Rough-legged Hawk Update

Last week the male Rough-legged Hawk admitted March 21st underwent surgery at the Antigo vet clinic. The bird came in after it was shot in Taylor County, causing a compound fracture of his wing and a hole through his crop. The wing was in bad shape, and unable to heal. Bone and tissue were exposed and the wing was becoming necrotic or dead. Our only choice was to have the wing partially amputated, removing the dead and dying tissue to prevent infection. The surgery performed by Dr Sharon Brunzlick was successful, as the crop was sutured closed and part of the wing was successfully amputated.














(Photo: The large hole in the Rough-legged's crop)

The rough-legged hawk has been recovering wonderfully over the week. He is digesting food and the wing is healing well. Rough-legged Hawks are uncommon in Wisconsin therefore making this bird a great candidate to be a part our education programs.