A dark-eyed Junco is one of the patients admitted into the New Mexico Wildlife Center’s hospital last week. Photo Courtesy NMWC
NEW MEXICO WILDLIFE CENTER NEWS
Dark-eyed Junco 25-36 was admitted to our hospital last week after being brought inside by a domestic cat. This patient was fortunate enough to escape with only some minor injuries and several missing flight feathers. The missing feathers are actually quite a severe injury for this bird, since without those feathers, 25-36 is unable to fly and would not survive long in the wild.
Fortunately, this little bird’s rescuer knew that when a wild animal comes into contact with a cat, that animal needs to be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator even if the injuries are not obvious. 25-36 will be receiving a course of antibiotics to prevent infection in any small puncture wounds from the cat, and the bird will also need to stay in our hospital long enough to grow new feathers on their left wing.
The best way to prevent incidents like this is to keep cats indoors! Domestic cats are not part of our native ecosystem and the injuries they cause to wild animals are not part of the natural circle of life. Energetic, adventurous cats can benefit from spending time in a secure catio or sunroom, taking walks outside on a harness, playing with toys, and of course interacting with their human friends. They’ll be safer inside too – indoor cats live much longer on average than free-roaming cats do! It’s a win-win for cats and wildlife both.
An adult female coyote from Corrales was admitted last week to the New Mexico Wildlife Center hospital.. Photo Courtesy NMWC
An adult female coyote is ready to begin her recuperation at the New Mexico Wildlife Center. Photo Courtesy NWLC
Patient number 25-32 (that is, the 32nd patient of 2025) in our hospital is this adult female coyote from Corrales, who was found early last week with a laceration on her hind leg and an injury to her lower spine. She was reported to have fallen over a fence from higher ground down into a yard, and based on what her injuries look like, it’s possible she may have been hit by a car before the fall. These photos were taken during 25-32’s exam, while she was under sedation. The exam and x-rays revealed a fresh laceration on her right hind leg as well as an impact injury to the vertebrae at the base of her tail. These injuries have a good chance of healing as she receives care from our hospital team, and we are thankful to the Corrales Animal Services officer who transported her all the way up to NMWC!
You may have noticed more coyote activity in our area recently, and that is because it’s breeding season! Coyotes are more active right now as they try to find a mate and a place to start a family, and they are also more vocal as they communicate with other nearby coyotes. We hope that 25-32’s story will serve as a timely reminder to be aware of your local wildlife and make sure you are driving carefully, keeping a respectful distance from wild animals as they pass through your neighborhood, and avoiding the use of poisons and traps that can harm wildlife. We also advise not leaving any food (including pet food) outside, as that can cause wild animals to venture closer to humans and pets than is safe. Enjoy the evening serenades from your neighborhood coyotes as they get ready to raise a new generation of pups this summer!
A Cooper’s Hawk has come a long way in his recovery at the New Mexico Wildlife Center since November. Photo Courtesy NMWC
Cooper’s Hawk 24-968 has been a patient in our hospital since November, and he has come a very long way since his arrival! This juvenile bird was rescued in Albuquerque with injuries to his right shoulder and both eyes. Two of the three bones in his shoulder girdle – the coracoid and scapula – were fractured, and he was quite thin after being unable to fly and hunt. The first year of life is tough for birds of prey; a study of Cooper’s Hawks in the 1950s identified a mortality rate of 72-78% for hatch-year birds.
24-968’s eye injuries have resolved and the bones in his shoulder have healed, but we are still working on rebuilding his strength and the range of motion in that wing. Cooper’s Hawks hunt by chasing songbirds and other fast-moving prey, so before 24-968 is released, he will need to demonstrate the agility and endurance that his species’ lifestyle demands. Recently, 24-968 graduated to our second-largest pre-release enclosure and has continued to show improvements in his flight mechanics. His recovery is still a work in progress, but we are excited to share that progress!
New Mexico Wildlife Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that depends upon private donations and grants to provide its programs and services. To view the different ways you can help, go to https://newmexicowildlifecenter.org/support-us/
The New Mexico Wildlife Center is located at 19 Wheat Street in Espanola. Phone (505) 763-9505.