A Green-winged Teal is alive and in care because of the heroic efforts of a young girl and her father. The two family members were enjoying a visit to the beach at MacKerricher State Park in Mendocino County when they noticed a small duck getting tossed about in the surf. Dottie, who is nine years old, insisted that they rescue the bird, so her father, Jonathan, waded into the surf and carefully collected the duck and wrapped it up in his jacket.
After the rescue they brought the injured and bedraggled teal to a local wildlife expert – Sarah Grimes – at Noyo Center For MARINE Science in Fort Bragg, CA,who in turn made sure the patient was transferred to our wildlife center where she could receive expert care and surgery.
Having also recently rescued two sparrows, third grader Dottie shares Bird Rescue’s belief that every bird matters. “Usually people shouldn’t touch wildlife,” Dottie said, “but when you see that an animal is hurt and you can help, then it’s ok.”
Our team is now working hard to treat this teal’s wounds and make sure that she has all the care she needs to recover and return to the wild. While her prognosis is still guarded, we are hopeful that with proper care and nutrition we will be able to get her to release.
A special thank you to Dottie and her father for taking action when they saw a bird in need. They recognized a bird in distress and brought it to a wildlife professional, and those actions made all the difference for this Green-winged Teal.
We dream of a world in which every person, every day, takes action to protect the natural world. Inspired by Dottie, you can help make that vision a reality. Keep an eye out for wildlife in need and support your local wildlife rehabilitation organizations. To help support the care of this teal and the dozens of other birds currently in our care, make a donation today.
PS: Watch this video to learn more about how YOU can take action by being aware of the world around you, just like Dottie.