Rare admissions begin the year

January 28, 2025

This New Year is already off to a busy start for the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The wildlife team admitted 89 animals from January 1 to January 13. Some admissions include a Great horned owl, Eastern cottontails and a few rare species such as an American kestrel, Cedar waxwing and Yellow-bellied sapsucker.

American Kestrel

One of the rare patients recently admitted was an American kestrel. 

The American kestrel is the smallest and most common North American falcon. Even though the American kestrel is the most common in North America, the von Arx Wildlife Hospital has only admitted 62 in the last 35 years, averaging 2-3 each year. The most recent American kestrel was found on the road on Marco Island. 

Once the bird was admitted, the bird received pain medication and was stabilized before a full exam. This is a critical step in the admission process because it gives the bird time to decompress from the stressful situation and has pain medications on board to relive some stress, but also alleviate any pain from the initial trauma. After the full exam, it was determined the bird was dull, slightly ataxic, eyes closed, top of the head was fluffed and had pale pink mucus membranes. 

The veterinarian and staff suspected the cause of injury was due to a vehicle strike because of the presentation of the bird and the history of where the bird was found. The current treatment for the bird is supportive care such as oxygen, fluids and Chinese herbs along with pain medications. The von Arx Wildlife hospital staff continues to monitor the bird closely for any signs of trauma that may show up later in the bird’s recovery process. 

Cedar Waxwing

Another rare bird admitted from Marco island was a Cedar waxwing.

The wildlife hospital admitted 49 Cedar waxwings in the last 35 years. Cedar waxwings are known for eating fruit and their distinct red waxy feathers. This bird was found in Mackle Park under a bleacher. 

The bird was quiet alert and reactive, had a weak bite but was reluctant to extend the left wing upon arrival. Unsure of what caused the injury, it was determined that the bird had a left wing injury. The bird received pain medication and fluids along with enclosure rest so the wing can heal properly. After a few days at the hospital, a wing droop was noted which often happens through recovery. If the bird starts using the wing more often because they are feeling better it starts to hurt a little more, similar to when we go through physical therapy. The veterinarian and the von Arx Wildlife staff will continue to monitor the bird during the recovery process. 

Call to Action

From December 15 to January 4, the wildlife hospital admitted 150 native animals and released 42 animals back into the wild. On average, we receive around 15 percent of admits from Marco Island. As the only wildlife hospital in Collier County, we are here to help all injured and/or orphaned native wildlife. Season is here so please be mindful when you are driving as well as when you are walking around Collier County. Animals are put in vulnerable situations because of the amount of people within a little area. The increase in human activity directly impacts the chances for wildlife injuries. Please be alert, aware and vigilant. Call the wildlife hospital at 239-262-2273 for wildlife help. The von Arx Wildlife Hospital is open 365 days a year from 8am to 6pm. 

About the Conservancy of Southwest Florida

Visit the Conservancy’s Nature Center. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an environmental conservation nonprofit in the heart of Naples, FL. The campus consists of a Nature Center open to the public Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 am to 4 pm and a wildlife hospital.