Osprey swoops gracefully after stint in raptor rehab

By Dean Murray

Impressive scenes see an osprey swooping gracefully after a stint in raptor rehab center.

Alvey the osprey's keepers at Healesville Sanctuary in Australia had noticed a decline in his feather condition which affects waterproofing.

A closer examination found that a preening gland at the base of his tail was swollen.

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Healesville Sanctuary Keeper Shaun Scott said the veterinary team was able to apply topical treatment and monitor Alvey closely in their Raptor Centre, without the risk of him getting wet during recovery.

"Alvey was in care for eight weeks. We found he was able to do long flights in the Raptor Centre and his fitness improved along with his feather condition," Mr Scott said.

The impressive fishing hawk has since been spreading his wings in the custom-designed facility, which forms a 100-meter loop, like an athletics track for birds, in a bid to improve his flight fitness and maintain good health.

Alvey was a wild bird that was rehabilitated 27 years ago. He was raised by a wildlife carer when he was younger and when they released him in the Northern Territory, he decided that fishing boats were a much easier source of food. The decision was made to bring him to Healesville Sanctuary, and he has been thriving ever since.