Summary: The less flying the better as these feathers develop. If you go
see the bird, keep distance from the bird so it only uses its feathers for
necessary flying.
A fellow birder with rehab experience sent the photos to the International
Crane Foundation and received the following information and also added her
comments about the bird.
Considering it made it this far, it may keep trying to head south. If
there is plenty of food, it may stay, but I bet not. Tell the birders to
let it rest, not make it fly around. It needs to use what feathers it has
to get to a roost every night and along the creek for feeding. It's a long
time before all those primaries molt, and from experience, they probably
won't be much, if any, stronger than these. So, flying back to its breeding
ground would be easier from here. Once those follicles are damaged (or the
nerve to them) most birds never produce strong feathers again. Wounds and
breaks at that wrist joint don't usually heal well.
From ICF:
Thank you for writing - and for the great photos. Truly more than 1000
words there. After a quick consult with our vet, consensus is that it is
either a developmental condition ("angel wing") or an injury to the same
place - wrist - but permanent in any case. I agree that it is futile to try
and capture it, as it can still run run run. I can see at least one new
primary coming in, but those worn feathers are a tough thing to fly with.
If it is safe where it is and can find food, it may replace those feathers
in time to migrate back to its breeding grounds. I am not sure if there is
an ornithological list serv in the area where you can post something, but
that may be a method to get the word out quickly. Please feel free to
contact me if you have further questions.
Sincerely,
Anne
Anne Lacy
Crane Research Coordinator
International Crane Foundation
E-11376 Shady Lane Road P.O. Box 447
Baraboo, WI 53913-0447 USA
608-356-9462 x 146 / Fax: 608-356-9465
www.savingcranes.org
