California Eagles ~ Nov 2021 - 2025

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

A medical report on Victor from yesterday 7/13/22:

The Ojai Raptor Center
12 hrs ·
This morning, Bald Eagle patient 22-635, who was rescued Monday from Santa Cruz Island after having difficulty standing, had a full-body CT scan thanks to Dr. Michael Higgins and the staff at Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group. The scan did not show anything abnormal, but the test results have been sent to a radiologist for further evaluation.
In the meantime, the fledgling eaglet is still eating well and remains on medications. The patient remains alert but is still unable to stand. We are still waiting on results from a West Nile Virus test, a CDC blood panel, as well as a toxic heavy metal panel to look for other contaminants such as mercury or arsenic. The patient’s prognosis remains guarded while we try to determine the cause of the eagle’s symptoms.

Victor undergoing CT scan Veterinary Medical and Surgical Group.

:15heartbeat:

And an article from the Ventura County Star newspaper with photos:

Ventura County Star Newspaper on Victor and his rescue and treatment.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

Update on Victor of the Fraser Point nest from Ojai Raptor Center with photo and videos of his PT:

The Ojai Raptor Center
2 hrs ·
Physical therapy time! ORC staff Veterinarian Dr. Stephany Lewis uses this technique for physical therapy for our raptor patients, as well as an assessment and monitoring tool for animals with neurological diseases. Spinal trauma is extremely difficult to diagnose on avian radiographs, but should be visible on CT scan. The CT scan on this eagle performed at VMSG did not show any evidence of spinal trauma, though further review of the CT is still pending. A West Nile Virus PCR test and a toxic heavy metal blood panel are still pending and we will update as we know more about this case.

There is 1 photo and 4 very short, videos of Victor receiving PT at the Ojai Raptor Center. To advance and see all, just click the right arrow till you return to the original photo.

Beth · **Posted:** Sat Jul 16, 2022 12:52 pm

Thanks Swinwk!

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

This came out today from Ojai Raptor Center on Victor from the Fraser Point nest:

Photos x2 showing Victor partially standing. (Am trying to find out if there is an accompanying written update that follows up on his CT Scan and lab reports, etc. But so far, I am not finding anything.)

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

Have an update on Victor from the Fraser Point nest who remains @ the Ojai Raptor Center for treatment and rehab. The culprit seems to be zinc. The report is from 7/22 (so 3 days ago) and has 1 photo and 1 very short, video. Someone noted in the IWS chat on the peculiar vocal he was making in the video to which a mod from Big Bear stated it was known as the "peal call" that eagles make when humans are approaching. Perhaps I took that a little too literal, but I tried to do a little research and did not come up with much. I would be surprised if eagles had a call such as this for the sake of humans, but...

The Ojai Raptor Center
July 22 at 6:50 PM ·
Bald Eaglet 22-635 from Santa Cruz Island, who was having difficulty walking, is now able to stand unassisted!
The diagnostics for our Bald Eagle patient have finally returned. The West Nile Virus results just came back this afternoon as negative. The CT scan was reviewed and confirmed to be normal; no evidence of spinal trauma or other traumatic injuries were seen. Lastly, the blood toxic heavy metal panel showed normal to low levels of selenium, mercury, arsenic, and lead, but did show an elevated zinc concentration of 4.17 ppm.
There is no "normal" reference range for blood zinc concentration in eagles. The range given for California Condors varies with age. Young condors under 5 years had a range of 0.61 to 1.69 ppm, and older condors had a range of 1.11 to 2.45 ppm. Pet parrots tolerate zinc concentrations below 2.5 ppm but can become clinically affected once zinc concentrations get above 2.5 ppm, and become seriously ill or die once zinc concentrations become above 4 ppm. Waterfowl (e.g. ducks and geese), however, can have normal zinc concentrations up to 4.65 ppm.
Given that eagles are quite sensitive to lead, it is possible that they can be sensitive to zinc as well. At this time it is totally unknown how this bird was exposed to zinc, as there were no metallic objects in the GI tract on presentation. Most birds get exposed to zinc via ingestion of post-1982 pennies and zinc-coated wire, or from chewing galvanized cages or other metallic objects. Zinc can also get released into the environment from mining activities.
Luckily, we have already been treating this bird for heavy metal toxicosis since last week just based on suspicion. The eaglet is showing slow improvement and, though still very uncoordinated, the patient will stand up and take some steps without assistance. The Bald Eagle still has a long road ahead; these toxicoses can take weeks to entirely resolve, and there is a chance that some of the damage to the nervous system could be permanent. As long as the patient continues to make strides in the right direction, we will continue to provide care to the best of our ability.
We will continue to post updates on this patient when we have new test results or if there are any dramatic changes. Unfortunately, due to our small staff and the 150 other patients in our care, we won’t be able to post about the eagle every day. We are so grateful for everyone’s support and understanding.

Photo of Victor, then click on right arrow to advance to the video and you can see him in motion and hear the "peal call".

And they posted the following earlier today:

The Ojai Raptor Center
5 hrs ·
Did you know Ojai Raptor Center helps teach the next generation of wildlife veterinarians? We will host a total of seven externs in 2022, five from Western University, one from Colorado State University, and one from the Royal Veterinary College of London. During their externships, they shadow and assist Staff Veterinarian Dr. Stephany Lewis and get experience in raptor husbandry, handling, diagnostics, therapeutics, anesthesia, and surgery. Most of them get school credit towards their clinical training, and a couple came just for the experience during their summer breaks.
The photos are of externs Elizabeth Dawkins and Courtney Fukushima, both fourth years from Western University College of Veterinary Medicine. They are shown assisting Dr. Lewis in an examination of a Bald Eagle patient.

(At least 1 of these photos was taken when Victor was 1st examined under anesthesia at the center (I remembered it) and possibly both, but I don't remember having seen the 1.) Photos x 2 of Victor during an exam that was posted today by Ojai. Click on right arrow to advance. They did not acknowledge specifically as Victor, but when asked in the comments below they did say they currently are only caring for 1 bald eagle.

gigi · **Posted:** Tue Jul 26, 2022 7:41 am

Thanks for bringing all this info here!

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

From an article in the "Ojai Valley News.com" on Victor from the Fraser Point eagle nest (the newest info comes within about the last 6 paragraphs of this article):

Sick bald eagle recovering at ORC
Perry Van Houten Jul 28, 2022 Updated Jul 29, 2022

Photo by Ojai Raptor Center:

The sick bald eaglet rescued from Santa Cruz Island is shown standing on his own this week at the Ojai Raptor Center.

A young bald eagle rescued from the Channel Islands and now being cared for at the Ojai Raptor Center continues to recover from metal poisoning.

Thirteen-week-old bald eaglet 22-635 from Santa Cruz Island arrived at the Center on July 11, after his rescue by Dr. Peter Sharpe of the Institute for Wildlife Studies.

Sharpe became concerned about the fledgling after viewers of a live webcam noticed the bird had difficulty standing.

According to ORC staff veterinarian Dr. Stephany Lewis, the bird was alert and responsive upon arrival: “He was vocalizing. He would try to stand, but just had difficulty getting all the way upright and getting his legs underneath him with enough strength to stand up.”

Lack of coordination, weakness in the legs and the inability to stand can be caused by a number of neurologic conditions, Lewis told the Ojai Valley News.

She ran a gamut of tests on the sick fledgling to try to pinpoint the cause of its ataxia, including basic bloodwork to look for evidence of infection and to check on white and red blood cell counts.

Using an in-house analyzer, Lewis checked the bird’s blood lead level, which turned out to be low, so lead toxicity was ruled out.

X-rays did not show signs of trauma or evidence of ingested metal, and a CT scan that looked for evidence of spinal trauma came out normal, Lewis said.

Another test looked for evidence of West Nile Virus, while another checked for avian influenza, which so far has been diagnosed only in Northern California. “But it’s been known to cause neurologic signs in raptors, and it has nearly 100% mortality in raptors,” Lewis said.

A further blood panel was done to look for a wide variety of toxic heavy metals. The bird was retested for lead, while Lewis also looked for selenium, mercury, arsenic and zinc. “The only thing that came back positive was the bird had a high zinc concentration in his blood,” she said.

Exposure to zinc can come from ingesting pennies minted after 1982 or wire coated with zinc, or from chewing metal objects such as galvanized wire. Zinc can also be released into the environment from mining operations, according to the ORC.

Treatment of the eaglet has included injectable and oral medications, antifungals and antibiotics, and fluids to try to flush the toxin from the bird’s system.

Though he needs to be fed by hand, the bird is eating healthfully and has gained a little weight since arrival, Lewis said.

While Lewis still sees signs of clumsiness, the eaglet seems to be doing much better. “He’s a lot stronger, a lot brighter,” she said. “He’s not 100%, by any stretch, but he’s gone from lying down all day long to standing up and perching all day long.”

Neurologic issues in wildlife caused by metal poisoning can take several weeks to fully resolve, according to Lewis: “He still has a long road. There is still a risk that there could be permanent neurologic damage from the zinc. I’m hopeful that’s not the case.”

Even if the eaglet makes a full recovery, the bird named “Victor” by the public could remain at the center for several months, Lewis said.

Any long-term residual effects from the zinc could make the bird nonreleasable, according to Lewis. “But he still continues to move in the right direction,” she said, “and we’re pleased at how he’s doing so far.”

Because medication and lab costs can add up quickly, people who’d like to support the care and treatment of the eaglet can click the donate button at https://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

Email update on Victor from Ojai:

Janntonne Mod • 3 hours ago
AWESOME VICTOR UPDATE
ORC'S 8/3/22 EMAIL
The Bald Eagle patient from Santa Cruz Island who is suffering from zinc toxicosis is also making strides! This week, the patient proved strong enough to move to a small outdoor enclosure for the next stage of rehabilitation.
The eaglet was also given a fish and ate unassisted for the first time since arriving on July 11. Prior to this week's milestone, the patient had been hand fed by ORC staff.
We are excited to see this progress and are grateful to everyone who has supported the eagle's care.
Video in Outside Enclosure:

Video Eating by Himself:

Photo of Victor

Click here if you are able to help with Victor's care at ORC: https://www.ojairaptorcente...

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

Ahote and Sky from the West End nest were last seen on 7/21/22:

Capture by Cali Condor of Ahote And Sky on their last day, 7/21/22.

Kana'Kini from the West End nest was last seen on 7/28/22.

Capture by Cali Condor of Kana'Kini on her last day, 7/28/22.

It is not unusual for juvies from other nests about the islands to stop by especially the West End and Fraser Point nests before they travel to the mainland to begin their eagle journeys. I saw several visits by brothers from a nest I was unfamiliar with who stopped by the West End nest even while Ahote, Sky, Kana'Kini were still around much to the chagrin of Thunder who didn't mind divebombing them in the least bit. I think later on, she may have divebombed her own.

So at this point, only Lancer of the Two Harbors nest and Lilibet of the Fraser Point nest remain and continue to visit their nest sites and be fed and of course Victor remains at Ojai Raptor Center on the mainland.

Wishing the very best for Ahote, Sky, Kana'Kini who are on their eagle journeys! :5val:

Edit to add 11:30 pm CDST: Just found this on FB from Dr. Sharpe on Victor (It's the 1st time I've seen him address a possible source):

Institute for Wildlife Studies
Favorites · 10 hrs ·
I've been locked out of posting on Facebook for a couple weeks, but here is the latest on the Fraser Point male (Victor) that we recovered from below the nest on July 11th. I have no idea where he would have picked up zinc, although it looks like there are fishing lures made with zinc alloys instead of lead, so he could have eaten a fish with a piece of zinc in it.

Another video of Victor from Ojai on August 4th, 2022.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

From ORC on Victor from the Fraser Point nest:

Email just arrived from ORC.

Bald Eagle patient 22-635, who was found on Santa Cruz Island suffering from zinc toxicosis, had zinc levels rechecked last week and they were 2.4 parts per million (ppm), down significantly from the original 4.19 ppm, but still most likely a bit elevated for a young bird. The patient is still showing some ataxia (difficulty balancing). Veterinarian Dr. Stephany Lewis prescribed one more five-day round of chelation this week to remove the toxic metal from the bird's blood, and then zinc levels will be rechecked again at the end of the week. We are hopeful that will be the last round and the zinc levels will be low enough to stop the chelation treatment. Once the patient completes this treatment, the eaglet will be moved to a bigger enclosure for continued rehabilitation.

From his outside enclosure at ORC. (To me he looks a little hollowed, out of his eyes yet, but he's made great strides in his abilities.)

gigi · **Posted:** Sun Aug 14, 2022 8:58 am

Thank you for bringing the pics here, Jean. I can't imagine why Dr. Sharpe would be blocked from FB. That's crazy.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

Update from OJAI on Victor:

8/17/22 Bald Eagle patient 22-635 continues to show marked improvements after being rescued from Santa Cruz Island with zinc toxicosis on July 11. On August 12, the patient was moved to a larger aviary to strengthen flight muscles. The eaglet has been eating lots of fish and has been gaining weight, increasing from 4.7 kg during the last weigh-in to 5.5 kg this week. We are very grateful to the local fishers who have been donating a portion of their catch. The patient has been demonstrating normal perching and behavior and only occasionally displays ataxia (lack of balance) when stressed. Veterinarian Dr. Stephany Lewis retested the zinc levels in the eaglet's blood and is awaiting results. Overall, the patient is making excellent progress!

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

5.5 kg = 12.1254 lbs ... Victor/Victoria?

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

From Ojai on Victor:

Bald Eagle patient 22-635, who was rescued from Santa Cruz Island with zinc toxicosis on July 11, continues to make progress. The most recent test for zinc showed the patient within normal levels. This means the eaglet no longer needs to go through chelation therapy to remove the toxic metal from the bloodstream. The eaglet's ataxia (lack of balance) seems to have resolved as well!

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

Victor Released! :7val:

Dr. Sharpe releasing Victor.

A few photos of Victor's release by Dr. Sharpe at Hollister Ranch (North of Ventura County) in California:

Janntonne Mod • an hour ago
FP ~ Posted a few minutes ago on the ORC Facebook page....

We are excited to announce that Bald Eagle patient 22-635, who was rescued from Santa Cruz Island with zinc toxicosis on July 11, returned to the wild this morning! Dr. Peter Sharpe, the Research Wildlife Ecologist for the Institute for Wildlife Studies, with permission from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, released the eagle on private property on Hollister Ranch, California with the permission of the landowners. The bird was unable to be released on the island for biosecurity reasons. Dr. Sharpe remarked that the habitat of the release site was similar to that where the eagle had been rescued on Fraser Point.
Once Dr. Sharpe lifted the top half of the crate, the eagle knew just what to do, taking to the sky and flying circles in one direction and then the other before landing.
Back in July, the young eagle had displayed signs of difficulty standing and balancing when Dr. Sharpe, who directs the bald eagle restoration and monitoring projects on Santa Catalina and Santa Cruz Islands, rescued the bird and brought the patient to Ojai Raptor Center for treatment.
Under the care of ORC veterinarian Dr. Stephany Lewis, the eagle was tested for a variety of possible ailments including lead poisoning, spinal trauma, and infectious diseases. Suspecting heavy metal toxicosis based on the bird’s clinical signs. Dr. Lewis started the bird on chelation therapy before tests confirmed that the eagle was suffering from zinc poisoning. This action likely shortened the bird’s recovery time if not saved the patient’s life.
Over the next few weeks, the eagle improved and began eating unaided. Staff moved the patient to larger and larger enclosures as the bird recovered. Once in our 230-foot-long flight aviary, (the largest rehabilitation aviary in California) the patient quickly gained strength in flying as well as practice hunting live prey. After the eagle spent several weeks in this aviary, Dr. Lewis ran a full blood panel, rechecked zinc levels, performed full ophthalmic and physical exams, and determined the patient was ready to return to the wild.
Ojai Raptor Center is grateful for all the support we have received for this special patient, from those who have donated to support the eagle’s care, to the fishers who provided fish, to the kind words of encouragement we have received. It has taken a village to rehabilitate this eagle, and for that, we will be forever grateful.

gigi · **Posted:** Tue Sep 20, 2022 8:08 am

It's always a good day when one who has been rehabbed can be successfully released. And then to witness them truly take their wings...lovely beyond description.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

BBL: Am reading reports and seeing pics of Jackie and Shadow at Big Bear building a nest on a different tree. The folks there just finished up on their > $10,000 worth of cam upgrades and maintenance this past Friday at the old nest, I believe. I know sometimes eagles build a 2nd nest, but continue to use the old, so we'll have to wait and see.

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

For Jackie and Shadow of Big Bear at 15:58!

gigi · **Posted:** Thu Jan 12, 2023 8:55 am

SWINWK wrote:

For Jackie and Shadow of Big Bear at 15:58!

Eagle calendar updated! :hatchegg:

SWINWK · **Joined:** Wed Jan 02, 2013 10:41 am **Posts:** 12726

For Jackie and Shadow at Big Bear during a winter storm on 1/14/23.

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