Christmas Goose: WildRescue's directors, Rebecca and Duane, will be attempting another rescue of a Canada goose at Elkhorn Slough this morning. Read more about the bird and watch for an update, HERE.
Also this week: A team of responders were successful in capturing another weak and 'disheveled' goose at Shoreline Park in Mountain View. Read their firsthand account, HERE.
Book announcement: Rebecca Dmytryk's book, Wildlife Search and Rescue, a Guide for First Responders, was published this week in the United Kingdom. Read more about it,HERE.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
18th
Just yesterday, we responded to an injured bobcat found on the side of the road in Santa Cruz. Thanks to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and our responder, Sammarye, the animal is now at Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, receiving treatment. Read the whole story, HERE.
Also this week, we had a report about a deer with an odd condition. Check out the picture on our blog, HERE.
Today, Sunday, WildRescue is sending capture experts into the field in Santa Clara County to search for reportedly injured Canada geese. Read more, HERE.
Also this week, we had a report about a deer with an odd condition. Check out the picture on our blog, HERE.
Today, Sunday, WildRescue is sending capture experts into the field in Santa Clara County to search for reportedly injured Canada geese. Read more, HERE.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
11th
Who would have thought that open-ended vertical pipes would pose a danger to wildlife, especially birds. Read more about this at Audubon California, HERE, and on MSNBC, HERE.
Along these same lines, we'd like to thank BART officials for taking action to reduce bird casualties at their North Berkeley station. Read the whole story on our blog, HERE.
GREAT NEWS! The juvenile red-tailed hawk that had been shot with a nail - she was spotted again, yesterday, at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. She looks to be in excellent health and is proving to be a great hunter of squirrels.
Still looking for a gift for that person who has everything? What about a barn owl nest-box? A gift that keeps on giving, year after year! Check out our barn owl page, HERE.
Along these same lines, we'd like to thank BART officials for taking action to reduce bird casualties at their North Berkeley station. Read the whole story on our blog, HERE.
GREAT NEWS! The juvenile red-tailed hawk that had been shot with a nail - she was spotted again, yesterday, at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. She looks to be in excellent health and is proving to be a great hunter of squirrels.
Still looking for a gift for that person who has everything? What about a barn owl nest-box? A gift that keeps on giving, year after year! Check out our barn owl page, HERE.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
27th
Gift Idea - Looking for a great holiday gift? Something unusual and eco-friendly - something that will last for years, and years - something for that person who has everything? How about one of our barn owl nest-boxes?
Barn owls nest in rural and urban areas. Visit our barn owl page, HERE, to find out more about attracting barn owls and ordering options.
Barn owls nest in rural and urban areas. Visit our barn owl page, HERE, to find out more about attracting barn owls and ordering options.
December 3rd - Only six more days until our gala event at the Argonaut Hotel at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, where we hope to raise funds for a Bay Area Wildlife Medic. Read a recent article about our efforts, HERE.
If you have yet to buy your ticket to our fundraiser, please do so, HERE. To make a separate donation towards the cause, click HERE.
Recruiting Volunteers - As we head into the 'slower season', we are starting to gear up for next year. We are looking for new volunteers - people who would like to be on-call from their home or office to help rescue and transport injured wildlife. If you'd like to be part of our response team, please consider sending in an application.
This concludes your Wild Byte for November 27th, 2011.
If you have yet to buy your ticket to our fundraiser, please do so, HERE. To make a separate donation towards the cause, click HERE.
Recruiting Volunteers - As we head into the 'slower season', we are starting to gear up for next year. We are looking for new volunteers - people who would like to be on-call from their home or office to help rescue and transport injured wildlife. If you'd like to be part of our response team, please consider sending in an application.
This concludes your Wild Byte for November 27th, 2011.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
20th
Greetings!
Check out the rescue of a Cooper's hawk that was stuck inside the Wall Street Journal printing warehouse in Mountain View, CA, HERE.
In case you missed the remarkable documentary, 'My Life as a Turkey', click HERE for a link to the full episode.
The above image of an oil painting by Judy Romanenkov is just a sample of the wonderful works of art that will be up for bid at our silent auction, December 3rd. Seats to our fundraiser are going fast - buy your tickets now by clicking HERE.
If you can't make this event, please consider making a contribution to help us achieve our goal of supplying the Bay Area with a wildlife medic and ambulance.
Interested in training? Check out our new TRAINING and CONSULTING page with a schedule of upcoming classes, HERE.
Check out the rescue of a Cooper's hawk that was stuck inside the Wall Street Journal printing warehouse in Mountain View, CA, HERE.
In case you missed the remarkable documentary, 'My Life as a Turkey', click HERE for a link to the full episode.
The above image of an oil painting by Judy Romanenkov is just a sample of the wonderful works of art that will be up for bid at our silent auction, December 3rd. Seats to our fundraiser are going fast - buy your tickets now by clicking HERE.
If you can't make this event, please consider making a contribution to help us achieve our goal of supplying the Bay Area with a wildlife medic and ambulance.
Interested in training? Check out our new TRAINING and CONSULTING page with a schedule of upcoming classes, HERE.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
13th
Read the story of the young red-shouldered hawk rescued from a fire station in Half Moon Bay, HERE.
Check out what a panel of wildlife rehabilitation experts is doing to improve the lives of wild babies, HERE.
Don't forget to buy your ticket to our upcoming fundraiser on December 3rd. If you cannot attend, please consider a donation toward the cause. Click HERE to reserve your seat, or make a contribution towards the Bay Area Wildlife Ambulance, HERE.
Check out what a panel of wildlife rehabilitation experts is doing to improve the lives of wild babies, HERE.
Don't forget to buy your ticket to our upcoming fundraiser on December 3rd. If you cannot attend, please consider a donation toward the cause. Click HERE to reserve your seat, or make a contribution towards the Bay Area Wildlife Ambulance, HERE.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
6th
Fantastic news - the red-tailed hawk that had been shot with a nail was released on Wednesday. Check out the story and see video of her release, HERE.
Now is the time to reserve your seat at our December 3rd fundraiser - help us raise the start-up funds we need to bring the Bay Area its very own Wildlife Paramedic and Ambulance Service.
Our event starts at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 3rd at the Argonaut Hotel. We'll begin with our presentation - The Year In Rescues - a captivating look at the many wildlife emergencies we've responded to, followed by an awards ceremony, honoring remarkable acts of compassion, bravery, and heroism on behalf of wildlife.
After the awards ceremony, guests will be treated to a fine reception serving wild hibiscus champagne cocktails, home brews for the sampling, and a harvests spread of delicious Autumn appetizers and soups - plus, a silent auction of original nature-themed works of art, gift certificates, jewelry, and much more.
Don't wait - seating is limited - purchase your tickets online, HERE.
View and download an invitation, HERE.
On a solemn note - our dear friend and ape conservationist, Alan Mootnick, passed away on Friday afternoon. He leaves behind his family and friends and 44 gibbons. Please read more, HERE.
Now is the time to reserve your seat at our December 3rd fundraiser - help us raise the start-up funds we need to bring the Bay Area its very own Wildlife Paramedic and Ambulance Service.
Our event starts at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 3rd at the Argonaut Hotel. We'll begin with our presentation - The Year In Rescues - a captivating look at the many wildlife emergencies we've responded to, followed by an awards ceremony, honoring remarkable acts of compassion, bravery, and heroism on behalf of wildlife.
After the awards ceremony, guests will be treated to a fine reception serving wild hibiscus champagne cocktails, home brews for the sampling, and a harvests spread of delicious Autumn appetizers and soups - plus, a silent auction of original nature-themed works of art, gift certificates, jewelry, and much more.
Don't wait - seating is limited - purchase your tickets online, HERE.
View and download an invitation, HERE.
On a solemn note - our dear friend and ape conservationist, Alan Mootnick, passed away on Friday afternoon. He leaves behind his family and friends and 44 gibbons. Please read more, HERE.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
30th
The young red-tailed hawk that had been shot with a framing nail is readying for release. She is expected to be returned to the wild on Wednesday, November 2nd, at the San Francisco Botanical Gardens. Check out our updated blog post HERE.
We've had a change in venue for our December 3rd fundraiser for our Bay Area Wildlife Medic and Animal Ambulance. Please check out the details HERE and be sure to purchase your tickets as soon as possible.
We had two incidents this week where hawks had become trapped in buildings. It's actually quite common, and can be deadly. Read more on these two rescues, HERE.
Decorating your yard for Halloween? Warning - the 'spider web' material can be a hazard to birds! Just a few days ago, in the East Bay (of San Francisco), a songbird was discovered, caught in such webbing. It was successfully untangled from the fine strands of filament, and freed.
We've had a change in venue for our December 3rd fundraiser for our Bay Area Wildlife Medic and Animal Ambulance. Please check out the details HERE and be sure to purchase your tickets as soon as possible.
We had two incidents this week where hawks had become trapped in buildings. It's actually quite common, and can be deadly. Read more on these two rescues, HERE.
Decorating your yard for Halloween? Warning - the 'spider web' material can be a hazard to birds! Just a few days ago, in the East Bay (of San Francisco), a songbird was discovered, caught in such webbing. It was successfully untangled from the fine strands of filament, and freed.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
23rd
This week our efforts were focused on a young red-tailed hawk in San Francisco, found with a nail through its head. We successfully captured the bird yesterday! Read the full story, HERE.
The Canada goose with both legs tangled in fishing line - the one Deanna rescued - was treated for its wounds by Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley and was returned to its mate on Friday. Read the full story HERE, and see the release HERE.
Get into the spirit of Halloween this week by counting roadkill. Do the bodies good! Seriously! Check out the California Roadkill Observation System, HERE. Here's the LINK to report your observations.
The Canada goose with both legs tangled in fishing line - the one Deanna rescued - was treated for its wounds by Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley and was returned to its mate on Friday. Read the full story HERE, and see the release HERE.
Get into the spirit of Halloween this week by counting roadkill. Do the bodies good! Seriously! Check out the California Roadkill Observation System, HERE. Here's the LINK to report your observations.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
9th
Perhaps you have already heard - on Wednesday, a Liberian-flagged cargo ship named The Rena struck a reef off of New Zealand's coast. In addition to its load of 2000 containers, it was carrying nearly half a million gallons of heavy fuel. Read our coverage and find related links, HERE.
Just a reminder to get your barn owl nest-boxes built and installed before the end of the year to have the best chance of having owlets next spring. Order plans or let us help you install one on your property - CLICK HERE for details. (we will be available to install starting in November)
This concludes your Wild Byte for October 9th, 2011.
Just a reminder to get your barn owl nest-boxes built and installed before the end of the year to have the best chance of having owlets next spring. Order plans or let us help you install one on your property - CLICK HERE for details. (we will be available to install starting in November)
This concludes your Wild Byte for October 9th, 2011.
P.S. - don't forget to 
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Saturday, October 1, 2011
1st
Just yesterday we responded to a call about two cormorants hanging upside down from an old abandoned pier in Moss Landing. We discovered the cause of their demise - something quite surprising. Read the whole story, HERE.
Also this week, we had numerous calls about wild animal 'invasions'. Read about WHY sightings are on the rise and what you can do to protect your property and pets, HERE.
Our Gala Fundraiser, set for December 3rd, is coming together nicely - we have had a tremendous response from artists who will be donating original works of nature/wildlife-themed art. We have also heard back from a few home brewers who will be making special brews for sampling - should be great fun! If you'd like to participate, just email Rebecca.
All proceeds from the event will go towards helping us bring a wildlife medic and animal ambulance service to the Bay Area in 2012. Thank you to those who have already contributed!!!
Also this week, we had numerous calls about wild animal 'invasions'. Read about WHY sightings are on the rise and what you can do to protect your property and pets, HERE.
Our Gala Fundraiser, set for December 3rd, is coming together nicely - we have had a tremendous response from artists who will be donating original works of nature/wildlife-themed art. We have also heard back from a few home brewers who will be making special brews for sampling - should be great fun! If you'd like to participate, just email Rebecca.
All proceeds from the event will go towards helping us bring a wildlife medic and animal ambulance service to the Bay Area in 2012. Thank you to those who have already contributed!!!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
25th
Update: The Canada goose in Richmond, rescued a few weeks ago, was released Thursday after being brought back to health by WildCare. Many thanks to everyone who helped in its recovery!
A special thanks to our volunteer rescuer Winnie, also with WildCare, who responded to the same location and retrieved a goose in even worse condition.
It is through such caring and dedicated volunteers, we're able to help animals that might otherwise go unattended. Sadly, though, we're not always successful in providing this public service. Our program relies on the availability of our volunteers, which, in these tough economic times, is waning.
Animals in distress and the people who find them should not have to wait days for help to arrive. For example, this week in Rio Vista, CA - over an hour from San Francisco - a Canada goose with fractured legs floated in a golf course pond for three days before it was retrieved - there was no one with the time and skills to recover it any sooner.
This is not acceptable.
To remedy this, we're working on a plan to bring a wildlife medic and animal ambulance service to the Bay Area in March 2012.
Imagine a dedicated wildlife ambulance to serve San Francisco and surrounding communities. Our goal is to raise $35,000.00 which will cover the cost of a used, fuel-efficient vehicle, equipment and supplies, insurance, and salary. Be part of the answer - own a piece of this dream by contributing NOW.
Funds raised at our gala event on December 3rd at the Fort Mason Conference Center (San Francisco) will go towards achieving this. We hope you'll make plans to attend. Click HERE for details.
A special thanks to our volunteer rescuer Winnie, also with WildCare, who responded to the same location and retrieved a goose in even worse condition.
It is through such caring and dedicated volunteers, we're able to help animals that might otherwise go unattended. Sadly, though, we're not always successful in providing this public service. Our program relies on the availability of our volunteers, which, in these tough economic times, is waning.
Animals in distress and the people who find them should not have to wait days for help to arrive. For example, this week in Rio Vista, CA - over an hour from San Francisco - a Canada goose with fractured legs floated in a golf course pond for three days before it was retrieved - there was no one with the time and skills to recover it any sooner.
This is not acceptable.
To remedy this, we're working on a plan to bring a wildlife medic and animal ambulance service to the Bay Area in March 2012.
Imagine a dedicated wildlife ambulance to serve San Francisco and surrounding communities. Our goal is to raise $35,000.00 which will cover the cost of a used, fuel-efficient vehicle, equipment and supplies, insurance, and salary. Be part of the answer - own a piece of this dream by contributing NOW.
Funds raised at our gala event on December 3rd at the Fort Mason Conference Center (San Francisco) will go towards achieving this. We hope you'll make plans to attend. Click HERE for details.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
18th
Update on the darted duck: According to his caretakers at Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley he is doing very well and has been moved to an outdoor enclosure. We'll let you know when he is released. Read the full story HERE if you missed it.
Did you hear about the coyotes in Glendale, CA? It was all over the news - how a pack of coyotes had taken up residency in a burned out home. Here's one of the articles. We conducted our own investigation into the matter, speaking with the City of Glendale and other agencies involved. Read our coverage and see video of the young coyote pups, HERE.
We'd like to share news from our friends and colleagues in Asheville, NC and their efforts to help save hundreds of orphaned gray squirrels rescued after Hurricane Irene pommeled the East Coast. Check out the great news coverage HERE - very heartwarming! Everything they do is paid for out of their own pockets. If you'd like to send them a donation, click HERE, and we'll see that it gets to them.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
11th
We have a wonderful story for you - the reunion of a white-tailed kite with its family. This took place near Stanford University in Palo Alto, CA. Check out the story and pictures HERE.
Also - good news - the darted duck is doing better and should be off antibiotics and in an outdoor enclosure soon.
Also - good news - the darted duck is doing better and should be off antibiotics and in an outdoor enclosure soon.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
4th
For over a week we'd been trying to pull together a rescue crew to help an injured Canada goose in Richmond. With Summer vacations and people's work schedules, it was tough. Finally, one of our dedicated volunteer responders took her Birthday Morning to aid the ailing bird. She did a fantastic job! You can read about it on our blog, HERE.
Ongoing: Since Wednesday of last week, WildRescue has been heading up rescue efforts to help ducks in Santa Clara that were shot with illegal blowgun darts. Read the whole story HERE. See the latest news coverage, HERE.
Ongoing: Since Wednesday of last week, WildRescue has been heading up rescue efforts to help ducks in Santa Clara that were shot with illegal blowgun darts. Read the whole story HERE. See the latest news coverage, HERE.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
28th
Our latest Crafting For Wildlife event was a tremendous success, producing 6 barn owl nest boxes! See images and read more about upcoming Crafting events HERE.
Check out this video of our colleagues, The Marine Mammal Center in action, HERE.
Calling all artists! We are looking for donations of wildlife/nature-themed original works for our silent auction fundraiser, December 3rd, in San Francisco. Please contact Rebeccato find out more!
When you have time, you might enjoy this video of a short presentation by Dyan deNapoli, a penguin expert, on the value of wildlife rehabilitation. It's really good - check it out HERE.
Check out this video of our colleagues, The Marine Mammal Center in action, HERE.
Calling all artists! We are looking for donations of wildlife/nature-themed original works for our silent auction fundraiser, December 3rd, in San Francisco. Please contact Rebeccato find out more!
When you have time, you might enjoy this video of a short presentation by Dyan deNapoli, a penguin expert, on the value of wildlife rehabilitation. It's really good - check it out HERE.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
21st
Just yesterday evening we rescued a skunk from a storm drain catch basin. Read the story and see the exciting video HERE.
Also this week - fantastic news! Do you remember the story we reported back in May - about the stomping of the house finches? (CLICK TO READ) We've received an update - read more HERE.
NEW! We've added WindowAlert to our line of merchandise - these decals help stop window strikes - a leading cause of death in wild birds. Check them out HERE.
Another inadvertently trapped skunk was released from a 'humane' trap last week in Carmel Valley, CA. Read the brief story HERE.
This concludes your Wild Byte for Sunday, August 21st, 2011.
Also this week - fantastic news! Do you remember the story we reported back in May - about the stomping of the house finches? (CLICK TO READ) We've received an update - read more HERE.
NEW! We've added WindowAlert to our line of merchandise - these decals help stop window strikes - a leading cause of death in wild birds. Check them out HERE.
Another inadvertently trapped skunk was released from a 'humane' trap last week in Carmel Valley, CA. Read the brief story HERE.
This concludes your Wild Byte for Sunday, August 21st, 2011.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
14th
This week, a mother opossum was rescued from.............. vines. Read the complete story of her entanglement, HERE.
Also this week, the number of brown pelicans found hooked with fishing tackle in the Monterey Bay area has risen drastically. Read all about it HERE. For exclusive video of our capture team in action, click HERE.
Don't forget - next weekend WildRescue's San Francisco Bay Area Team will be hosting Crafting For Wildlife at 5lowershop in San Francisco. They will be guiding volunteers in construction of barn owl nest-boxes for placement in and around the Bay Area. For more information contact Max.
This concludes your Wild Byte for Sunday August 14th, 2011.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
7th
IN THE NEWS: Our recent offer to help Los Angeles City Animal Services was mentioned in an article this week. Read more about our proposal and what it could mean for wildlife in the Los Angeles area, HERE.
Duane Titus, Co-Director of WildRescue, is still working along the Yellowstone River in Montana, as part of International Bird Rescue's response to last month's Exxon pipeline rupture. Of the 59 animals he's helped rescue, 47 of them have been Woodhouse's toads. Yes, toads. How do you wash an oiled toad, you ask? See Bird Rescue's blog, HERE, to find out!
Also, check it out - we've updated our Calendar (CLICK HERE) with a number of upcoming events and classes, including a big year-end gala fundraiser in San Francisco on December 3rd, at the Fort Mason Center. Save the date!
From time to time, wildlife rehabilitation hospitals need safe places to release animals back to the wild. If you live in a rural area and own acreage, perhaps you would like to offer your property as a release site. To add your name to our list of potential locations, email us, HERE.
This concludes your Wild Byte for Sunday, August 7th, 2011.
Duane Titus, Co-Director of WildRescue, is still working along the Yellowstone River in Montana, as part of International Bird Rescue's response to last month's Exxon pipeline rupture. Of the 59 animals he's helped rescue, 47 of them have been Woodhouse's toads. Yes, toads. How do you wash an oiled toad, you ask? See Bird Rescue's blog, HERE, to find out!
Also, check it out - we've updated our Calendar (CLICK HERE) with a number of upcoming events and classes, including a big year-end gala fundraiser in San Francisco on December 3rd, at the Fort Mason Center. Save the date!
From time to time, wildlife rehabilitation hospitals need safe places to release animals back to the wild. If you live in a rural area and own acreage, perhaps you would like to offer your property as a release site. To add your name to our list of potential locations, email us, HERE.
This concludes your Wild Byte for Sunday, August 7th, 2011.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
31st
Update on the golden eagle (CLICK HERE to read the whole story and watch the rescue video): The bird suffered a compound fracture of its wing. We believe the injury was caused by the bird hitting transmission lines. The good news is that the eagle (in care at Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley) is eating well - charging at its caretakers less, and gaining weight. He is going in for a risky surgery on Monday - a surgery that will cost the wildlife center close to $2,000.00. We have set up a fund to help our colleagues cover this expense. Contribute HERE, or visit their web site, HERE.
Yesterday, WildRescue's San Francisco Bay Area Team Leaders, Max and Patrick, hosted our first Crafting For Wildlife, in Oakland. It was a tremendous success. Read all about it, HERE.
See our new listing of jobs and positions available on our blog, HERE.
Also this week, the City of Laguna Woods voted to allow coyotes to be shot - CLICK HERE to read our Director's response.
If you're new to our Sunday Wild Bytes, you can catch up on all the past ramblings, HERE, and if you like what you read, please consider supporting our organization with a $12. Annual Gift.
This concludes your Wild Byte for July 31st, 2011
Yesterday, WildRescue's San Francisco Bay Area Team Leaders, Max and Patrick, hosted our first Crafting For Wildlife, in Oakland. It was a tremendous success. Read all about it, HERE.
See our new listing of jobs and positions available on our blog, HERE.
Also this week, the City of Laguna Woods voted to allow coyotes to be shot - CLICK HERE to read our Director's response.
If you're new to our Sunday Wild Bytes, you can catch up on all the past ramblings, HERE, and if you like what you read, please consider supporting our organization with a $12. Annual Gift.
This concludes your Wild Byte for July 31st, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
7th
Greetings - lots of good stories:
This week, San Francisco Bay Area Team responded to a gull that had been found with a hook in its bill - read more about it, HERE.
A pelican, too, hooked by fishing gear - rescued at Elkhorn Slough. Bravo! to responder, Ron Eby, for going all-out to catch the bird. See the story and video, HERE.
Also this week, WildRescue has been involved in helping a community deal with their bat issues. Read the details on our blog, HERE. If you haven't visited Bat World Sanctuary's web site before, it's quite a treat - check it out!
Just yesterday, an amazing rescue of a golden eagle in Gilroy. See pictures and video, HERE.
This concludes your Wild Byte for July 24th, 2011.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
17th
WildRescue's Duane Titus is still in Montana as part of International Bird Rescue's Emergency Response Team. Keep up with the story on IBR's blog, HERE.
Photo from IBR Blog
Also this week, Patrick and Max, leaders of WildRescue's San Francisco Bay Area Team, re-nested a red-tailed hawk at Crystal Springs Golf in Burlingame with help from two arborists who volunteered their time and expertise to attach the artificial nest, and replace the young bird. Read all about it and see pictures, HERE.
Photo from IBR Blog
Also this week, Patrick and Max, leaders of WildRescue's San Francisco Bay Area Team, re-nested a red-tailed hawk at Crystal Springs Golf in Burlingame with help from two arborists who volunteered their time and expertise to attach the artificial nest, and replace the young bird. Read all about it and see pictures, HERE.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
10th
One week ago, our co-director, Duane Titus, was activated for oil spill response through International Bird Rescue. Within 4 hours he was aboard a plane in San Francisco - headed for Billings, Montana. Read more about the ongoing efforts, HERE.
In other oil spill related news: brown pelican, BRPE C-97, also known by a few of his caretakers as Micro, was observed alive and well in Louisiana. This good-news report (with not-to-be-missed-video), HERE, from WildRescue's, Patrick Hogan.
In other oil spill related news: brown pelican, BRPE C-97, also known by a few of his caretakers as Micro, was observed alive and well in Louisiana. This good-news report (with not-to-be-missed-video), HERE, from WildRescue's, Patrick Hogan.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
3rd
Not to bore you, but we had another really great barn owl experience this past week. Read all about it HERE!
Also this week, we were SUPER busy with our exclusion services (Humane Wildlife Management), helping people solve their conflicts with wildlife, like raccoons in attics, skunks under porches etc. - all humanely, without trapping, killing, or relocating (which is illegal in CA). Proceeds from the fees we receive go back into WildRescue!
BAY AREA: Max and Patrick have come up with a creative way to give back to wildlife - Crafting for Wildlife. It's a way for local artists and crafters to have a hand in helping wildlife - like helping to pre-build barn owl boxes, make 'booties' and 'doughnuts' for aquatic birds, or piece together surrogate parent puppets for hand raising baby animals. The creations will be shared with licensed wildlife rehabilitators in and around the Bay Area.
The Crafting for Wildlife series is set to kick off July 30th - the Theme: Enrichment (things that can enhance the life of a captive animal while it is in rehabilitation). Patrick will give a short talk about enrichment - there will vegan organic treats to sample! Stay tuned for exact location.
If you know of a good place to hold one of these events or would like to host one yourself, please contact Max or Patrick.
Also this week, we were SUPER busy with our exclusion services (Humane Wildlife Management), helping people solve their conflicts with wildlife, like raccoons in attics, skunks under porches etc. - all humanely, without trapping, killing, or relocating (which is illegal in CA). Proceeds from the fees we receive go back into WildRescue!
BAY AREA: Max and Patrick have come up with a creative way to give back to wildlife - Crafting for Wildlife. It's a way for local artists and crafters to have a hand in helping wildlife - like helping to pre-build barn owl boxes, make 'booties' and 'doughnuts' for aquatic birds, or piece together surrogate parent puppets for hand raising baby animals. The creations will be shared with licensed wildlife rehabilitators in and around the Bay Area.
The Crafting for Wildlife series is set to kick off July 30th - the Theme: Enrichment (things that can enhance the life of a captive animal while it is in rehabilitation). Patrick will give a short talk about enrichment - there will vegan organic treats to sample! Stay tuned for exact location.
If you know of a good place to hold one of these events or would like to host one yourself, please contact Max or Patrick.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
26th
The week began with a call about an injured pelican in Point Arena, CA - a few hours north of San Francisco. After a good bit of time and many, many, many phone calls we ended up on the line with someone from the area's Pelican Rescue Team (Who knew?). We also made an excellent contact with a local marine mammal rescuer.
The Pelican was safely captured and transported 130-some miles to aquatic bird specialists at International Bird Rescue where it is being treated for a fishing hook injury.
Also this week:
Yet another pair of barn owls re-nested - this time in Palo Alto. Read all about it HERE.
A little bird was saved from a two-story drain pipe. Read about its rescue HERE.
We reunited 4 baby raccoons with their mom. See the photos and read all about it on our Facebook page, HERE.
And, Patrick once again engineered a fantastic raptor re-nesting in Foster City with the help of the local Fire Department. Read the story HERE.
One last thing: please consider supporting this online petition asking the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to end the use of seal bombs. These are hand-sized explosive devices intended to scare off seals but are often stuffed inside baitfish, by fishermen, and directly fed to seals. We may not be able to stop barbaric human behavior, but we CAN make these devices illegal. Please help.
The Pelican was safely captured and transported 130-some miles to aquatic bird specialists at International Bird Rescue where it is being treated for a fishing hook injury.
Also this week:
Yet another pair of barn owls re-nested - this time in Palo Alto. Read all about it HERE.
A little bird was saved from a two-story drain pipe. Read about its rescue HERE.
We reunited 4 baby raccoons with their mom. See the photos and read all about it on our Facebook page, HERE.
And, Patrick once again engineered a fantastic raptor re-nesting in Foster City with the help of the local Fire Department. Read the story HERE.
One last thing: please consider supporting this online petition asking the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to end the use of seal bombs. These are hand-sized explosive devices intended to scare off seals but are often stuffed inside baitfish, by fishermen, and directly fed to seals. We may not be able to stop barbaric human behavior, but we CAN make these devices illegal. Please help.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
19th
This week we were kept busy with calls about raccoons. Check out our blog for more on our methods of dealing with pesky wild neighbors, HERE.
Also on our blog, HERE, we address fatally flawed barn owl nest-boxes, and the reasoning behind certain design requirements.
And, exclusively for our Wild Byte subscribers: photos from colleagues in Brazil washing oil from a brown-throated sloth that was found hanging from a truck after the vehicle ran off the road and collided with a tree. The animal had either been disturbed by the incident or was on the ground defecating when the accident occurred. Sloths only descend to the ground from their tree-top homes to defecate every 8-10 days or so. The animal was cleaned and released back where he was originally found. Here's a link to their website.
Also on our blog, HERE, we address fatally flawed barn owl nest-boxes, and the reasoning behind certain design requirements.
And, exclusively for our Wild Byte subscribers: photos from colleagues in Brazil washing oil from a brown-throated sloth that was found hanging from a truck after the vehicle ran off the road and collided with a tree. The animal had either been disturbed by the incident or was on the ground defecating when the accident occurred. Sloths only descend to the ground from their tree-top homes to defecate every 8-10 days or so. The animal was cleaned and released back where he was originally found. Here's a link to their website.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
12th
Here is a story about a very lucky opossum that beat the odds. Check it out HERE.
In researching opossums we came across this great piece, The Opossum, Its Amazing Story. Truly amazing and worth a look.
Also, a reminder about free-roaming cats. We're in the peak of baby season for wildlife. This is the time when young animals are just starting to explore their world. For songbirds, this means a few days on the ground as they learn to fly. During this time they are most vulnerable to predation - especially by domestic cats - an introduced animal that songbirds have no defenses against. We will be doing an entire piece on this in the coming weeks, but for now we want to suggest keeping cats indoors during the day or under a watchful eye. Here's a link to some creative ways to give cats the taste of the outdoors, without placing the outdoors on the dinner menu.
Lastly, a reminder that your weekly Wild Byte is our gift to you for your Annual Gift of $12. (or more). Some of you are receiving this on a trial basis. Please, if you have not already done so, make that very important contribution today, by clicking HERE.
This concludes your Wild Byte for 6-12-11.
In researching opossums we came across this great piece, The Opossum, Its Amazing Story. Truly amazing and worth a look.
Also, a reminder about free-roaming cats. We're in the peak of baby season for wildlife. This is the time when young animals are just starting to explore their world. For songbirds, this means a few days on the ground as they learn to fly. During this time they are most vulnerable to predation - especially by domestic cats - an introduced animal that songbirds have no defenses against. We will be doing an entire piece on this in the coming weeks, but for now we want to suggest keeping cats indoors during the day or under a watchful eye. Here's a link to some creative ways to give cats the taste of the outdoors, without placing the outdoors on the dinner menu.
Lastly, a reminder that your weekly Wild Byte is our gift to you for your Annual Gift of $12. (or more). Some of you are receiving this on a trial basis. Please, if you have not already done so, make that very important contribution today, by clicking HERE.
This concludes your Wild Byte for 6-12-11.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
5th
Sadly, the adult female pelican rescued in open water off Santa Cruz did not recover. If you recall, this poor bird was snared by a fishing hook, tangled in line, and snagged to the sea floor. The fishermen responsible were seen fleeing after hooking her.
With no boat of our own and no agency to help perform a water rescue, the pelican struggled for hours, fighting to get free, driving the hook deeper and deeper into bone. Finally, we found two heroic surfers who agreed to help. See video of the dramatic rescue HERE.
When she was brought to shore she was limp. She couldn't even hold her head up. I remember her eyes, too. They were reddened and fixed open - unresponsive.
Amazingly, she survived the night. This taught us something really important. She showed us that animals in this bad of condition - so weak and near death, still have a fighting chance and should be given an opportunity to recover.
A couple of days later the pelican was driven 100 miles to aquatic bird specialists, International Bird Rescue. Unfortunately, after weeks of expert medical treatment and rehabilitative care, the infection from the fishing hook took over.
Such a loss - an otherwise healthy pelican that had proven her ability to survive, living at least three years into adulthood, gone.
In the wake of this loss, however, a number of recently fledged young pelicans are being given a second chance.
A die-off of the weakest is normal this time of year - it's nature's way of culling the least fit so that only the strongest survive. As essential as this process is, witnessing nature at work is not always pleasant. Young pelicans are being found up and down the coast, weak and starving. The lucky ones wind up at International Bird Rescue where they are quickly fattened up and released.
Professional wildlife rehabilitators are careful to respect the laws of nature, but sometimes it makes sense to try and offset the imbalances Man is responsible for causing. Having lost the female pelican, for example, a bird that would have probably contributed to succeeding generations, it seems right that a handful of juvenile pelicans are given an opportunity to try and replace her.
International Bird Rescue, which manages two aquatic bird facilities in California, isn't going out of their way to look for ailing juvenile pelicans, but they are willing to treat the ones that are found and brought in. If you'd like to help our colleagues offset the cost of giving these youngsters a second chance, click here to adopt a pelican.
With no boat of our own and no agency to help perform a water rescue, the pelican struggled for hours, fighting to get free, driving the hook deeper and deeper into bone. Finally, we found two heroic surfers who agreed to help. See video of the dramatic rescue HERE.
When she was brought to shore she was limp. She couldn't even hold her head up. I remember her eyes, too. They were reddened and fixed open - unresponsive.
Amazingly, she survived the night. This taught us something really important. She showed us that animals in this bad of condition - so weak and near death, still have a fighting chance and should be given an opportunity to recover.
A couple of days later the pelican was driven 100 miles to aquatic bird specialists, International Bird Rescue. Unfortunately, after weeks of expert medical treatment and rehabilitative care, the infection from the fishing hook took over.
Such a loss - an otherwise healthy pelican that had proven her ability to survive, living at least three years into adulthood, gone.
In the wake of this loss, however, a number of recently fledged young pelicans are being given a second chance.
A die-off of the weakest is normal this time of year - it's nature's way of culling the least fit so that only the strongest survive. As essential as this process is, witnessing nature at work is not always pleasant. Young pelicans are being found up and down the coast, weak and starving. The lucky ones wind up at International Bird Rescue where they are quickly fattened up and released.
Professional wildlife rehabilitators are careful to respect the laws of nature, but sometimes it makes sense to try and offset the imbalances Man is responsible for causing. Having lost the female pelican, for example, a bird that would have probably contributed to succeeding generations, it seems right that a handful of juvenile pelicans are given an opportunity to try and replace her.
International Bird Rescue, which manages two aquatic bird facilities in California, isn't going out of their way to look for ailing juvenile pelicans, but they are willing to treat the ones that are found and brought in. If you'd like to help our colleagues offset the cost of giving these youngsters a second chance, click here to adopt a pelican.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
29th
Baby California brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis californicus), have recently turned up starving and in weak condition along the California coast. Distinguished from adults and older juveniles by their white bellies, yellowish beaks, and creamy yellow color on their legs, these "hatch year" youngsters hail from nesting colonies offshore. Since their population dropped in the mid-twentieth century from the effects of DDT, California's brown pelican nesting colonies are only found in the Channel Islands off of Los Angeles. As a result, these babies have traveled a long way by the time we see them.
Note the pale yellow color of this young pelican's legs and feet.
Keep an eye out for weak baby pelicans and call our hotline for the nearest rescue center: 1-866-WILD-911
Keep an eye out for weak baby pelicans and call our hotline for the nearest rescue center: 1-866-WILD-911
Yesterday, WildRescue responded to a call by a fisherman about one of these "hatch years". When we arrived at the scene, this baby pelican was being harassed by a group of picture-taking beach-goers who had no idea there was anything wrong with the animal. As empathetic animals, our instinct is usually to help when we encounter other beings in trouble, yet only the fisherman was able to "hear" that help was what the baby needed. Was he more familiar with the beach, the birds and their normal behavior, or was it that he was the only one listening?
Contributing writer, Max Salamander
This newly fledged pelican is headed to International Bird Rescue in Fairfield for care. Nearly a 300 mile roundtrip from the Monterey Bay area. Volunteer transporters are always needed to do all or part of these frequent hauls.
UPDATE:
The pelican rescued off of Santa Cruz on May 9th is still receiving rehabilitative care at International Bird Rescue in Fairfield. We will keep you posted on her progress.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
22nd
Just a quick recap of the week in rescues:
Rescue 90210: A mother duck and ducklings were successfully relocated from an enclosed yard to the wilds of the Los Angeles river. Read the story and see our LA Team in action, HERE.
Successful WILD-FOSTERING of an owlet: One week after falling from an unsuitable 'owl box' in Half Moon Bay, a nestling barn owl was paired with another, slightly younger owlet that had escaped the clutches of a raven. Read the incredible story, HERE.
Stinky Business: One of our newest rescue volunteers, Diane, was introduced to the sometime-stinky business of wildlife rescue when she freed a poor skunk that had been trapped inadvertently. Great pictures. Read the short piece on our blog, HERE.
Super Heroic Deed: Patrick - wildlife rehabber at Peninsula Humane Society by day - super-human WildRescue volunteer on his off-hours, went to great lengths (and height) to re-nest a pair of barn owls. Read the full story, HERE.
Hope you enjoy these stories. Thanks again for supporting WildRescue!
Rescue 90210: A mother duck and ducklings were successfully relocated from an enclosed yard to the wilds of the Los Angeles river. Read the story and see our LA Team in action, HERE.
Successful WILD-FOSTERING of an owlet: One week after falling from an unsuitable 'owl box' in Half Moon Bay, a nestling barn owl was paired with another, slightly younger owlet that had escaped the clutches of a raven. Read the incredible story, HERE.
Stinky Business: One of our newest rescue volunteers, Diane, was introduced to the sometime-stinky business of wildlife rescue when she freed a poor skunk that had been trapped inadvertently. Great pictures. Read the short piece on our blog, HERE.
Super Heroic Deed: Patrick - wildlife rehabber at Peninsula Humane Society by day - super-human WildRescue volunteer on his off-hours, went to great lengths (and height) to re-nest a pair of barn owls. Read the full story, HERE.
Hope you enjoy these stories. Thanks again for supporting WildRescue!
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Sunday, May 15, 2011
15th
Some good news - the pelican that was rescued from the waters off Santa Cruz is doing really well, especially considering she could not even hold her head up when she was brought to shore. This is an example of a bird that would have probably been euthanized at a shelter due to its unresponsiveness. Read the full story and see video of the heroic rescue by clicking HERE.
Also, the story of the little girl who saved the finch finally made the papers - the Daily News. Read all about it HERE. We will be honoring Jessica with a very special award at our annual event - The Year In Rescues (November/December).
The many calls we received this week once again highlighted the dire need for community transport teams - transporters who can help get injured wild animals to various care facilities throughout Los Angeles and the Bay Area... It's a really serious problem, one that costs animals their lives. If you're not already signed up to be on-call to help transport, and you'd like to be, please email us.
Also, the story of the little girl who saved the finch finally made the papers - the Daily News. Read all about it HERE. We will be honoring Jessica with a very special award at our annual event - The Year In Rescues (November/December).
The many calls we received this week once again highlighted the dire need for community transport teams - transporters who can help get injured wild animals to various care facilities throughout Los Angeles and the Bay Area... It's a really serious problem, one that costs animals their lives. If you're not already signed up to be on-call to help transport, and you'd like to be, please email us.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
8th
On this Mother's Day we'd like to remind everyone about babies - wild babies and their moms, and their struggle to survive in 'our' world.
It's nearing the peak of 'baby season'. This is a treacherous time for wild animals raising young in close proximity to humans for this is also the time of year when people choose to trim trees and shrubs, plow fields, and mow tall grasses - destroying nests and hiding places.
Spring and summer is also the time for increased complaints about wildlife - a mother raccoon, skunk, or fox, denning under a home; a female opossum caught crossing a lawn at daybreak - her marsupial pocket stretched to its extreme; a mallard hen with her thirteen fuzzy ducklings enjoying a private swimming pool; a red-shouldered hawk protecting her downy chicks, dive-bombing at passersby. We receive hundreds of calls from people seeking relief from these wild mothers - from what is perceived as either a tremendous threat or a great annoyance. We do our best to resolve a person's immediate concerns, but what is most needed, especially this time of year, is greater tolerance and understanding for mothers or all species.
Not all calls are from people complaining about wildlife (thankfully) - we receive numerous requests for help, from people who have found a baby wild animal.
This time of year, wildlife hospitals are inundated with baby animals - many that are perfectly healthy, inadvertently orphaned by those thinking they are doing the right thing by picking them up. It's certainly right to pick up a helpless baby that's in a precarious situation - on a sidewalk or alongside a busy roadway. Often, though, all they need is to be re-situated a few yards away, under bush or on a low branch. Mom is probably close by.
When finders deliver healthy babies to shelters or rehabilitation facilities, the chance to reunite them with their parents may be lost. Too often, the finder's contact information goes undocumented or is lost during transfer, and unless a rehabilitation program has the resources to send out a team to attempt a reunion, they may be left to raise them in a captive setting, without wild parents to teach them necessary skills.
Wild animals stand the greatest chance of surviving as adults if they are raised by wild parents. From wild parents they learn where to forage, how to hunt, what to eat, birds learn their song, they learn social etiquette, they are shown what to fear, where to hide and seek shelter. These are all things essential to their survival. Things that even the greatest rehabilitator in the world cannot teach them.
To do right by wild babies, every effort must be made to keep them in the wild. Thankfully, there is a growing trend to reunite, re-nest, and wild-foster whenever possible.
Please see our latest blog entry for a recent story about re-nesting a clutch of robins - a collaborative effort between two wildlife rescue programs.
If you happen across a wild baby that you think might be orphaned - please give us a call and we will help you in determining what to do for it.
It's nearing the peak of 'baby season'. This is a treacherous time for wild animals raising young in close proximity to humans for this is also the time of year when people choose to trim trees and shrubs, plow fields, and mow tall grasses - destroying nests and hiding places.
Spring and summer is also the time for increased complaints about wildlife - a mother raccoon, skunk, or fox, denning under a home; a female opossum caught crossing a lawn at daybreak - her marsupial pocket stretched to its extreme; a mallard hen with her thirteen fuzzy ducklings enjoying a private swimming pool; a red-shouldered hawk protecting her downy chicks, dive-bombing at passersby. We receive hundreds of calls from people seeking relief from these wild mothers - from what is perceived as either a tremendous threat or a great annoyance. We do our best to resolve a person's immediate concerns, but what is most needed, especially this time of year, is greater tolerance and understanding for mothers or all species.
Not all calls are from people complaining about wildlife (thankfully) - we receive numerous requests for help, from people who have found a baby wild animal.
This time of year, wildlife hospitals are inundated with baby animals - many that are perfectly healthy, inadvertently orphaned by those thinking they are doing the right thing by picking them up. It's certainly right to pick up a helpless baby that's in a precarious situation - on a sidewalk or alongside a busy roadway. Often, though, all they need is to be re-situated a few yards away, under bush or on a low branch. Mom is probably close by.
When finders deliver healthy babies to shelters or rehabilitation facilities, the chance to reunite them with their parents may be lost. Too often, the finder's contact information goes undocumented or is lost during transfer, and unless a rehabilitation program has the resources to send out a team to attempt a reunion, they may be left to raise them in a captive setting, without wild parents to teach them necessary skills.
Wild animals stand the greatest chance of surviving as adults if they are raised by wild parents. From wild parents they learn where to forage, how to hunt, what to eat, birds learn their song, they learn social etiquette, they are shown what to fear, where to hide and seek shelter. These are all things essential to their survival. Things that even the greatest rehabilitator in the world cannot teach them.
To do right by wild babies, every effort must be made to keep them in the wild. Thankfully, there is a growing trend to reunite, re-nest, and wild-foster whenever possible.
Please see our latest blog entry for a recent story about re-nesting a clutch of robins - a collaborative effort between two wildlife rescue programs.
If you happen across a wild baby that you think might be orphaned - please give us a call and we will help you in determining what to do for it.
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