The following story was shared with us by the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation in Alberta, Canada.
This raptor was admitted to the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation on September 30, 2020, weighing 370 grams (about 0.8 pounds). On intake she was found to have had all her flight feathers on her left wing cut off, likely by a swather (a type of harvesting machine), and she was very thin.
A blood test was run to confirm emaciation. Once confirmed, the patient was started on a re-feeding protocol. First, she was given several rounds of fluids. Once she was sufficiently rehydrated, she was tubed EmerAid Intensive Care Carnivore three times a day for several days until starting solid foods.
Northern harriers tend to be very high stress in care, so steps were taken to reduce her stress levels and handling. Once she was stable and at a sufficient weight, the veterinarian took radiographs to ensure she had no other injuries.
By November, she gained a significant amount of weight, sitting at 650 grams (about 1.4 pounds), and was in very good body condition. Due to her having had her left flight feathers sheared, she had to stay in care until she underwent a molt. In order to make her more comfortable and balanced, she underwent feather imping/feather repair in which she had the left primary and secondary feathers of a previously deceased Northern harrier used to replace her own cut feathers.
Currently this patient is still in care until she finishes molting, at which time she can be released.