Modern veterinary
practices allow the World Bird Sanctuary to do tremendous rehabilitation work and release many of
the magnificent birds that come into the hospital back to the wild. However, on occasion, the best
treatment is not necessarily a product of modern veterinary science but a call
back to ancient falconry techniques that have been practiced for hundreds of
years.
This was recently the case
when staff, volunteers, and interns treated a hawk with damaged primary feathers. The bird was rehabbing well and was
becoming strong enough for release.
However, due to previous damage to primary feathers on one wing, the
bird's flight capabilities were questionable. Waiting for natural replacement thru molting would keep the
bird in captivity for additional weeks or months.
The solution was the old
falconry technique of "imping", a contracted term for
"implanting". Using
corresponding feathers from an injured bird of the same species that did not
survive attempts at rehabilitation, the damaged feathers with good shafts still
in the wing were cut and replaced with new feathers that were spliced and
super-glued to the healthy shafts.
The result was a strong wing with good primary feathers, capable of
flight and an earlier release.
Under the direction of
staff veterans Roger Holloway and Joe Hoffman, WBS staff, interns and
volunteers were shown the procedure and then actively participated in imping
the replacement of several feathers.
Following are a series of photos showing the procedure. All photos by Jim Kent.
Choosing the feathers to be implanted
The bird's head is covered to keep him calm during the procedure.
Making sure that the new feather will fit
This bird is well on his way to a new usable wing
Super glue is a wonderful invention
Under close supervision the interns and volunteers got to try their hand at imping
Next stop for this bird--Freedom!
Preliminary assessment is
that the imping was successful and that the hawk is well on its way to release.
This is a great example of
why WBS has garnered the respect and support of both professional colleagues
and our many visitors and supporters.
Perhaps this bird will be someone's "Return to the Wild" bird. If you would be interested in supporting our wildlife hospital you might like to purchase a "Return to the Wild" event. To learn more Click Here.
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