FOSPers and Os Friends,
Bad news. Orpheus, the adult male at Salt Point, has an ailing left eye, and I cannot tell the extent of the problem. He keeps his left outer white eyelids closed most of the time, although he is able to open the eye fully on rare occasions. Did anyone see him collide with a tree branch? Did he grapple talon to talon with an intruding osprey or heron or eagle or another other accident? Please let me know. Whatever is wrong occurred today. His tight eye seems fine, although he often shuts it, perhaps for comfort. I will observe him for the next few days and consult with the wildlife vets at CU’s Swanson Ctr. If the eye does not heal soon, the situation could get critical for Orpheus. Trying to catch and medically treat Orpheus without hurting him and the others would be a trick. Fishing with only one eye means Orpheus can no longer judge depth perception and refraction in the water, two essential skills for successful fishing. If his eye does not improve and his fishing is substandard, Ophelia will take over the job of provider for the remainder of the season. However, it is a serious risk to leave the nestlings unattended and vulnerable in the nest. Despite their superb camouflage, these little lumps make easy snacks for passing eagles. Let’s hope Orpheus is able to fish well in a few days. The alternative is too sad. Candace -- Cayugabirds-L List Info: http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsWELCOME http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsRULES http://www.NortheastBirding.com/CayugabirdsSubscribeConfigurationLeave.htm ARCHIVES: 1) http://www.mail-archive.com/cayugabirds-l@cornell.edu/maillist.html 2) http://www.surfbirds.com/birdingmail/Group/Cayugabirds 3) http://birdingonthe.net/mailinglists/CAYU.html Please submit your observations to eBird: http://ebird.org/content/ebird/ --
