Here is a video of another of our birds currently in rehab. In most cases, the best thing for baby birds is to be left alone. Most of the time their parents are still caring for them, and birds don't have a great sense of smell. They won't abandon their chicks because they "smell" like humans.
Showing posts with label rehabilitation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rehabilitation. Show all posts
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Turkey vulture chick!
Can you believe it? Yes, this is the vulture chick (aka Gladys) I've been posting about this summer!!! She is doing well and will be released when she's old enough to care for herself. We'll release her in an area where turkey vultures commonly roost and boy will she have some stories to tell!
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Hawk rescue
Another baby that has been brought to us for rehabilitation is this little broad-winged hawk:
World Bird Sanctuary relies on donations from our supporters to feed and care for our injured birds. Veterinary care is often expensive, but always worth it, especially when you see the bird released into the wild. If you'd like to help us with the cost of care, you can make a secure donation here on our blog by clicking the "donate" button, or visit our website at: http://worldbirdsanctuary.org/ and choose a fun option for donation!
World Bird Sanctuary relies on donations from our supporters to feed and care for our injured birds. Veterinary care is often expensive, but always worth it, especially when you see the bird released into the wild. If you'd like to help us with the cost of care, you can make a secure donation here on our blog by clicking the "donate" button, or visit our website at: http://worldbirdsanctuary.org/ and choose a fun option for donation!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Rescued screech owls
These guys were rescued here in Missouri and brought to the World Bird Sanctuary for rehabilitation. They will both be released back into the wild. Determining whether or not a baby bird is in danger is tricky. Often, they are fledglings with mom and dad lurking somewhere nearby and will be just fine, but in the event of injury or imminent danger, they should be cared for by trained professionals. It's harder than you think to raise a raptor! Also, a rehabilitation facility must be licensed.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Mudflap returns!
Just because she is so adorable, I decided to post another of Cathy's Mudflap videos. Here you see Miss Flap taking a stroll around the Great Rivers Museum in Alton, Illinois. Mudflap is an American white pelican who came to the World Bird Sanctuary because of an injury that makes her unreleasable. When she isn't education people at programs in the area, she and her buddy Scoop can be seen on display at our public site in Valley Park.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Rescued turkey vulture
Here's another video of the little rescued turkey vulture having his breakfast. This video was taken wearing a "ghost" to disguise the human from the bird and thus avoid imprinting. A bird that has imprinted on humans cannot be released into the wild, and we hope to see this little bird flying free when she's ready!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Kestrel fledglings
WBS rescued two American kestrel chicks earlier this month and fostered them with our European kestrels (see post and video from June 6). I'm thrilled to say that the foster parents did a beautiful job and both chicks have fledged and will be released in the next week or so. I hope to document their release as well!
Click to enlarge
Click to enlargeSunday, June 22, 2008
Little rescued vulture is thriving
The turkey vulture chick we rescued in early June (see June 10th post) is growing up. She's been isolated from humans as much as possible and fed using a ghost (a long fabric sheet draped over the body) and a vulture puppet to simulate mom. You will notice in the videos that we are silent, still, and as inconspicuous as we can be.
She (or he, but she's Gladys to me) is wonderfully healthy and has a big bird appetite. We hope to release this chick back into the wild and so far she is right on track.
This video shows the chick being weighed and having her brooder towels changed.
This one shows the actual feeding. Thanks Jen for the puppet show!
She (or he, but she's Gladys to me) is wonderfully healthy and has a big bird appetite. We hope to release this chick back into the wild and so far she is right on track.
This video shows the chick being weighed and having her brooder towels changed.
This one shows the actual feeding. Thanks Jen for the puppet show!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Goodbye Travis
Travis, our red tailed hawk, died in her sleep Thursday evening. Rather than add new posts this week I'll be adding remembrances from those who knew and loved Travis to this post. Regular posts will resume next Sunday.
Travis was illegally taken from her nest as a chick and raised on a horrible diet of hot dogs and bologna which led to rickets and permanently bowed her legs. She was confiscated by the Missouri Department of Conservation and given to the World Bird Sanctuary in 1987. For 21 years she held a special place in our hearts.
After arriving at WBS, Travis was nurtured and fed an appropriate diet, but the early damage to her body could not be undone. In spite of this, she became a fixture in our education programs around the country. In 2003, Travis retired to our lower site where she lived a peaceful life surrounded by those who loved her.
During her time with WBS, Travis not only educated the public, but also our staff, interns, and volunteers. Our donors and sponsors made caring for Travis (who needed a lifetime of care and medicine) possible, and many took a special interest in her case. It is impossible to say how much this hawk meant to all of us, but here are some words in honor of Travis:
Jennifer B: She was a sweet bird who trained many staff and volunteers, and educated thousands of people in her life. We will miss her.
Stephanie P: Travis was a marvelous hawk. She taught me more than I can say. I'll miss watching her watch the squirrels around her mew.
Travis was illegally taken from her nest as a chick and raised on a horrible diet of hot dogs and bologna which led to rickets and permanently bowed her legs. She was confiscated by the Missouri Department of Conservation and given to the World Bird Sanctuary in 1987. For 21 years she held a special place in our hearts.
After arriving at WBS, Travis was nurtured and fed an appropriate diet, but the early damage to her body could not be undone. In spite of this, she became a fixture in our education programs around the country. In 2003, Travis retired to our lower site where she lived a peaceful life surrounded by those who loved her.
During her time with WBS, Travis not only educated the public, but also our staff, interns, and volunteers. Our donors and sponsors made caring for Travis (who needed a lifetime of care and medicine) possible, and many took a special interest in her case. It is impossible to say how much this hawk meant to all of us, but here are some words in honor of Travis:
In memory of Travis, our magnificent hawk
Angela K: I'll never forget how happy Travis always was at feeding time. The eager sounds she made at the sight of a meal, and the way she'd jump right up to the perch for it, will always be something I will happily remember.Jennifer B: She was a sweet bird who trained many staff and volunteers, and educated thousands of people in her life. We will miss her.
Stephanie P: Travis was a marvelous hawk. She taught me more than I can say. I'll miss watching her watch the squirrels around her mew.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Another little rescue
Spring is always a busy time for rescue and rehab, particularly as young chicks fledge. Most of the time, a fledgling is just fine out of the nest. They are still being fed and watched over by their parents. Sometimes, however, intervention is required.
This spring has been VERY exciting for me. As a WBS volunteer, I have already had some "first ever" experiences: a turkey vulture chick (see June 9th) and this little Eastern Screech Owl. Since they are relatively common to the area, I've seen adults in the wild, but never a chick. And to hold them...it is incredible. With native species, the World Bird Sanctuary's goal for every bird is to heal, care for, and release it into the wild. While this is not always possible because of injury, this little guy is well on his way to a normal owl life.
If you find a fledgling, keep an eye on it and call your local animal rescue/conservation group before you intervene. It often takes a specialist to determine whether or not a chick needs our help. However, in the case of obvious injury or immediate danger, bring the chick to your local rescue.
These pictures show WBS staff member, Donna, with the new owl. After posing for some pictures, he went directly into a brooder in our baby room. Since then, he and another rescued screech owl have grown enough to thermoregulate and "graduated" to an adult enclosure (still in the baby room). They have limited human contact in order to avoid imprinting.
If you'd like to help feed and care for this wee one and our other rescues, you can make a secure donation of any amount (even a dollar helps!) by clicking the donation button on the right or calling 636-861-3225.
This spring has been VERY exciting for me. As a WBS volunteer, I have already had some "first ever" experiences: a turkey vulture chick (see June 9th) and this little Eastern Screech Owl. Since they are relatively common to the area, I've seen adults in the wild, but never a chick. And to hold them...it is incredible. With native species, the World Bird Sanctuary's goal for every bird is to heal, care for, and release it into the wild. While this is not always possible because of injury, this little guy is well on his way to a normal owl life.
If you find a fledgling, keep an eye on it and call your local animal rescue/conservation group before you intervene. It often takes a specialist to determine whether or not a chick needs our help. However, in the case of obvious injury or immediate danger, bring the chick to your local rescue.
These pictures show WBS staff member, Donna, with the new owl. After posing for some pictures, he went directly into a brooder in our baby room. Since then, he and another rescued screech owl have grown enough to thermoregulate and "graduated" to an adult enclosure (still in the baby room). They have limited human contact in order to avoid imprinting.
If you'd like to help feed and care for this wee one and our other rescues, you can make a secure donation of any amount (even a dollar helps!) by clicking the donation button on the right or calling 636-861-3225.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Say what you want about vultures...
This little Turkey Vulture is still the cutest thing I've ever seen!
This chick was rescued and brought to the sanctuary where he (or she!) is being fed and cared for and kept warm and safe. Once she is grown, she'll be released to live as the wild bird she was born to be. Until then I've secretly named her Gladys! Actually, vultures imprint very easily, so once this bird is out of the brooder she'll be restricted from human interaction and fed by WBS propagation specialists behind a blind so that she can't see the humans or know they've named her anything at all.
Did you expect a vulture to be so adorable?
Sunday, June 8, 2008
An injured bald eagle returns to the wild, thanks to our community!
On May 28 of this year the World Bird Sanctuary, collaborated with a number of other organizations in an eagle release that was the culmination of an amazing story.
At the beginning of May, while making his daily rounds to feed the birds housed on our upper trail, one of our staff members was surprised to find a wild juvenile bald eagle that was in obvious distress, and had landed by our eagle cages near the rehab hospital. (You could say she checked herself in.) Recognizing her distress, our staff member quickly gathered her up and brought her into the hospital. There were no obvious injuries or broken bones, and it was surmised that she may have eaten some tainted food. She was given supportive therapy, and after about three weeks in rehab she had gone from 12 lbs. to a robust 14 lbs., and was ready to be released.
Coincidentally, Missouri American Water Company, in conjunction with the World Bird Sanctuary, Ameren UE, Missouri Conservation Department, and Boy Scout Troop 950, had recently erected nest platforms on their riverfront property in the hope that they would attract nesting pairs of bald eagles. It was decided that this would be a perfect spot to release this magnificent bird.
On May 28 representatives of the organizations involved in the placement of the nestboxes, as well as a number of government officials, including State Senator John Loudon, Representative Jane Cunningham, and Representative Al Liese, all gathered at Missouri American Water Company's plant site, where this magnificent eagle was released back into the wild.
If you'd like to read and see more of this wonderful event, please visit the links below. To view enlarged photos, click on the image.
Sign erected for the eagle release.
One of the nesting platforms erected on Missouri American Water property
Closeup of the eagle nesting platform built by Boy Scout Troop 950
Some of the many dignitaries who showed up for this event.
Staff member Joe Hoffmann coaches Missouri American Water
Missouri American Water Company President, Terry Gloriod, releases the eagle
Freedom!
This post was written and photographed by Gay Schroer.
www.ameren.com/Community/ADC_2008EagleRelease.asp
www.ameren.com/AboutUs/ADC_EaglesBoyScouts.asp
At the beginning of May, while making his daily rounds to feed the birds housed on our upper trail, one of our staff members was surprised to find a wild juvenile bald eagle that was in obvious distress, and had landed by our eagle cages near the rehab hospital. (You could say she checked herself in.) Recognizing her distress, our staff member quickly gathered her up and brought her into the hospital. There were no obvious injuries or broken bones, and it was surmised that she may have eaten some tainted food. She was given supportive therapy, and after about three weeks in rehab she had gone from 12 lbs. to a robust 14 lbs., and was ready to be released.
Coincidentally, Missouri American Water Company, in conjunction with the World Bird Sanctuary, Ameren UE, Missouri Conservation Department, and Boy Scout Troop 950, had recently erected nest platforms on their riverfront property in the hope that they would attract nesting pairs of bald eagles. It was decided that this would be a perfect spot to release this magnificent bird.
On May 28 representatives of the organizations involved in the placement of the nestboxes, as well as a number of government officials, including State Senator John Loudon, Representative Jane Cunningham, and Representative Al Liese, all gathered at Missouri American Water Company's plant site, where this magnificent eagle was released back into the wild.
If you'd like to read and see more of this wonderful event, please visit the links below. To view enlarged photos, click on the image.
Sign erected for the eagle release.
One of the nesting platforms erected on Missouri American Water property
Closeup of the eagle nesting platform built by Boy Scout Troop 950
Some of the many dignitaries who showed up for this event.
Staff member Joe Hoffmann coaches Missouri American WaterPresident, Terry Gloriod, on the intricacies of releasing a bald eagle
Missouri American Water Company President, Terry Gloriod, releases the eagle
Freedom!This post was written and photographed by Gay Schroer.
www.ameren.com/Community/ADC_2008EagleRelease.asp
www.ameren.com/AboutUs/ADC_EaglesBoyScouts.asp
Friday, June 6, 2008
Rescued kestrel chicks and their foster mom...
Among our many responsibilities at the World Bird Sanctuary, the care and rehabilitation of injured birds is one of the most important. The goal of rehabilitation is to save the life of birds in distress, with release being the ultimate objective whenever possible. Releasing a recovered bird into the wild is an incredible experience and many lives are saved thanks to public donations and support. WBS is entirely non-profit, which means that the lives and well being of these birds are dependent on public donations. If you'd like to help birds like the kestrel chicks in this video, please consider donating! Every dollar counts and is appreciated more than words can say.
Kestrels are the smallest falcons in North America. One of our staff picked up these two chicks from a driveway; three older chicks from the same nest had already died. We are fostering them with our Eurasian kestrels, Paris and Bristol. They are doing well, and when they are grown they will be released. Paris is a great mom!
Special thanks to Jennifer Bender for the video and description!
Kestrels are the smallest falcons in North America. One of our staff picked up these two chicks from a driveway; three older chicks from the same nest had already died. We are fostering them with our Eurasian kestrels, Paris and Bristol. They are doing well, and when they are grown they will be released. Paris is a great mom!
Special thanks to Jennifer Bender for the video and description!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
If you find an injured bird...
Now that it is spring, determining whether or not a bird is injured or just a normal fledgling is difficult. If you find a bird that is clearly young on or near the ground and not apparently injured, it is best to let them be. The parents will care for their young themselves. However, if the bird is injured or in immediate danger, intervention is required. Here are some tips for making this decision and for what to do next using owls as an example along with pictures of our rehab team treating a barred owl with a broken wing. Getting this owl to the World Bird Sanctuary saved its life.
Owlet found on Ground:
In the case of an owlet found on the ground in March, April or May, it is almost certain that this will be a recently fledged owl. If the owlet is within a safe area, away from traffic, passers-by, dogs and cats and is not being harassed by crows, the bird should be left alone. The parents will be close by and tending to its needs once darkness falls.
Owl hit by a car/injured:
Keep the bird quiet, warm and in darkness. No attempt should be made to feed or give it water. Contact your local wildlife rescue organization or wildlife hospital. If you are close to the World Bird Sanctuary please call the office on 636-861-1392 and arrange to bring the owl in to our fully equipped wildlife hospital. It is essential to take the bird to an experienced vet for a prognosis and treatment.
In the case of severe weather, with the youngster being in danger of chilling, please contact the World Bird Sanctuary at 636-861-1392 between 9 am - 5pm.
Owls get used to humans very quickly and then cannot be returned to the wild. Please make sure that you have minimum contact with the bird while it is in your care.
Owlet found on Ground:
In the case of an owlet found on the ground in March, April or May, it is almost certain that this will be a recently fledged owl. If the owlet is within a safe area, away from traffic, passers-by, dogs and cats and is not being harassed by crows, the bird should be left alone. The parents will be close by and tending to its needs once darkness falls.
Owl hit by a car/injured:
Keep the bird quiet, warm and in darkness. No attempt should be made to feed or give it water. Contact your local wildlife rescue organization or wildlife hospital. If you are close to the World Bird Sanctuary please call the office on 636-861-1392 and arrange to bring the owl in to our fully equipped wildlife hospital. It is essential to take the bird to an experienced vet for a prognosis and treatment.
In the case of severe weather, with the youngster being in danger of chilling, please contact the World Bird Sanctuary at 636-861-1392 between 9 am - 5pm.
Owls get used to humans very quickly and then cannot be returned to the wild. Please make sure that you have minimum contact with the bird while it is in your care.
treating an injured barred owl
splinting a broken wing
checking for other injuries
administering fluids and medication
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