Bird with Eye problem.

[SlimJim1967]

Here is the story. A Friend of mine brought this bird to me telling me that it was a young hawk. He was going to kill it because he said that it had quit eating and that it's eyes looked funny, so I told him to bring it to me. I have some falconry experience, but not enough to know what I am looking at. The bird only opens its eyes partially, and they appear to have a slimy substance collecting in them.

Also, I am not sure that this is a young hawk, it may just be a full grown falcon with an eye problem. If I posted pictures, would you be able to help me out? Thanks a lot! I have searched for vets here in the US, but the nearest one that works on birds of prey is 4 hours away from me.

[Iamtheweasel]

Post some pics, and also give us a location and we may be able to point you in a good direction to another falconer or rehabber.

[SlimJim1967]

Sorry about the low quality of the pictures, I did the best I could.

[SlimJim1967]

Ok, I was able to brighten this one so you could see the eye better. I work for a vet, but he does not want to mess with wild animals. I do, however, have access to a variety of drugs, so please let me know if you have any ideas. He is now eating well, i've been feeding him a lot. His eyes just look bad. And please tell me what kind he is. Oh, I just noticed that you are in texas. Where exactly are you? I'm in northern texas, north of dallas on the OK border.

[Pete Smith]

From your photo's looks like avian pox...a large majority of birds recover without treatment. Vets on here will be able to provide more info.
Pete.

[GyrXPeales]

SlimJim, if you're on the Oklahoma/Texas border you're not much more than an hour outside of Dallas. I'm sure there has got to be an avian vet there.
You could log onto the Texas Falconry Association website, www.texasfalconry.org and contact someone there.
The photos are pretty rough but it looks like a juvenile Mississippi Kite to me.
They are insectivores for the most part, you might find out what your buddy was feeding it.
PM Weasel, he should be able to fix you up, just don't wait too long.
Best Regards,
Jeff

[Iamtheweasel]

Yea, You are about an hour north of me, If you like, I can drive up and meet you somewhere to take this bird. I have one of the top vets in the country here for Birds of prey on the north side of Ft.Worth. Give me a call at 817-707-3154 from 7am-11pm

[Iamtheweasel]

Hmm.. I am not too sure what kind of bird that is. It could be a broad wing hawk as well since it has a yellow cere. I was under the impression that a Kite had a black cere even when immature.

[GyrXPeales]

I think white tails have a black cere as juvi's, but the Miss has a yellow one with that black beak. It should have a prominent eyebrow stripe, hard to tell from the pics.

[Iamtheweasel]

Ahh. I was trying to find a picture on the net like that one. Good shot. I will have to say that it is more likely a Miss kite. I am picking it up this afternoon and bringing it to the vets office. I contacted the vet already so they can expect me.

[Flintstonefalcons]

hi there looks like a disaese called microplasmosis,this disaese is found in poultry and game birds. a friend of mine had some birds with this last year through eating infected quail. they lived for quite some time but in the end they died after months of medication. we now know there is no cure for microplasmosis but please check with your vet incase it is not this. regards Mel.

[GyrXPeales]

That's great news. They are beautiful little birds, we've got a ton of 'em around the Tulsa area. Love to watch them stooping dragonflies in the spring, some pretty spectacular aerial displays.
Really good thing you're doin' there, you deserve a round of applause for that one.:supz: :supz:
Keep us updated.
Thanks for doing that,
Jeff

[Iamtheweasel]

Cheers to Slimjim for meeting me half way to pick up the bird. It is in fact an immy mississippi kite and it has a pretty good case of frounce on it. It was started on meds and other treatment by Frootdog on this list yesterday afternoon.

[GyrXPeales]

Noel, hat's off to you and SlimJim and Frootdog. Good job, let's hope you got to it in time.
Best Regards,
Jeff

[GregMik]

I agree....Good job on all three. You guys will be getting a rep once they are restored.....

Greg

[Sprout]

I agree....Good job on all three. You guys will be getting a rep once they are restored.....

Greg

Agree, good job guys, hope he makes a full recovery.