A Carroll County-based non-profit raptor rehabilitation organization, Saving Our Avian Resources (SOAR), rescued more than 300 birds in 2023, according to its annual report released yesterday (Wednesday). The organization admitted 339 wild birds last year, which included 50 bald eagles, 142 owls, 105 hawks, and 33 falcons. Admission causes vary widely, but the most common reasons raptors are brought to SOAR for treatment are traumatic injuries after colliding with vehicles or windows, entanglement with fishing line, netting or barbed wire, lead poisoning from ammunition remnants in harvested game, and illegal gunshots. SOAR’s mission to give injured birds a second chance at being wild and free saw a success rate of 62% in 2023, with most of the rehabilitated birds released back into the wild. The report highlights the tragic case of a Golden Eagle admitted in March 2023, which succumbed to lethal levels of lead poisoning. This incident underscores the persistent threat of lead poisoning from ingested ammunition, affecting 38 percent of the eagles admitted. The organization emphasized the importance of non-lead ammunition to protect wildlife and called for public support in this initiative. SOAR also conducted extensive educational outreach, reaching over 7,000 people through 105 live bird presentations. The complete 2023 report and links with more information about SOAR are included below.
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