Small bird of prey found

denizkisi


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 196

Message Posted:
18/01/2009 14:08

Does anyone know of a bird society in North Cyprus? We have just found a small bird of prey (some sort of hawk) that seems to have had its wings clipped, We have put it in a cardboard box - but haven't a clue what to do with it.

Krin52


Joined: 25/08/2008
Posts: 419

Message Posted:
18/01/2009 14:18

There's a guy in the south, Martin Hellicar of Bird Life Cyprus who may be able to advise you



martin.hellicar@birdlifecyprus.org.cy

denizkisi


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 196

Message Posted:
18/01/2009 14:28

Thanks I have just emailed him.

Lilli



Joined: 21/07/2008
Posts: 13081

Message Posted:
18/01/2009 19:03

hi deni thank god you found him before he found the poision. hope you get help . tthey all need the help they can get. This is what wories me this island has so uch natural beauty and with the wonderful flora and fauna and the wildlife wouldnt you think they would want to preserve it and nututre it. what a trap for tourists then. when will they learn

denizkisi


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 196

Message Posted:
19/01/2009 12:14

Thanks Lilli, I managed to get hold of a man who gave me some advice, but sadly there are no sanctuaries here for wild birds. The good news is, he ate some raw chicken liver this morning. He has been given a 50/50 chance, so lets keep our feathers crossed!!!

ozankoys


Joined: 20/06/2008
Posts: 905

Message Posted:
19/01/2009 15:42

Stephanie who works with Pertev the vet at Hospetal (near Passport Restaurant) is a bird specialist, maybe she can help?

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
19/01/2009 16:25

Mrs Berry



Years ago I used to be the local 'bird man' who everyone brought their 'casualties' to.



The majority pass away due to shock or lack of correct feeding. Don't be upset if the hawk doesn't make it, it's natures way.



Hawks, like owls etc, do not survive well in a cardboard box, they are best on a perch to keep them alert. You presumably dont have a cage, the next best thing is a room which can be closed off with a suitable perch. Even a wooden broom handle or small branch, taped to an armchair will do well. If it is taking food from you that's a good sign, if it's lethargic you will have to prise it's beak open and forcibly, but gently, push small amounts of fresh meat down it's throat, maybe with a bit of throat massage to make sure it goes down.



If it has clipped wings it obviously means it has been a captive bird, so should be used to being with humans.



The downside is that if it survives and has clipped wings, you will not be able to release it.

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
19/01/2009 16:27

Any chance of you or a friend building a largish cage outside?



I'm in London, wish I was nearer to help.





Rob

denizkisi


Joined: 18/09/2008
Posts: 196

Message Posted:
19/01/2009 16:59

Thank you Rob, it is now in a cage, although rather small, it is eating and drinking well and hopefully will be in a larger cage very soon. I do not know how used to humans it is, but another "bird man" said that it could be released as soon as the flight feathers have grown back? I take on board what you say regarding releasing it though, I wonder if it knows how to hunt? Its hard to know what to do really. I think If we can keep him alive for the next week or so, we could maybe find him a suitable home? I hope so. Thank you for your help.

ROBnJO


Joined: 30/06/2008
Posts: 1289

Message Posted:
19/01/2009 17:19

Best of luck!



If you do consider releasing it, (always the best idea), it's best to release it near to where it was found, or in the closest rural area.

Flight feathers though, could take up to a year to regrow healthily.



If you are still handfeeding it, try leaving the food on the cage floor or perch to help it feed itself. If it does, that's a good sign!



Worse than babies Eh!



Rob