A Redhead isn’t necessarily a type of duck you see very often. It is definitely not a duck you expect to find sitting in the middle of the road. But that is exactly what a Thousand Oaks resident found on their street one morning in February. Luckily, they recognized that the downed duck was in need of help and quickly took him to our friends at California Wildlife Center. On Valentine’s Day, they transferred the patient down to our wildlife center in San Pedro.
On arrival, the Redhead was weak and barely able to stand. Exams showed he was severely emaciated and had sustained minor wounds on its wings and a burst air sac in his neck. Our first goal was to get this diving duck out into one of our outdoor pools where he would be most comfortable and able to eat and gain strength.
Once in the pool, this Redhead wasted no time and quickly began eating…and eating…and eating! He went from 634 grams at intake up to 924 grams in just under two weeks. Our team cleared this resilient patient for release this past week and a volunteer took him up to the beautiful Ballona Wetlands to rejoin his fellow wild waterbirds.
Special thanks to everyone who had a hand in helping this bird get a second chance, from rescuers to staff and volunteers, and to our supporters who keep the work going. Remember, if you see a bird out of place on a road or on the beach, call your local wildlife rehabilitator as that bird may be in need of help, and you can make a difference!
