Alvey the Osprey has been enjoying a summer swim after a stint at Healesville Sanctuary’s Raptor Rehabilitation Centre.
The impressive fishing hawk has been spreading his wings in the custom-designed facility, which forms a 100-metre loop, like an athletics track for birds, in a bid to improve his flight fitness and maintain good health. Alvey’s keepers noticed a decline in his feather condition with a closer examination finding that a preening gland at the base of his tail was swollen. This gland produces a natural oil, enabling Alvey to be waterproof when dramatically diving for fish, including the sanctuary’s Spirits in the Sky presentation. Birds also use this unique adaptation to keep clean by rubbing their beaks in a natural oil produced by the gland and then they spread it over their feathers.
Healesville Sanctuary Keeper Shaun Scott said the veterinary team were able to apply topical treatment and monitor Alvey closely in the 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.
Eventually, it was determined that Alvey was waterproof and he was cleared to dive again this summer. While it’s unclear what caused the issue with his preening gland, the veterinary team will monitor his condition to help if needed in the future.
“Working with Alvey is the highlight of my day. One of the privileges is seeing him do epic dives. He’s a real feature of the Spirits of the Sky presentation. He makes some amazing flights over the top of people’s heads. It’s worth seeing,” Mr Scott said.
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. See Alvey in action at the Spirits of the Sky bird presentation, 12pm and 3pm daily.
Healesville Sanctuary is one of the few places where visitors can see this species up close. Ospreys have long sharp talons like fishhooks, ideal for catching their prey when diving into water. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, Osprey are considered of Least Concern with an increasing population trend.
