A royal tern and a great horned owl were among the 59 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week. Other admissions include a belted kingfisher, two ovenbirds, a snowy egret, a red-bellied woodpecker, a black racer, and nine nestling grey squirrels.
The royal tern was found at Second Chance Critical Wildlife Area (CWA), a small sandbar/island in Rookery Bay Research Reserve. Second Chance CWA is an important stopover site for migrating birds and birds that overwinter in our area. Recently several species, including black skimmers and laughing gulls, have been found in distress on Second Chance.
Boaters rescued the royal tern from the island but weren’t coming to shore for several hours. A von Arx Wildlife Hospital volunteer coordinated with the boaters so he could meet them when they docked at a marina on Marco Island.
A physical exam showed the royal tern was alert, weak, and emaciated. Staff placed the tern on oxygen in a warmed animal intensive care unit (AICU) to rest while preparing a treatment plan. Staff administered an antibiotic, an antifungal, electrolytes, Chinese herbs, and a vitamin supplement and returned the tern to the AICU to rest for the night. A bowl of water with one small fish was offered which the tern ate immediately.
The following morning diagnostic blood work was completed and a radiograph was taken. The blood values were barely within normal limits but the tern had decent energy so staff was hopeful the tern would survive. Staff moved the tern to a slightly larger enclosure in the bird room. The weakness the tern exhibited due to his emaciation persisted for several days. The tern would stand when approached for feedings and treatments but would lie down and rest near the supplemental heat source in his enclosure for the majority of the day.
Each day the tern grew stronger and spent time in a water therapy tub each morning to bathe and preen. Within six days the tern’s condition had improved significantly allowing staff to move the tern to a large recovery enclosure within the bird room where the tern continues to gain strength and recover.
Poor water quality and red tide can have significant effects on the health of native shorebirds. Boaters and beachgoers often call the von Arx Wildlife Hospital after encountering a debilitated bird that clearly needs help but they have no rescue equipment (towel, box, etc.) on hand. If you are frequently on the water or at the beach, be prepared in case you encounter a bird, or any animal, in distress. Carry a towel and keep a ventilated box or pet crate in your car.
Rescuing a debilitated bird is very straightforward. Always wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from any bird with a pointy beak and long neck. Use a towel to loosely cover the bird’s body and head. Once the bird’s head is covered, the darkness will help calm the bird. Gently pick up the bird and place it in the box. Remember, the bird is either injured or debilitated and weak, which gives you the “upper hand” during a rescue. Having a towel and a ventilated cardboard box ensures you are prepared and able to save a life. If you have questions about how to safely rescue and contain an animal, please call the wildlife hospital for guidance.
As people are returning to our area and visiting our local beaches, so are migratory birds and they need our respect and understanding – these species utilize the beaches as their homes. While people are having fun and recreating on the water and beaches, these spots are vital to the survival of native birds. If birds can’t find an appropriate habitat to rest, they can weaken to the point where they no longer have the strength to forage. From there it is a downward spiral often ending in death.
If you see flocks of birds on the beach, give the birds space and choose another location where birds aren’t resting. Never disturb flocks of resting birds by walking through the flock and forcing them to fly. Flying takes a lot of energy and a bird that is already in a weakened condition does not have any energy to waste. Walk around the flocks of resting birds and allow them to rest undisturbed. It literally can be a matter of life or death for these animals.
Residents in a gated community in north Naples called the von Arx Wildlife Hospital after seeing a great horned owl on the ground near their home for two days. The homeowners were intimidated by the size of the owl and asked if help with the rescue was possible. Von Arx Wildlife Hospital Volunteer, John Tekdogan, was able to respond, capture, and transport the owl to the Conservancy for care.
The owl showed signs of neurological deficits and was responsive but dull when handled. While the owl was at a good weight and in decent body condition, the bird was pale and dehydrated, unable to stand without leaning, and showed no defensive behaviors which is atypical for a great horned owl.
The cause of injury was unknown, though rodenticide poisoning is always a concern. Based on clinical signs, the owl required electrolytes, several Chinese herbs, pain medication, and vitamins K and B, and was settled in an animal intensive care unit on supplemental oxygen. A rodent diet ad-lib was added to the treatment plan. The owl showed no interest in eating the first two days then eagerly began eating on its own.
Over the course of several days, the owl’s condition improved. The owl began to display normal defensive behavior when receiving treatment yet, tolerated the handling required to administer medications and fluids. The owl continues to rehabilitate in a large recovery space in the bird room.
This great horned owl was fortunate to have survived being debilitated and unable to fly or get off the ground for at least two days, especially considering the extreme heat and localized flooding currently occurring. Please do not delay seeking professional help if you encounter an injured, sick, or orphaned animal or if you witness a situation with an animal that seems unusual. Immediate medical attention allows trained professionals to evaluate and address animals’ needs and provide treatment. An animal’s condition will continue to deteriorate the longer it goes without care thereby extending the animal’s recovery time; if too much time passes without receiving assistance, the animal may not survive.
Recent Releases
A yellow-throated warbler, two blue jays, a Florida red-bellied turtle, a mourning dove, a black-bellied plover, an eastern cottontail, a royal tern, a peninsula cooter, and two Virginia opossums were released this past week.
Opportunities to Help
Visit our website at conservancy.org to learn about opportunities to get involved. Please consider volunteering, if you are unable to give of your time as a volunteer, become a member or donate. Donations are tax-deductible and make a tremendous impact on our ability to procure needed supplies. Your support will help the Conservancy continue to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.
Joanna Fitzgerald is director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, Florida 34102. Call 239-262-2273 or see conservancy.org.