Avian Abstracts

Watch Videos (Login required)

​Birds of a Feather:
Feather Structure, Function, & Pathology


​Sarah Reich, DVM
​
Willowbrook Wildlife Center

Full Abstract

This lecture offers an overview of feather anatomy, function, and pathology. Discussion includes commonly encountered issues seen in rehabilitation, such as feather damage, malformations, and waterproofing challenges, as well as treatment options and prognoses.

Up, Up, and Away!
Some of the Physics and Biology that Allows Birds to take Advantage of the
Wind and Sky and How it applies to reconditioning raptors in our care


Gail Buhl
Partners for Wildlife
University of Minnesota

Full Abstract

Birds are highly adapted to flight, and preservation of flight capabilities is integral to the rehabilitation process. Each rehabilitator needs to work closely with a veterinarian to diagnose the cause of an inability to fly. Rehabilitators are vital to the recovery of birds, providing necessary care and physical therapy during and after treatment. This talk covers aspects of diagnosing and treating wing injuries from the perspective of the veterinarian and best approaches to various types of wing injuries, as well as after-care and physical therapy recommendations.