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Red tailed Hawk nestling grows up at Witter Wildlife Refuge
Photo by Author
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Words For Wildlife
by State licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator, James Orr
KESTEREL FALCON NESTLING
The baby Kesterel falcon I am caring for was rescued from a dead tree that was cut down for removal. The nestling was discovered inside the hollow tree trunk along with one other sibling that did not survive the event. When I met him he was almost entirely white, covered with fluffy down like a walking cue-tip. In the week since he has shed most of his down and his brand new pin feathers are starting to show his true colors.
For a little guy he is surprisingly self sufficient. Unlike most nestlings that require food placed down their gullet by the parent, this fella is happy with a simple home delivery. If I place chopped up pieces of meat in his cage he feeds himself. He even cleaned a chicken thigh to the bone the other day.
I knew from my training that all birds keep a clean nest. Part of the parents job is to remove baby bird messes from the nest. Most babies make it fairly easy by eliminating their waste in a sack like film making it easy to pick up and remove.
My training never mentioned the fact that baby hawks are capable of keeping their nest clean all by themselves. They do this by standing up and launching their waste 5 to 10 feet with a powerful squirt. Can you say super soaker?
A word to the wise, never stand behind a baby falcon when he stands up.
DONATIONS NEEDED If you would like to help any donation amount it is greatly appreciated. Donations should be made out to Witter Wildlife Refuge and can be sent to P.O. Box 1118, Huntsville AR 72740.
See web page under "HOW YOU CAN HELP" for specific ways you can help us help wildlife
