Spring has sprung—ducklings and other baby birds have begun making their way into care at both of our California wildlife centers. Baby Bird Season is underway!
A quick reminder of what to do when you find a baby bird: First, observe the bird from a safe distance. It is possible the parents are off gathering food and will be right back to care for the baby. You don’t want to scare them away or accidentally kidnap a healthy baby bird. You can also help by removing any potential threats. If you have cats or dogs that might bother the young bird, bring your pets inside. If the bird is visibly injured, or the parents do not return, call your local wildlife rehabilitator for advice on how to help. Remember, sometimes the best thing to do is nothing! For more useful information, check out this great article from the National Audubon Society.
First Killdeer chick for Fairfield: This patient was transferred from the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley. It arrived dehydrated and quiet but is perking up quickly with fluids and a warm incubator. Weighing only 8 oz (227 grams) on arrival, this growing baby has already doubled its weight!
Baby Dinosaur Alert: Our Los Angeles wildlife center was the first to get Black-crowned Night-Heron chicks this year. This patient arrived emaciated and severely hypothermic, but with some critical care, its condition improved by leaps and bounds. The heron chick is now living in an outdoor enclosure and our team is taking special precautions to avoid habituation so this bird won’t associate humans with food after returning to the wild.
Growing Up Fast: The first duckling of the season arrived back on March 5th. Found orphaned and alone, a member of the public brought the duckling in for us to raise. We now have this patient living in an outdoor enclosure with a dozen other ducklings to help it get accustomed to being around its own species.
If you would like to be a part of caring for these baby birds, symbolically adopt one today!
