MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- On May 15, 2002, a Japanese Black Kite was found injured on the Station flightline after a near-fatal encounter with a plane.
After being struck, Chief Warrant Officer Jill Smith, Traffic Management officer, nursed the bird back to health and donated him to the Matthew C. Perry Elementary School.
?It was a long struggle for Flightline, but with the help of Army veterinarian, Maj. Russ Weisinger and the support from Col. Dave Darrah, he pulled through great,? said Smith.
Smith also stated because of the injuries the beautiful bird sustained they had to amputate one of his wings to prevent the further spread of infection.
?Knowing there was no chance of releasing him back into the wild, Col. Darrah suggested that I donate him to the elementary school in hopes the students might be able to interact and gain a greater understanding of Japan?s wildlife,? said Smith.
The bird now sits perched at the school, and with summer coming to a close, has prepared for the upcoming school year by attending a checkup at the Station Veterinarian Clinic.
?For Flightline?s checkup we clipped his nails and trimmed his beak,? said Army Capt. Sandi Parriot. ?In the wild his talons and beak would wear down naturally from hunting prey, but since he is not able to hunt we have to do it for him.?
For Flightline, the length of his talons and beak can be the difference between life and death.
?If his talons become too long he would be unable to stand on his perch or properly grasp his food, if his beak was not trimmed, he would not be able to fit food in his mouth and would starve,? said Parriot.
Although the consequences of neglected trimmings are a scary thought for Flightline and the students of the school, he did receive some excellent news at the Vet.
?During his checkup we found out that he is regaining the use of his injured wing,? said Parriot. ?After being struck, his wing from what would be his elbow down had to be amputated, but he is still recovering nicely.?
After a long summer of frequent visits by Smith and hanging out in his aviary built by the Station Facilities Division, Flightline will be taken care of by the school?s Talented and Gifted class, taught by Bill Vetarbo.
?This may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for the kids to come face to face with a live raptor,? said Smith.
Although Flightline was acquired through a near fatal misfortune, the time and compassion of a few service members has transformed this would-be tragedy into a project that has been beneficial for everyone involved.
?Flightline is recovering nicely,? said Smith. ?If he could communicate with us, I?m sure he?d give thanks to the veterinary staff and Station residents for giving him a second chance at survival.?