CarolM
Well-Known Member
Any further updates yet? Have you managed to find a suitable new bird?
I've been swamped with work. Haven't been able to go out trapping yet.Any further updates yet? Have you managed to find a suitable new bird?
Aahh okay. I will wait patiently then....... okay, did I wait long enough? [emoji6]I've been swamped with work. Haven't been able to go out trapping yet.
Here is a pic I took to show the damage caused by feather mites in these birds while they are flying around out in the wild. She was being eaten alive. Literally.
I wonder how much more damage would be done between now and April or May when the molt begins, had I not caught her and intervened?
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Here is a pic I took to show the damage caused by feather mites in these birds while they are flying around out in the wild. She was being eaten alive. Literally.
I wonder how much more damage would be done between now and April or May when the molt begins, had I not caught her and intervened?
View attachment 260702
I wonder if she would have enough plumage left to fly? How horrible! And no way to rid herself of this parasite!
Beautiful bird. Is she a red tail or cooper?They go from this:
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To this:
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In a matter of days.
The second pic is a hawk who is eagerly looking to fly to me for food. She doesn't feel threatened in any way and is actively looking me over for any food tid bits I might be offering. She willingly steps up on to the glove and is happy to ride around on the fist as we move around the ranch or house going about our business.
Beautiful bird. Is she a red tail or cooper?
I would imagine it would have to take a toll on the aerodynamics and flight capabilities as more damage is done.I wonder if she would have enough plumage left to fly? How horrible! And no way to rid herself of this parasite!
Thanks Wade! I'll keep you posted for sure.Great posts @Tom. The photos showing the mite damage and the “before and after” (afraid and ready for food) are really informative. She looks like she is coming along quite nicely. Looking forward to that first free flight and successful hunt!
Hi Cheryl! Like Wade said, she's a passage redtail. She hatched here in Southern CA in April of this year.Beautiful bird. Is she a red tail or cooper?
Interesting! I suppose the contour feathers are some of the softest, but that doesn't explain the color preference.I’m sure that eventually the mites would attack more substantial feathers, but what I’ve always seen is the lighter colored areas of the contour (body) feathers that get eaten. If you look at the photo you can see where the darker areas of the feathers are still intact for the most part and the lighter areas are eaten away. The real noticeable difference will come when she starts to molt and has a few new feathers scattered in amongst the damaged feathers. When the two are next to each other you can really see the difference.
Interesting! I suppose the contour feathers are some of the softest, but that doesn't explain the color preference.