You may remember the Brahminy Kite who has been in care previously. He was very unwell with an infection and also had some damaged feathers.
He continued to improve and finally some donor feathers were sourced and he underwent an imping procedure with an experienced carer at the Casino Vet Clinic.
Five broken tail feathers and one primary flight feather were repaired.
A couple of days later he was released near where he was found on the banks of the Richmond River, 10km from the coast. He flew out over the river then back to land in a tree above where we were standing. After surveying the area for about 10 minutes, he took to the air and soared and circled before flying off up river.
What an amazing joy it was to see him flying strong and free again.
(Thanks to Mel for supplying article & photos)
Preparation of feathers to be imped
Careful checks that imped feather will match
First imped feather completed
After imping – good as new!
Brahminy Kite ready for release
Perched high above the river (circled)
Flying wild & free again