It’s always nice when a story comes full circle and ends with a release!
On March 13th, two caring citizens from Ashland found an injured rock pigeon in a Walgreens parking lot. They called the Center, and after talking with our rehabbers, volunteered to drive the pigeon all the way down to us.
The initial exam revealed a significant neck wound, one that would require suturing by our sponsoring vets. For several weeks after the successful repair, rahabbers monitored the pigeon, measuring its weight and observing its food intake and flight ability; there was some concern that there might be neurological damage that would impact its ability to fly well.
However, as the days, and then weeks, went by, the pigeon continued to show signs of improvement. It was moved to a larger indoor enclosure, and last week, to an outdoor enclosure.
Yesterday, the people who rescued the pigeon and brought it here, came back to pick it up. They released close to where they found it, and they told us that he rejoined his flock right away!