Spring begins...

The wildlife ward has been a little slow lately. The three current cases ( a Canadian goose, a Barred Owl and a Red-Tailed Hawk) are all doing well, and the rest of the teams are waiting for a case. Odin, our resident Red-Tailed Hawk, was especially interested in perching on the step ladder today, even when we needed it to finish cleaning his cage! Susie, our resident Harris Hawk, also got to fly around the ward for awhile. She enjoys perching as high as possible and went almost directly to the top of a shelving unit.

Susie:

With the arrival of spring, we know the clinic won't be quiet for much longer. Every spring brings an influx of orphaned birds, bunnies and squirrels to the clinic. Unfortunately, many of the orphans we receive would have been better left alone. Parents will often leave their young for long periods during the day, leading people to think the young have been abandoned. Our recommendations are to call us when:
1) you know the parents are dead (evidence of a dead parent nearby)
2) The animal is obviously injured, weak, thin, very cold or sick
3) the animal is covered with flies or insects , or
4) the animal is in unavoidable, unnatural danger.
If the "orphan" is fat, bright eyed and apparently healthy it is probably best left alone. You can return the animal to its nest (if you can find it) or move it out of the way to a safe location. If a baby bunny's eyes are open or a baby bird is completely feathered, they are typically old enough to fend for themselves.

On Thursday, the resident birds will be going to visit Tiger Cub Den 147 for an educational program. We're looking forward to a great event!