Summer in the clinic

This summer we are in full swing. Still accepting all species (including mammals, raptors and waterfowl).

More spring rehab activities

It is busy, here. Last week we received over 1,200 calls to our wildlife hotline. We are fully mobilized, firing on all cylinders as we approach the height of songbird season.

Young gray squirrel transitioning to solid foods (Photo by Eric Flores)

Released Eastern box turtle

Young robin and cardinal learn to feed themselves.

Downy woodpeckers just before feeding and nest replacement.

Juvenile fox about to be nursed.

Fox hit by car during undergoes examination.

Young bluebirds just before a feeding

Injured robin

Juvenile robin with wing fracture

Here we are at the tail end of baby songbird season. The other day, we admitted an injured young robin with a broken ulna/radius and a wound with maggot eggs. The rehabbers cleaned the would of the eggs and treated the bird with an anti-parasitic. Next, the wing was immobilized so that bones could heal.

Juvenile robin with wing fracture_1

Birds mature in 19 days (as opposed to 19 years for humans). Healing broken bones in the midst of this level of accelerated development requires close attention to every detail. The bones must set in just the right way so the bird can live an autonomous, free life on the wing.

Robin recovering from wing fracture

A week on, and the bird’s wound is healing well. With some more supportive care, this robin should be flying in no time.