Critters Updated

David Beard Jun 01, 2013 1 Comment



Both flying squirrels got sick yesterday. After lots of intensive care and TLC, one is much better today, but one is still pretty sick. Most squirrels (and most rodents) are very hardy, but flying squirrels seem more like bunnies–very fragile, with very sensitive tummies. We will continue to do our utmost for these beautiful little squirrels.

We got three more baby birds yesterday, and they are the same type as the other two we already have (and we still don’t know that that is!). They were brought in a day after they were found in a stored vehicle that had been moved. They were stone-cold, and 2 died right after getting here. The other was looking just terrible for most of the day despite warming and subcutaneous fluids, but finally perked up . He is finally gaping, eating, and pooping, and has joined the other two.

The baby songbirds are surging in size–one went from 14 g to 19 g in a day, and the other grew from 15 g to 21 g in a day. We can see them literally growing before our eyes. Their eyes are starting to open. Still don’t know what they are, but we realize that they are going to be bigger than we originally thought. ? Brewer’s Blackbird or grackle (Christa’s prediction–she may well be right!)? They now have pinfeathers on their wings, and their eyes are open.

The kidnapped fawn has rejoined his mom.  The broken-leg fawn we sent to Wild and Free is doing great! She didn’t need surgery, just a cast. Dr. Deb expects a good outcome for her.

The kingfisher is perching more and more steadily, but still has to flap to keep her balance. We are very pleased with her progress!  Tanager and warblers and waxwings still recovering.

The baby pigeons are doing a soft release at a pigeon-friendly site, where the northern goshawk that frequents Wildwoods won’t make an immediate meal of them. They will soon be joined by another orphaned pigeon.

The baby grey squirrels and woodchuck are doing great! The bunnies are doing well so far, though the outlook for the litter who arrived chilled and quite dehydrated is still very guarded. The mice are gearing up for release. The gulls continue to glare and eat.

Wildwoods was called on a consult here, reported on Fox21.

To find out more about Wildwoods, vist us here.  Also, next new intern and volunteer orientation will be on June 22.

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about 12 years ago 

Critter report (some happy, some sad):

The other sickly baby robin died last night, despite all we tried. The remaining robin is doing wonderfully. He is fully feathered, huge, and flapping his wings. If he were still with mom and dad, this is when he would fledge (leave the nest) and spend several days on the ground or in low bushes, being fed by his parents while he works on learning to fly. This is the stage in which most baby birds are mistakenly kidnapped and brought in to wildlife rehabbers. Learn how to tell the difference between a nestling and a fledgling here, and what to do for each. 

One of the bunnies who was in guarded condition died this morning. It is so hard to pull them back when they come to us dehydrated and cold. (The other bunnies are doing well, and eating prodigious amounts of dandelion greens (thanks Lisa and Jennifer). 

We released the baby mice this morning -- put their predator-proof mouse-house, along with a good supply of food, in a secure place in the woodpile. Good luck, little guys, and have fun!

We are releasing the kingfisher later this morning as well!

We got two new birds yesterday -- an injured chickadee (thanks Justin) and a purple finch recovering from an eye infection (thanks Dr. Kellar). 

The gull with the spinal injury is definitely making progress -- using his legs more and more! The other guy looks better as well.

The baby pigeon is in with an adult pigeon who is recovering from starvation, and the baby is so happy for pigeon company! She's cuddling up with the adult, and also imitating the seed pecking of the adult. They're both out at a pre-release location, getting used to the sights and sounds of outdoors while in a secure enclosure. Thanks so much to Squirrel Gardens for providing for our pigeons!

The flying squirrel and red squirrel and all the greys as well as the woodchuck are doing well.

We sent the solo raccoon from the other day up the shore to Regina Kijak, who specializes in raccoons. She already has 30 (!!!) and is officially full, but made an exception for this inconsolable solo kidnapped orphan (plus, we bribed her with a bottle of wine). Thanks Regina!!!

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