Osprey Suffers Numerous Injuries From Air Pellets

The following story about an osprey was shared with us by Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Florida.

This osprey was found grounded and admitted to our wildlife rehabilitation center. The initial exam found a swollen left shoulder, a broken left wing, and wounds over the hips.

Radiographs determined that this bird had been shot with air pellets (found under the wounds over dorsal pelvis). The left ulna had a fracture at the distal end, and there were soft tissue injuries to the left shoulder.

Medical staff started the osprey on antibiotic therapy, anti-inflammatory and pain medication, in addition to overall supportive care. The veterinary team scheduled surgery to place an IM pin into the broken bone to stabilize the fracture while the break heals. The fracture was further supported in the first 14 days with a figure-eight bandage to minimize stress on the healing bone.

Physical therapy was preformed every other day by staff to help the bird regain range of motion and minimize scar tissue adhesions. The osprey also underwent class IV laser therapy to promote blood flow, and reduce pain and inflammation.

During the initial three days in care, this bird refused to eat on its own. EmerAid IC Piscivore was used for tube feeding. Osprey are often difficult to teach to eat in captivity, but the staff worked diligently and were able to transition this bird to eating mullet and smelt unaided.

The osprey is responding well to treatments and in our mews for several more weeks. The next step is moving to our flight cages to work on reconditioning flight muscles.

We’re hopeful for a full recovery and to be able to release this bird back to its natural habitat soon.