LWR saw a slew of releases last week, with all three great crested flycatchers, all three mockers, a mourning dove and all five chimney swifts gaining their freedom!
Of course, Nature abhors a vacuum, so they were quickly replaced with new intakes…
Aside from the swifts, who were released into an existing colony, most of the other releases are still coming down for frequent supplemental feedings, along with the blue jay and crow—both “slow to independence” corvids who are perfectly capable of fending for themselves but won’t pass up a gravy train!
Below are photos of the swifts in the flight pen pre-release and of the crow being… well, a crow!
Of course, Nature abhors a vacuum, so they were quickly replaced with new intakes…
Aside from the swifts, who were released into an existing colony, most of the other releases are still coming down for frequent supplemental feedings, along with the blue jay and crow—both “slow to independence” corvids who are perfectly capable of fending for themselves but won’t pass up a gravy train!
Below are photos of the swifts in the flight pen pre-release and of the crow being… well, a crow!
More swifts came in, not in good shape. The finder did everything right: she attempted to re-nest but the nest was shattered when it fell. She left them where the parents could hear their calls, but no parents showed. Then she decided that, given her indoor cats’ growing interest in them, it would be safest to get them to LWR. We don’t know how long they were down before she found them. Sadly, while they did fairly well on the afternoon of intake, they died overnight.
The catbirds and house finch are slated to go in the songbird flight this week. They’re adorable together, although one of the catbirds is a “slinger”, i.e., he slings food all over his cage-mates, me and anything else within range. We all need wipedowns after a feeding!
This red-bellied woodpecker, a recent fledge, was found outside someone’s front door, on the ground and head tucked. On intake I didn’t hold out much hope—he was lethargic and couldn’t cling at all. He tended to lie on his back in the nest box, legs flailing uselessly.
However, he’s slowly improving and can cling now, although he does still end up on his back occasionally. I suspect he was a window-strike victim who’s still dealing with neurological damage.
Libby Carey, my mammal rehabbing colleague in South Georgia (I’m trying to encourage her to get her songbird permit, yep), sent this red-headed woodpecker today. His nest fell during a storm. He’s a bit stressed and quiet from the transport right now but is eating well.
Raptor rehabber Steve Hicks of Bubba & Friends sent a couple of birds this way last week, as well. The red shoulder needs x-rays on a wing fracture, which we hope to get done Monday or Tuesday, and the broadwing had an eye injury that needed treatment.
Normally raptors of different species aren’t housed together; however, space is at a premium at LWR at the moment and these two are close enough in size that predation didn’t seem to be a risk. Thus far they’re tolerating each other.
Normally raptors of different species aren’t housed together; however, space is at a premium at LWR at the moment and these two are close enough in size that predation didn’t seem to be a risk. Thus far they’re tolerating each other.
Red shoulder
Broadwing
From Libby also, we have a brancher Mississippi kite, meaning he’s old enough to perch outside the nest but not old enough to be on his own. He was found grounded near several large dogs, so for his safety he was sent to LWR. He’s also eating well and getting more vocal. If things work out, he’ll be headed for Bubba & Friends this week, to free up a little space at LWR.
And also from Libby, another chimney swift, a singleton this time. He’s older than the ill-fated trio from earlier in the week and seems healthier, so fingers crossed. Swifts can be difficult to rehab.
This hummer was found tangled in a spider web—yeah, they’re small enough that this can happen—and was stressed and lethargic upon rescue. After a night’s R&R at LWR, he was happy to go his merry way!
The barred owls are slated for release this week, after which we’ll test the broadwing in the raptor flight; if he can fly, he’ll be released back where he was found. Then the screech will finally get his turn in the flight.
The mallard is doing well and impossibly adorable. The video below was filmed from above so you can watch the little rascal dive and swim under water. It’s one of those neat things to see!
The mallard is doing well and impossibly adorable. The video below was filmed from above so you can watch the little rascal dive and swim under water. It’s one of those neat things to see!
And finally, as indicated last week, LWR has officially started a fundraiser to help with expenses for the remainder of the year. We’re at 204 birds thus far, which is more than we normally see in an entire year—and we still have the rest of baby season and migration coming up. Donations are tax-deductible, as LWR is a 501(c)(3).
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