Over the years, we have stepped in to assist other rescues with the care and rehabilitation of wild birds of prey. We recently received a call from concerned member of the public regarding a Red Kite with a broken wing.
X-ray showing the broken wing
This Red Kite was ringed and wing tagged, and was part of a study population near the Chilterns. It had been held by another rescue for a period of time after seeking advice from their own veterinarian. The broken tibia (wing) healed itself, but was misaligned. When we received the bird, we immediately called Dr Elliott Simpson-Brown for advice, as to whether the break was fixable and what the long-term implications were for the bird.
Elliot and Jess checking the wing.
Elliott was able to pay us a visit and watched the Kite flying in the largest of our Hospital aviaries. It seemed able to get around, but we needed a better assessment. Thankfully the Sanctuary was quiet for the day, so the team attached temporary falconry equipment to the bird and were able to release it on our Flying Ground with a creance (long thin line) to allow the bird to demonstrate it’s flying ability.
Red Kites are aerial acrobats as they frequently steal food from other birds in mid-air and it’s important that the bird has full mobility before released. Elliott was pleased to see the bird seemed able to fly, but was a little concerned about lack of fitness. After a thorough examination at SOS with our own vet, it was decided that surgery was not the best option as the bird was able to maintain vertical flight well, and access high perches. The bone had already callused which also added complications.
Fortunately, we have good relationships with other rescues, and reached out to another rescue who have a large flight aviary which is useful for larger birds such as Kites to build up fitness after a period of rehabilitation.
The Red Kite is able to get around in the aviary
This Red Kite will be transferred to a large flight aviary to assess and build fitness before its imminent release.