Injured Turkey Vulture Released After Successful Rehab
(Shared from Umpqua Wildlife Rescue) I'm a bit behind on posting this. The turkey vulture that came in with a spinal injury late summer last year had to overwinter with us as he missed migration. They need the warmer air/thermals to soar and migrating when it gets colder is not an option. He had no use of his legs when he was picked up along 138 near Idleyld and we suspect he was hit by a vehicle. He was released on a beautiful sunny day and made us proud. He flew off and stuck a very tricky landing quite perfectly in the top of a tall, skinny fir. He has been seen a few times and now is in the company of two mature red-headed adults so is finding family. Please slow down if you see these birds on the highway and give them time to fly off. Their massive 6 foot wings make for a slow take off. If you can, safely drag road kill off of and clear of the highway. I've added a folding shovel to my vehicle to do just that. They are amazing creatures. If you come across injured wildlife, call the Umpqua Wildlife Rescue hotline at UWR Hotline 541-440-6895