It’s a common myth that the waxy substance from a bird’s uropygial, or “preen”, gland is what makes feathers waterproof. This is not the case. While the waxy secretion is vital for the long-term health and maintenance of each feather, it is the remarkable physical structure of the feather itself that makes feathers waterproof.
Found grounded in Soquel, CA, an Albatross is back in the wild after being released back to Monterey Bay.
Dear Bird Rescue Supporter, Our doors are still open for wildlife and that’s a good thing. Baby bird season is quickly upon us and we will need your help to keep them fed and cared for! We need to raise $5,000 and if you donate today your donation will be DOUBLED by an anonymous donor! … Read more
A new bird banding report shows something truly remarkable: the oldest known banded King Eider – a species of sea duck – was a 24-year-old oil spill survivor cared for by International Bird Rescue. This finding proves once again that rehabilitated, formerly-oiled birds can survive many years after treatment and release back to the wild. … Read more
June 13, 2018 update: 80 young Brown Pelicans have come into our two California wildlife centers. Concern for Brown Pelicans that live along the coast of Southern California has been mounting as the reported number of sick and dying birds suddenly increased over the past week. Some of these cases, such as the two … Read more
An exotic seabird that arrived in Los Angeles as a stowaway aboard a ship from Korea is taking an unusual flight home to Hawaii this week having been rehabilitated at International Bird Rescue’s Wildlife Center in Los Angeles. The Red-Tailed Tropicbird, a solitary plunge-feeding seabird which rarely fishes within sight of land and nests on … Read more
Our latest update on the Rena Spill is brought to you by International Bird Rescue’s Preparedness Director, Curt Clumpner, who is on site in New Zealand working with Massey University in the role of Wildlife Center Deputy. For those of you who don’t pay much attention to rugby “we” won the Rugby World Cup Sunday … Read more
International Bird Rescue has been working on the oil spill in the Yellowstone River in Montana for a month now. To date we have received 59 animals: an American Robin, a Cooper’s Hawk, a Yellow Warbler, a Canadian Goose, 6 Western Terrestrial Garter Snakes, a Bullfrog, a Leopard Frog, and 47 Woodhouse’s Toads. So why … Read more
Our friends at Audubon, the national bird advocacy group, has an excellent report out this week entitled: Oil and Birds: Too Close for Comfort. The 28 page illustrated report details the lasting effects from the nation’s largest maritime disaster from the BP oil leak on the Louisiana’s Coast and its avian residents. The Audubon Society … Read more
The Gulf oil spill catastrophe and the plight of the wildlife has touched many around the country. We continue to receive numerous e-mails, phone calls, and contributions in support of our organization’s effort. One of the great joys is to see children who have been inspired to get involved. Lemonade has been a big seller. … Read more