by Cindy A. Abole, Public Relations

When a bird refuge asked MUSC radiation oncology instructor Steve Nelson for help, he had no idea what he was bargaining for.

Although minor in scope, Nelson’s assistance at the South Carolina Center for Birds of Prey in Awendaw was large enough to ensure the continuous care and medical needs of endangered raptors flying around South Carolina’s coast.

Nelson was asked recently by Lowcountry veterinarian Merrill Irvin, DVM., to lend his expertise in repairing the center’s portable X-ray machine. Founded in 1992, the Birds of Prey Center is a medical facility for native birds and raptors. The center is supported primarily by grants and donations. Irvin, who is experienced with numerous wildlife projects affiliated with the Cape Romain Wildlife Refuge, is also a board member of the center and often provides professional care.

After an exchange of letters and approval with Nelson’s supervisors, Kenneth Vanek, Ph.D., associate chairman, Department of Radiation Oncology and Andrew Turrisi, M.D., chairman, Department of Radiation Oncology, Nelson set out on his “house call” on Jan. 15.

“He literally saved us,” said Jim Elliott, the center’s director, referring to Nelson’s help in the repair of their donated equipment which helps the team identify orthopaedic problems in birds. During the interim, the team arranged to carry injured birds to nearby veterinarian offices to conduct X-rays prior to treatment. “These wild animals are under enough stress being injured. It’s not helpful to continuously move them,” Nelson said. “It wasn’t a workable situation.”

When Nelson arrived at the center, he was surprised to discover a place swarming in activity among the quiet backdrop of the nearby Lowcountry wetlands.

Approaching the treatment room, Nelson recalls seeing occupied cages lined up outside. He didn’t expect to see animals so up close and personal. During his initial visit, he remembers being escorted inside the treatment area and X-ray unit, used as a temporary perch for a caged Great Horned Owl.

After making minor repairs to the unit, Nelson had extra time to watch Elliott and colleague perform surgery on an injured red-tailed hawk, native to the state’s coastal waters.

The bird was recently transported from the North Charleston Animal Control suffering from a wing fracture and gunshot wounds to the leg. Nelson was awed by Elliott’s patience as he gently cuddled the large bird as it slowly came out of anesthesia.

“I was most impressed with the number of injured animals they worked on,” said Nelson. “I was impressed with the amount of work they could do within the two short days I visited.” With January being the migratory time for birds flying north and south, the center treats up to three birds a day. Although not purposeful, about 99 percent of these injuries are mostly caused by human interference, according to Elliott. The red-tailed hawk is one of about 300 birds, including eagles, falcons, vultures, owls, treated yearly at the center.

The center is on the verge of opening a new $150,000 educational complex at the nearby Seewee Environmental Education Center in the Francis Marion Forest. The medical complex will still be in service to aid injured birds.

Nelson admits his experience has spurred a personal interest in birds and South Carolina wildlife. He owns a South Carolina bird book and received a pair of binoculars as a Christmas present. Living nearby a marsh, Nelson hopes to pay more attention to the Lowcountry horizon and catch some spectacular views outside his kitchen window.