Juvenile male Northern Harrier

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Contact Kathryn Dudeck
Phone: 770-992-2055
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Country: US

Species: Northern Harrier, Circus hudsonius

Is rehabilitation complete?: yes

This animal has potential as a : static display animal

This animal is: wild reared

Age: Juvenile

Reason for entering rehabilitation.:

Found by GA DNR staff grounded in a quail hunting field. Gunshot victim. Notes from UGA Vet School: CASE SUMMARY FOR NORTHER HARRIER 923130: Juvenile norther harrier presented on 12/2/25, for being "unable to fly". The harrier was found by a Good Sam in a field next to Teal Pond at the Charlie Elliot Wildlife Center. He was emaciated on presentation, and had an open right ulnar fracture, but was otherwise very bright. X-rays revealed two birdshot bullets, one in his right antebrachium associated with the ulnar fracture, and another in his right cranial breast. He underwent surgery on 12/4 to remove the bullet in his right ulna and had the fracture reduced and an IM pin placed. The remaining bullet was deeply embedded and could not be removed without causing serious damage to flight muscles and was left in place. The IM pin and a figure of 8 bandage was kept in place for 3 weeks during which time he received physical therapy, bandage changes, and laser therapy 3 times a week. The pin was removed a week ago and he has continued to have a figure of 8 bandage and received physical therapy. He has eaten very well in hospital, gained weight, and has no other concerns aside from rehabilitating flight and re-acclimating to outdoor temperatures.

Days in care: 128

Issues developed while undergoing rehabilitation.:

N/A

Body condition score (5 point scale as defined on https://nagonline.net/3877/body-condition-scoring/): 3

Can the animal express species-typical behaviors (e.g. eat appropriate whole foods, climb, perch, groom, dig, fly, swim, ambulate normally for species)?:

Eats quail, mice, and chicks; sustains flight but right wing will droop slightly and be held away from body after extended flights. Has not caught live prey.

Can the animal be handled without negative welfare affects?: yes

This is how the animal currently reacts when a frequent caregiver nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

When in a large flight enclosure, he remains alert on a perch and observes the caretaker when we enter. In the smaller enclosure where he was placed for training, he is agitated and anxious when the mew is entered. When we walk by the mew, he simply observes us.

This is how the animal currently reacts when a stranger nears it (e.g. does it modify behavior, show signs of fear, agonism, habituation):

Calm and observant unless someone enters the enclosure.

This animal is currently house : alone

Will the animal need continuous medical care (e.g. medication)?: no

Physical health welfare assessment: good life

Mental/emotional health welfare assessment: good life

More Information

This fellow was a gunshot victim and still has one pellet lodged by the keel. His right ulna was fractured and he had an IM pin placed at University of Georgia vet school. One month after he was found, he was transferred to CNC for rehab where we have had him for 98 days. He is able to fly across a 35' enclosure, but his wing does not fold fully after sustained flight. Best for static display. Glove-training was attempted with operant conditioning but he is not responding consistently to training.
Photos won't upload so please email if you would like to see him.

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