Editor’s Note: The Great Blue Heron is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
This great blue heron patient (25-124) came in with a suspected broken wing. Our initial exam showed swelling and bruising in the right elbow, but we found no fractures. We also discovered oral parasites known as flukes, which have been carefully removed.
This beautiful heron’s wing is being supported with a body wrap while it heals, and we are closely monitoring its recovery with regular medical examinations and radiographs (x-rays). It’s receiving pain relief, anti-inflammatory treatment, and anti-anxiety meds to keep it comfortable during its healing journey. Warm compresses are applied to the swollen wing joint.
Great blue herons are the largest North American heron, with a wingspan of around 6 feet. Their diet and territory are very versatile, so they can be seen as far as Alaska and the Caribbean. Although they are a solitary and territorial bird, they nest in large colonies of several hundred breeding pairs.
It’s a privilege to be able to help such an elegant predator. Each day brings us closer to giving this heron the chance to fly free again.
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