The intake traffic is picking up and right now we are about 90 ahead of last year on this date. We don’t yet know if the hysteria over “coronavirus” will have any affect on our operation, but hopefully cooler and smarter heads will eventually prevail. Conspiracy theories not withstanding, it is extremely doubtful that contact with wild animals either generated this condition or proliferates it. Liberty Wildlife has no plans to curtail our activities in the wildlife rehabilitation area. The only effect we have seen thus far is an increase in the difficulty in obtaining the paper towels we use so ubiquitously in our operation, especially in Orphan Care and the intake window. Any donations of this type of material is greatly appreciated.
We did get in another bald eagle and the number of bunnies and small birds is increasing, along with a rise in the number of orphans (especially owls). We will have two events associated with “Baby Bird Season” coming up on the 21st of this month and on April 19th. Check the website for details! As always, we are continually trying to improve the facility for the benefit of the public and the Arizona wildlife we serve. Visit our website often to keep informed of the facts and events that affect us all…

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We are always looking to increase the usage of the facilities here at Liberty Wildlife, and one area we are working on is event rentals. Last weekend we provided a venue for a wedding and tried a new set up for the amphitheater. The weather certainly cooperated, and the arrangement of the event went off without a hitch. the only thing we needed to do to modify the area was to “bird-proof” the overhead in the structure. This involved a totally benign addition of bird spikes around the overhead to keep local rock doves (pigeons) from nesting in the structure and dropping both sticks and, well, “stuff” on the ground beneath. The gentlemen painting our neighbor’s new building was nice enough to use the lifting device they had ended to install the deterrent devices which will help us keep the area clean and presentable.

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The “usual suspects” are examined and treated during Tuesday night “Vet Night” each week. Whether it’s a great horned owl, an American crow, or a cottontail rabbit, each patient is examined by a volunteer veterinarian who checks for condition and response to treatment. The level of care these animals get is extraordinary considering  that without Liberty, they would not have access to medical care of any type.

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As we get more deeply into “baby bird season” we sometimes receive whole nests (sometimes whole tree limbs!) at the intake window. Probably the most common nest is a hummingbird’s since it’s so tiny and easily transported intact. But last week we got in a box full of sticks and twigs which turned out to contain two young curved bill thrashers!
In other arrival news, a leucistic dove arrived, as did young red tail hawk with striking light plumage that might grow into a Krider’s hawk. This is a subspecies of RTH with almost completely white underparts. Along with the two additional baby hummingbirds, we took in two fledgling Say’s Phoebes. Yes, I’d say the baby bird season is upon us!

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In addition to the Chihuahuan raven with the injured foot, another bird who got our attention last week was a black-crowned night heron in beautiful breeding plumage. Presenting multiple injuries, this bird is another example of a consummate professional fisherman nearly done in by a careless amateur. The X-ray clearly shows a multi-hook casting lure attached to the bird’s leg. This also ended up involving his wing as well. On top of that, the radiograph also showed a pellet near his throat.

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Another bald eagle (an adult) came down to us from the northern end of the state recently. It appears this bird got into a fight, possibly a territorial dispute with another bald eagle. It came in second in the battle, probably because it was somewhat compromised by dealing with lead poisoning. This is the second bald eagle in a row that came in with lead levels elevated enough to require chelation. I try to remind people who would minimize the danger of lead in the environment that this is a substance that no living organism uses to sustain life. In any form, and in any amount, lead is toxic.  All opportunistic scavengers (including bald eagles!) are at risk when they ingest animals that have been shot with lead bullets. Please, if you are a hunter, consider using alternatives to lead ammunition.