Second Chances Soaring with Post Fireworks Releases
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
After The Fireworks Bird Song Fills The Air
Many of the birds we've helped recover over the past several weeks are finally ready for the next step: returning to the skies where they belong. Some, though, had to wait just a little longer for their second chances to begin.
As the nesting season slows and fewer babies are admitted daily, a large crop of rehabilitated juveniles is ready to be set free. During the hustle and bustle of the July 4th holiday though, we choose to keep them until after the fireworks are done and the skies are quiet again. A BRC tradition, the week following the holiday is always a big "release week", and this year 77 birds soared to freedom, including 19 American Crows released together in the Brush Creek area of Rincon Valley in Santa Rosa. Since crows are an extremely social species, this group had been convalescing together. As they return to the wild, they will most likely remain together, forming their own "murder" and support system.
Unique Patient Spotlights
This Baby Bird Season has brought us some rare and unusual species. While they're keeping us on our toes, we're up to the challenge and working hard to get them back to the wild.
Here's a peek at two of them...
Long-eared Owls are rare in Sonoma County. They're usually found in dense forests, which are not something we have a lot of in our area.
When this owlet arrived from Mendocino County, it was only the fifth time in our history that we'd received a Long-eared Owl. He was found on the ground, and thankfully he had no major injuries. However, given the rarity of his species, he presents a unique kind of challenge. Getting him back to the wild successfully will mean teaching him how to be a Long-eared Owl with no others of his species around to serve as guides or role models.
Our usual protocol with owl fledglings is to either return them to their original nest and family, or, since owls are such great parents, find a foster family to raise them as their own. Having no information regarding his nest or family, nor access to a suitable foster nest locally, neither of these options are available.
Long-eared Owls are not only rare in Sonoma County, they are scarcely found in most of the Northern U.S. As a result, we've been using our network of fellow rehabilitation centers with added support from Fish & Wildlife to try and find a place where this little fledgling will have a better chance of being with others of his species. This networking has led to discussions with organizations all across the U.S. and North America to find a Long-eared Owl adult who could foster our little owlet.
If it works out, due to the distance, he may be flown via wildlife transport plane to meet his foster parent. We go to great lengths to ensure happy endings and just think — this little guy might be flying before he can actually fly!
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Red Crossbills, like this little one, are specialist feeders whose preferred diet is conifer cones. Their unusual bill is an adaptation which enables them to extract seeds from cones. These birds are typically found in higher northern hemisphere latitudes, where their food sources grow, however they irrupt out of their breeding range when the cone crop fails.
This Crossbill also came to us from a rural area in Mendocino County. Her initial exam revealed a scapula fracture, heavy bruising on her chest, feather damage, and multiple lacerations requiring surgical intervention.
Early during her care, species-specific recordings were played and mirrors provided to encourage feeding and supply a bit of comfort for this highly social species. After a month, she is healing nicely, starting to regrow feathers and has moved into an outdoor aviary to make friends with some compatible species. Upon joining a flock, we finally heard her voice. Now her song is heard every morning during patient rounds.
Soon she will be evaluated for flight and foraging skills. We look forward to planning her release as her rescuers in Mendocino County are looking forward to welcoming her back home!
Open House Success!
Opening our doors to welcome the public back to BRC has been a joy this year. Our second open house was held Saturday, July 11th, when we welcomed a large group of birders. We had visitors of all ages and birding abilities walking the property and spotting many of our resident species.
Thank you to our extra special bird walk guides and long-term volunteers Janet Bosshard and David Laurice for hosting our birding walks. We look forward to bringing more bird outings to the Center.
Save the date for our fall Open House on October 24th! We're planning for another fun-filled day with activities to both inform and entertain as you learn about our native birds and the vital role they play in maintaining our ecosystems.
Shopping List: Food, Housing & More
EGGS
Eggs are an excellent, year round source of natural protein. Right now, our patients are consuming about five dozen of them each and every day! An extra dozen for our pantry whenever you are shopping will help feed a lot of hungry mouths.
AVIARIES
Soft-sided pet carriers make perfect mini aviaries for our smaller patients in the clinic. We use both the 20" and 42" sizes. Their soft sides prevent feather damage as our patients grow and recover before being able to move outside into our larger aviaries. If you are able to help, your generosity will be making little miracles possible each and every day!
Click here for 20" Carrier - Green or Camouflage
Click here for 42" Carrier - Green or Camouflage
DIETARY TRAYS
Dietary trays for our feeding stations are in constant use, and with our hospital wards filling rapidly, additional trays will help keep diet prep and feeding schedules moving ahead smoothly.
Food Delivery Reminder
Please call 707-523-2473 before dropping off eggs and fresh produce so we can make room in the cooler for your generous donations!
Homegrown Eggs: Please hard boil before bringing them - make sure you mark the date on the carton
Store-bought Eggs: Can be either raw or hard boiled
Please know how grateful we are for your ongoing support. Whether you are volunteering your time, rescuing birds in need, or providing the funds that keep our programs running smoothly, for all that you do..
Thank you!
The Bird Rescue Center
PO Box 475
Santa Rosa, CA 95402
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