10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 5, 2012

There are few sights more wrenching to a wildlife rehabilitator than a convulsing, lead-poisoned bird. In what some might see as an unlikely alliance, wildlife rehabilitators, veterinarians, and – yes – hunters have banded together to convince those who hunt to use copper bullets instead of lead.

Hunters 180

Hunters Wildlife Rehabilitation Hunting Legislation 180

10,000 Birds

OCTOBER 23, 2015

This week’s guest blog was written by Linda Hufford, who has been a wildlife rehabilitator specializing in raptors for over twenty years. She runs Birds of Texas Rehabilitation Center in Austin County, Texas. Penalties would be swift and severe for any type of violation, including huge fines and immediate removal.

Collecting 240

Collecting Wildlife Rehabilitation Solomon Islands Texas 240

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 4, 2015

My work as a wildlife rehabilitator over the past forty-five years has allowed me a unique perspective on a disturbing trend. But the fact is nature has little to do with most problems facing native birds. To that person, the bird in trouble is real and not an anonymous blob of feathers. The difference seems obvious.

Wildlife Rehabilitation 189

Wildlife Rehabilitation Bald Eagle Rescue Wildlife 189

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 18, 2014

Overall they are pretty amazing birds. This morning’s news had this: During this year’s open of waterfowl season, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center admitted more trumpeter swans for bullet wounds than ever before. They (hunters) see this white thing, and they aren’t entirely sure what it is,” Naumann said.

Minnesota 212

Minnesota Wounded Wildlife Rehabilitation Montana 212

10,000 Birds

MAY 20, 2016

I’m a wildlife rehabilitator, so I’m always ranting about things like eagles being lead poisoned or songbirds being slaughtered by outdoor and feral cats. I’ve received stacks of hate mail from hunters who use lead bullets (as opposed to copper), outdoor cat owners, etc etc etc. For a minute, she had me.

Feral Cats 101

Feral Cats Wildlife Rehabilitation United States Slaughter 101

10,000 Birds

APRIL 8, 2016

Injured wildlife are not the most cooperative of patients. Wildlife rehabilitators have an arsenal of equipment and techniques we use to protect ourselves. I was working at the Coastal Wildlife Rescue Center here in Alabama, and he had either been blown in during a storm or caught a ride on a ship.

Wildlife Rehabilitation 168

Wildlife Rehabilitation Wounded Wildlife Opossums 168

10,000 Birds

SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

He was a small male, six or seven months old, and obviously not a skilled hunter. All three arrived ten minutes later. It was lucky for the hawk, who was so emaciated he probably wouldn’t have lasted the night. Solid food would have killed him, as he’d have used up the last of his fading energy trying to digest it.

Mice 210

Mice Squirrels Hunters New York 210