Injured Common Loon - Murell's Inlet, South Carolina
This poor creature had washed up on the shore out of the water. Loons are pelagic, acquatic birds, nesting mostly on lakes. They don't "walk", but they do fly, if unhurt. This one did not resist being moved to safety. I assisted a young family, Mom, Dad, and 8 year old son, to lift the Loon into a large tub they retrieved from their car. The offerred to drive him to a nearby veterinary hospital called The Ark, which is known to treat and rehabilitate avian wildlife. The Loon had a visible bite wound on its back, but was still alert and vocalizing. I had high hopes.
On our return to California a few days later, I called The Ark and spoke to a lovely young female Veterinary Assistant, who told me that they had unfortunately had to euthanize the Loon. He had a sever puncture wound to his lung, which was filling with fluid - not treatable. The wound most likely was inflicted by some other acquatic creature - nature's way, but sad nonetheless.
Injured Common Loon - Murell's Inlet, South Carolina
This poor creature had washed up on the shore out of the water. Loons are pelagic, acquatic birds, nesting mostly on lakes. They don't "walk", but they do fly, if unhurt. This one did not resist being moved to safety. I assisted a young family, Mom, Dad, and 8 year old son, to lift the Loon into a large tub they retrieved from their car. The offerred to drive him to a nearby veterinary hospital called The Ark, which is known to treat and rehabilitate avian wildlife. The Loon had a visible bite wound on its back, but was still alert and vocalizing. I had high hopes.
On our return to California a few days later, I called The Ark and spoke to a lovely young female Veterinary Assistant, who told me that they had unfortunately had to euthanize the Loon. He had a sever puncture wound to his lung, which was filling with fluid - not treatable. The wound most likely was inflicted by some other acquatic creature - nature's way, but sad nonetheless.