Local Dog Parks
Rental Housing for People with Pets
Pet Friendly Accommodations
How to Build a Dog Park in Your Community
Animal Behavior Advice
Behavior Q & A
Spay/Neuter Myths and Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Staff Columns in Local Newspapers
San Mateo County Animal Laws
Living with Local Wildlife
|
|
 |
Scott Delucchi
Baby Birds |
| | | | Monday, April 30, 2012 | On Thursday, Daily Journal readers caught a glimpse of the fuzziness that entered our facility last weekend when two groups of baby wildlife – 20 animals in total – became separated from their mothers and required our care. One group of orphans, Mallard ducklings, fell into a storm drain near El Camino Real in San Mateo. The other, Canada goslings, were left by their mom who was harassed by a Labradoodle near Baker Beach in San Francisco. Though both cases aren’t uncommon – the storm drain scenario actually happens with some frequency – we see far more rescues of baby songbirds each spring. And, quite often, well-meaning residents will serve the animal best if they take no action. People encounter baby birds out of their nests and assume they need to be brought to our center for care. Contrary to popular belief and old wives’ tales, baby birds can be left alone or gently placed back into their nests without being rejected by their mothers. If the baby is fully feathered and hopping on the ground free of immediate dangers like a nearby pet or traffic, your help isn’t needed. This is a fledgling learning important survival skills from nearby parents. However, if the bird has no feathers, is covered with down, or has very few feathers, it is a hatchling or a nestling in need of your help. These babies should be gently returned to their nests to survive. If a bird looks injured, is in harm’s way (like on a busy sidewalk) or if you can’t locate or reach the nest, place the bird in a shoebox or open paper bag without food or water and keep it in a quiet area until you can visit our center. Our counter for receiving sick, injured or orphaned wildlife is located on the second floor of our Center for Compassion, 1450 Rollins Road in San Mateo.
|
| |  Comments
|  Print
|  Mail it | |
| | Category » Scott Delucchi
|
|
|
|
|
