EMS 1: Birds of Prey

From September 9th to September 13th, 2024, I underwent a placement at Strathblane Falconry in Strathblane, Glasgow. This facility is a birds of prey center that houses a variety of avian species such as Harris's hawks, American kestrels, peregrine falcons, and European eagle owls. During my time there, my responsibilities included assisting in falconry shows, maintaining the cleanliness of aviaries, assisting with beak trimming, and accompanying the owner on veterinary visits involving the treatment of bumblefoot.

Before beginning my placement with Strathblane Falconry, I had no prior experience working with birds in any context, making this a unique opportunity for me to explore an unfamiliar corner of veterinary care. Even with high expectations coming in, my time there proved more valuable than I originally anticipated. Graham, the owner of this facility, was exceptionally knowledgeable, and supportive, and was always willing to teach when I had questions. Throughout the week, I was able to build my avian knowledge base from the ground up. We started with covering basics such as housing, welfare, reading body language, diet, and exercise. I got to experience many of these facets hands-on by cleaning aviaries, preparing food, and observing the birds for an extended period. We also got the chance to discuss numerous previous cases at the facility, delving into what treatment plans were assigned and the rationale given by the vets. This was all in addition to what I learned by watching & assisting him with his shows. These performances were not pure novelty. In addition to having the birds fly around, they included key facts about each of the birds in his service. Examples included habitats, flight dynamics, and general dynamics of working with birds of prey.

A notable clinical experience was observing treatment for bumblefoot in an owl. This bacterial infection, presenting with ventral plantar swelling and lesions, provided an early lesson in recognizing clinical signs and understanding welfare considerations specific to avian species. Both Graham and the veterinarian explained the pathophysiology and demonstrated the meticulous care needed to manage the condition effectively. I was even given several study materials to further help me understand this ailment. Although we hadn't extensively covered this topic in our classes yet, this practical encounter provided a vivid clinical context that enhanced my understanding when the topic later arose in my coursework.

Initially, I faced a challenge integrating theory with practice due to my limited prior classroom exposure to avian medicine. Entering into a completely new facet of care as I did was daunting. However, through active questioning and discussion, I quickly developed a foundational understanding of avian care and the additional considerations specific to treating birds of prey. This experience improved my clinical reasoning and highlighted the importance of proactive learning.

Professional attitude and effective communication were also critical skills I further refined during this placement. Working closely with clients during falconry shows requires clear, confident, and informed communication. Most importantly, I needed to gauge my understanding, and not offer answers to questions to which I wasn't sure. Likewise, discussing clinical cases with veterinarians significantly developed my ability to professionally communicate clinical findings and recommendations.

This placement further fueled my interest in potentially specializing in exotics. The unique aspects of avian veterinary care, such as precise handling, nuanced diagnostic skills, and specialized treatments, greatly appealed to me. Moving forward, I plan to further enhance my knowledge in exotic species medicine and pursue additional EMS experiences to expand my skills and clinical confidence.

Feedback from my supervisor highlighted my professionalism, strong communication skills, and eagerness to learn, encouraging me to further explore this specialty area. Reflecting on this feedback, I aim to continue cultivating these competencies in future placements.

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