator: Check the Eagle Cam page on WVEC.com later for the date and time of the next chat session.
I liked it when he answered the camera question with, "we don't know if it is the best thing for the bird". I was happy to hear that they think in those terms.
I am really grateful that they are thinking in terms of the best interest of Buddy. Wow, 500 more patients this month?
WOW, DEB...thank you sooo much for printing all the comments for us. I was tired from helping my Mom with her gardening this morning and laid down while waiting on the CHAT to begin and fell asleep...After reading what you related to us, I feel like I was there Live. You are a special Lady.
My question about why they didn't remove the growth immediately, was asked and answered. Now I know. They wanted to build up Buddy so he could withstand anesthesia.
My question is what if they have to do surgery pretty soon because mass is too invasive & the pox has not completely "run it's course"?(Maybe the Interferon will shut it down. Plz, plz)
Could some more mass grow requiring 2nd surgery?
Guess we'll have to tune in!!
Mine was answered, too. I sure hope the treatment works. It is also nice to know that he isn't in any pain.
Fabulous job, deb. You really took care of us in the "Fan Club."
Thanks so much. It was a really educational forum.
I learned a lot, as I am sure we all did. Glad I could do it.
How do you like my new avatar?
:):)
I like it, whose talons are they?? I liked your juvenile eagle soaring overhead, also.
Update from the Wildlife Center
UPDATE: May 30 2008, 12 noon
by Dr. Mark Ruder at the Wildlife Center of Virginia
The eaglet continues to gain weight and enjoys both mice and fish. Unfortunately, the pox lesion is continuing to grow and is now involving the hard palate. We think that this is causing some discomfort, as the bird occasionally refuses to eat and must be force-fed. Furthermore, the mass is causing a mal-alignment of the beak, meaning that the upper and lower beak do not line up perfectly. We have started the bird on a pain medication and will monitor it closely. We are beginning another medication today - interferon - to help stimulate the bird's immune response. As recovery from avian pox is dependent on the individual bird's immune system, a healthy and vibrant immune response by the eagle is needed.
Those are Buddy's eagle talons! Found the pic at NBG waiting for the chat to start! Aren't they cute!
Yes, they are!
DEB---I can't thank you enough!!---I had to go to bank, etc. & I now just finished reading your comments!----You are GOOD!---I--too, was glad to read---ONLY WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE BIRD!!---THANKS--THANKS!
I haven't seen any eaglets at BWE today
The update from Dr. Ruder is close to what I had read earlier!!---a
Thanks, Deb. we'll just have to hope for the best. At least we know they'll do what's right for the eaglet. Two loons visible on the loon cam right now.
Paula, I thought those talons belonged to some biker "chick". If enlarged, you see black leather jacket sleeves!! :>))
Back to work...
See an eaglet tail at BWE on the left branch
Deb thanks for the commentary on Buddy. I was out most of the day and just read it. Good questions and answers. Prayers for little Buddy. Paula I saw one eaglet in BWE this morning and one osprey in BWO. Think the osprey was female. Could not get a good look.
How could I forget to tell you all this. We were driving on B&A Parkway. Drive it several times a week. We got to a bridge with river under it and I looked and saw a bird. It flew from the water to a tree. White head and white tail. I thought what kind of bird is that. Went OMG it is an eagle. Beautiful.
Kids better get the place picked up before Mom and Dad get home...sticks everywhere!
How Cool, Ceil. Didn't that just make your day! :)
Note on Colorado website....but cam appears to be working to me!
We are pleased to report that the nest and family of eagles, survived the May 22 storm just fine, but the camera equipment was damaged, taking down our Cam for the remainder of the season. The camera equipment will be replaced this fall.
From CO forum
Thanks everyone for your support and understanding. GOOD NEWS!!! The Colorado Div. of Wildlife allowed me to walk to the eaglecam transmitter today for a "short" visit. I found that one of our solar charged 12 volt batteries was bad, dragging the voltage down on the other two. So, I did a quick wiring change and we are back on line. The images prove the birds are doing quite well. So, with any luck at all, we should be good to go for the rest of the season.
it did make my day Paula. I was just going to say my CO cam was working. The other day it was off so I had not checked it. Good news from CO. Oops forgot to pick up the dry cleaning. Got to go talk later.
Wonder if the kids are watching all the cars go home?
Heading home...cya later!
Incoming, grab made, think someone has some food, and it ain't the parent who just took off
Yummy sushi dinner!
Parent in our nest. Deb thank you so much for the NBG report from the "Fan Club" The questions were really specific and answers were very knowledgeable. I wasn't home -
I WENT TO OUR NEST!!! They were all 3 there when I left & still there when I got home. My heart was in my throat there along the roadside when I saw those wings flapping and all the jumping! It is also scary when you are down below looking upward.. They are so large and man they are getting a lot of air between them and their nest.
I was actually there to get to the gift store to pick up some trinkets since it will be closed next Saturday when we visit. Also checking out parking at day care - not to visible - too far from the nest.
Eaglets getting fed but they sure do get ugly about it sometimes.
Tug of war between Belle and one of the eaglets and of course, Belle won!!
I am off to see if I can get Norma a Hillary button, BBL.
You're a good gal Deb.
Norma would be so pleased!
Jo, we should just park along the road next to the nest like we did the first time.
Finally got the mowing done and dogs fed...
Do you reckon we could attach all the eagle canes together next week and knock Spidey off the cam?
Looked at Delta and it looks like a "heavy" tan bag or something in the nest in front of the 3 chicks!?
Funny thing is it doesn't move much in the wind. Scarecrow???
Sharon, That's a great idea. (Did I hear a sneeze?) I have a Park hiking stick that's almost as tall as me. Maybe I could mail it!!!
At Delta, could that be a large dinner dish?
Good night everyone.
Gnite Ceil
I ran around too much today!
Headed in & calling it a day!
Good Night Everyone
Peace to You & Yours
Goodnight Ceil.
Good Night Jo, I'll bet you have SWEET EAGLE dreams tonight!
Good Night to everyone hitting the "feather pillows"!
A BEAUTIFUL site is one on the beakspeak list--the Black Stork--Kurepesa. If you go to Beakspeak page, it's listed under nests w/eggs. 3 tall chicks now.
Try to go find a Ferry!
I am home and Norma will be a happy woman when she sees what I got for her.
Deb, we got home just a little while ago. I have been reading the blog. Thank you, so very much!!!!! Wow! That was very interesting. I was thinking about Buddy today. This is one little baby eagle and all of this is being done for him. I do think they will do what is best for him. What rotten luck to have this happen to him, but we know he won't suffer. Just pray the surgery and meds work!!!
It was very interesting to hear everything they are doing and that they are putting the bird first in their decisions. We were worried about that.
I think the item in the Delta nest is a plastic bag of some sort. It seems like you can see through it. Or maybe it is tissue paper, no that would tear too easily. Whatever it is, it is thin.
I was thinking it looked like batting of some kind. Adult eagle landed on it, it did not make any kind of sound.
Delta is such a good cam. You are right there!
Oh, that is so cute! They look like they are looking over the edge of the nest and looking down at something.
You could be right, I didn't hear any noise either.
They are starting to move around more now. I like to watch them use their wings for balancing.
I could sit and watch those two forever. Did you see the one pick up some leftovers? He picked at it, then gave up and went back to the other side of the nest.
Guess I am going to go watch the news. BBL
OK I'm still alive! Moved into the new place, just some odds and ends to finish up at the old house... kittens are doing great and going to new homes soon!
Avian pox: VERY contagious and can be fatal, especially in young birds. However, if a bird gets a mild case of it and survives, it will have antibodies to fight it off in the future. Pox and canker are two of the nasties diseases we see as wild bird rehabbers....
Ferry cam wouldn't refresh while I was away--no boat.
Mystery item in Delta nest has some flies on it. If it's empty bag, it would have blown away! Maybe parent went grocery shopping! lol
Gonna see news too--if I conk out,
Good Night to all & Thx again Deb for being transcriber!
Another Friday night and another tummy full of crab legs. Gonna put me to bed.
GOOD NIGHT EVERYONE
SLEEP TIGHT
PRAYERS
All is calm at both Finland nests, Delta has gotten dark, I am ready to call it quits. Nite all! Good morning Early Birds!!!!
GOOD NIGHT ALL EAGLE LOVERS.
Looking forward to a happy weekend.
C(°ï®¡°)D
Jim
Okay, I just got up, looked at the computer and only saw 2 eaglets. Had a little failure, rewound the rp and the third was hiding at Spunky's spot! Man, heart pumping here.
Parent just arrived, don't think there was food and flew right back off.
Good morning all. Happy Birthday Jim. Hope you have a great day. BWE parent in nest with two eaglets. BWO ospre in nest. Our nest three and flapping.
Good morning Ceil. They are giving me heart attacks this morning! :)
I have to go out for a while. Keep an eye out but I don't think today is the day!
I was thinking the same thing Sharon. Giving me heart attacks and don't seem stable enough to fly.
off to get some breakfast. Eaglets waiting for breakfast.
BHi...my dd and I were watching rp.....and I was reading the blog MG! an eaglet almost left the nest accidently! he had to fight to hang on....I mean like right at the edge!
I keep telling them to be careful, but they don't listen to me!
Weather could be dicey in the Eastern Panhandle and surrounding areas, thunderstorms, maybe high winds and hail, and Weather Service does not rule out a possibility for a tornado...please all be careful. Heading for the roost with pillows now for some "feather dreams" (credit naturenut for that one.) Just got off a 12-hour shift, have to sleep through the Eagle Action today.
Where's breakfast? the kids are hungry!
GOOD MORNING EVERYONE...
MAGPIE, do you remember the tornado we had about 10 years ago?
I was outside in my flower garden and I heard a noise out on Shepherdstown Rd. that sounded like a Jet Airplane. The wind suddenly hit here with a frightning gust, which made me go in the house. I turned the TV on and learned that a tornado was in our area. It touched down on the OTHER side of Shepherdstown Rd. and did quite a bit of vegetation damage.
There was also another tornado that touched down in Bunker Hill. That one did quite a bit of damage to houses there.
So, all of us in the Eastern Panhandle...keep a watch out today; it can happen here!
MOrning, all.
Rewound the tape..parent did show up about 2 hours ago, but was empty taloned!
Didn't stay very long! In & Out!
Was watching some wing flapping earlier...I think Tiny is the one with the most white in his tail feathers.
They are really doing a lot of practice of hanging onto the sticks in the nest with their talons.
Both eaglets at BWE
New Thread.....
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Okay, it is storming in S-town and instead of the babies hunkering down, they are flapping all over the daggone place. My heart cannot take this!
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