The Wildlife Center of Virginia has received numerous calls and emails from the public with questions regarding the ongoing 2021 Avian Unusual Mortality Event, more commonly called “Mystery” or “Novel Bird Illness” by the media. This illness, first noted in late May 2021, primarily impacts Common Grackles, Blue Jays, European Starlings, and American Robins, but other species of affected songbirds have been reported.
News
August 19, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-0214 was successfully released today at Grand Caverns!
August 18, 2021
Bald Eagle #21-1320 was successfully released on Tuesday, August 17 at Berkeley Plantation in front of a crowd of about 100 people.
Photos from Barbara Melton:
August 17, 2021
The three young Great Horned Owls have been doing well in the Center's A2 flight pen during the summer. The birds are eating well, growing in their flight feathers, and learning how to fly. The rehabilitation staff will start the owlets' daily exercise in September in preparation for a fall release. In the meantime, Critter Cam viewers may catch a glimpse of the owl family on Critter Cam 2!
August 13, 2021
After a flight assessment from the rehabilitation staff and examination from the veterinary team, Bald Eagle #21-1013 has been cleared for release! The staff conferred with the state eagle biologist and decided to release the young bird at the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, which is just 20 miles west of where this bird hatched earlier this spring.
Due to the location and restrictions at the refuge, this release will not be open to the public. Stay tuned for updates on this eagle release!