Federal and State wildlife scientist work with the Witter Wildlife Refuge studying a partially paralyzed American Kestrel Falcon. Photo By Cyndi Orr

I recently had a rescue call for  an American Kestrel that was found at the side of the road. It was conscious but partially paralyzed.   My first thought was that it had been hit by a car and was suffering from a concussion which can cause everything from blindness to paralysis. 

After a hand fed meal, some recuperation time and closer examination back at the Wildlife Refuge it became obvious this poor thing had a more serious problem.  His paralysis effected his talons, feet and legs.  Everything else seemed normal.  His vision was fine, he ate well when offered food and his wings were fully operational.

I have had six other birds come in with the same symptoms over the past few months.  In each case the bird only survived about a week.   As a State  licensed wildlife rehabilitaor I have to keep records of all the animals and their circumstances for the Game and Fish Commission.  In cases like this when multiple birds exhibit unusual problems an investigation is started to try to determine the cause.

Birds are protected by both State and Federal Laws so agencies from both are notified and in this instance have become involved. Necropsies are conducted on the dead birds and if illegal activity such as poisoning is suspected Wildlife Officers are dispatched to start an investigation.

It is too soon to know what is causing this problem but a similar situation occurred several years ago that turned out to be botchulism.  In that instance a chicken house was illegally disposing of dead chickens in an open pit.  Rains and decomposing chickens created  a pool of botchulism.  Anything that ate or drank from the disposal site had the potential to catch and spread  the dangerous illness.   Even birds miles away that never came near the site died if they ate insects that had visited the pit.  Fines and penalties can result if it is determined human negligence is at fault.

American Kestrels are fascinating birds.  Although it is sometimes called a sparrow hawk it is actually a Falcon.  The American Kestrel is a raptor (bird of prey) and is the smallest Falcon in North America.   It is also the most common often seen perched on power lines.

Falcons are the fastest of all raptors.  Kestrels can fly over 40 miles an hour making them capable of overtaking and catching other birds.  Dive speeds are even faster. The Peregrine is the fastest of all falcons with a dive speed of over two hundred miles an hour.  Needless to say they are rarely hit by cars as their speed and maneuverability protect them from the slow moving 70 mph cars.

They have three distinct methods of hunting: hovering, perch hunting, and coursing.  Hovering involves flapping wings to remain stationary until prey is spotted.  Perch hunting occurs from an observation perch. Kestrels can spot prey over 900 feet away (3 football fields).  Coursing is low flying generally over a field.  Kestrels eat large insects, rodents,bats, amphibians, and birds. Kestrels have been known to store food for future use when it is plentiful.

Kestrels are monogamous choosing one mate for life.  It is not uncommon for them to spend time apart in the winter then reunite in the Spring.  Males like to winter in woodland areas with dense vegetation whereas the ladies prefer open habitat with short vegetation.  Its not the most romantic way to spend winter but by living apart in different areas they are less likely to depleat each others food supply during the harsh months.  The males usually return to the nesting area first to establish their territory and the gals show up a few days later.

Males select nest cavities but the Female makes the final decision after inspecting the options he offers. Kestrel nests have been found over 300 feet above ground level. 

During courtship the males perform aerial displays, vocalizations, and male to female food passing in addition to the nest selection dates. After the eggs are laid the male helps incubate the nest by relieving the females in the morning and evening. Once the nestling hatch the male provides food for the family the first 7 to 10 days after which the female assists.

Once again as with so many animals, people could learn a lot about  good behavior and manners from them.

BAMBOO SEARCH
We are trying to locate a source of wild bamboo to transplant to the wildlife refuge to naturalize some of the animal habitats.  It is well suited to the wolf, deer and bobcat areas.  Anyone wishing to donate bamboo is encouraged to call.

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