Since the beginning of April, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in baby bird admissions. One of our recent patients was a young pileated woodpecker. The bird was found hopping around a backyard, unable to fly. Concerned for its safety, especially with three dogs nearby and nightfall approaching, the rescuer decided to bring the bird to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.
Upon examination, the woodpecker appeared healthy. It’s likely that the young bird had left the nest a bit too early. Pileated woodpeckers are cavity nesters and often make their homes in dead trees. After the bird was medically cleared, one of our volunteers visited the site to look for the nest. She searched nearby trees for cavities and even played nestling calls, hoping to find the parents. Unfortunately, there was no sign of them. The woodpecker is now being raised at our facility and will remain in our care until it is able to fly confidently.
If you come across a baby bird, please take a photo and call the wildlife hospital before intervening. There are several stages of development, and it’s easy to mistake a fledgling for a bird in distress. The three main stages are:
- Nestling: Found in the nest, covered in down or pin feathers
- Fledgling: Fully feathered, but can only hop or fly short distances
- Immature: Capable of flying, but appears smaller and younger than adults
Just like human babies need time to learn how to walk, birds need time to learn how to fly. They begin in the nest, then move to hopping, followed by short flights, and eventually full flight. If you would like to support the baby birds and other newborn animals being cared for at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital, you can bring in an item on the hospital’s wishlist to the Conservancy Nature Center on Saturday, June 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each person who brings an item will be given free admission for that day to enjoy the Dalton Discover Center and John & Carol Walter Discovery Wing, take an electric boat tour of the Gordon River, or enjoy any of the educational talks and amenities offered that day.
Gopher tortoise hit by car at Barefoot Beach
Another wildlife patient being cared for is a female gopher tortoise, recently admitted after being hit by a car in the parking lot at Barefoot Beach. A park ranger found her active but bleeding, with a visible crack in her shell. Barefoot Beach, an undeveloped barrier island, is known for its natural beauty and native wildlife, including many gopher tortoises.
Gopher tortoises often seek shade under parked cars while grazing during the day. Unfortunately, if drivers don’t check under their vehicles before leaving, these tortoises can be injured, as was the case here.
A full veterinary exam revealed a significant crack in the back right portion of her shell, though thankfully, the coelomic cavity (which houses the major organs) was not breached, and there were no broken limbs. Our staff veterinarian stabilized the damaged shell with bandages. The tortoise is currently on pain medication and antibiotics and is resting in an enclosure designed to mimic a natural burrow. Once she becomes more active, she will begin grazing outside with other recovering tortoises.
You can play an active role in helping these animals. When visiting parks or nature reserves, always read posted signs—they’re there for a reason. These signs offer valuable information about local plants, wildlife, and any safety considerations. At Barefoot Beach, signs specifically warn visitors to check under their cars and drive slowly to protect gopher tortoises. Let’s all do our part to be good stewards of wildlife. A little awareness can go a long way in protecting our native species.
The von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida rehabilitates and releases injured, sick and orphaned native wildlife every day of the year. Please call 239-262-2273 for wildlife assistance. For animal drop-off, the hospital is located at 1495 Smith Preserve Way in Naples, FL.