Posted on: Sunday, April 3, 2005
ANIMAL COMPANIONS
Provide safe haven for abandoned birds
Hawaiian Humane Society
Spring is here and birds are in abundance. The Hawaiian Humane Society is a popular place where many citizens drop off injured and abandoned birds. There are few things that pull on an animal lover's heartstrings like a helpless, crying bird that's stranded.
Photo courtesy of Joan Volk It is pure fiction that a mother bird will not nurture her baby if it is touched by human hands.
Gently place the bird back in the nest and the mother will care for the baby again. If the nest is too high, put the bird on a low branch or a shady fence post, off of the ground. After a couple of hours, check on the bird again. If he is still in the same place, not being cared for by an adult bird and unable to fly on its own, bring it to the humane society.
What people also don't realize is that many species of birds may leave their babies while they search for food, sometimes for several days. They will return, so it is best to leave the babies alone. And in some cases, if the bird can fly a little, the adult birds are probably nearby, teaching the baby how to fly. Not all fledglings are able to eat on their own and should ideally be returned to their nest.
Baby birds receive care at Wild Bird Rehab Haven; call 923-6034. Sea Life Park takes in abandoned or injured seabirds (but not ducks); call 259-2537.
attention. In the spring, the society receives many calls about Laysan albatross large seabirds whose long wings are grayish brown. They are found in coastal areas such as Ka'ena Point.
These and other birds are subject to avian pox, a virus that manifests itself in growths over the bird's face and eye area and is transmitted by mosquitoes.
"While the growths may look very unappealing, it's important to know that birds can and do survive this virus in the wild and should not be moved from their habitats," Haller said.
It's important to know wild birds can generally care for themselves. If you encounter a lone baby bird away from his nest, the best way for you to help is to place him gently back in the nest, because the mother bird can't.
The humane society calls upon the skilled rehabilitators from the Wild Bird Rehab Haven to help birds recuperate from illness or injury, including these two 10-day-old waxbills.
The humane society also receives many injured birds, according to Linda Haller, director of shelter operations. "Each bird brought to us is examined by our veterinary staff and evaluated on a case-by-case basis," she said.
Other resources
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| ADOPTABLES
Tag no. 58411. This beautiful female orange tiger is about 2 years old. Small and shy, Nibbles would be a wonderful addition to a home with adults and older kids — but no dogs, please. Nibbles chooses her feline friends very carefully.
Tag no. 58400. Tall and lanky, our young Lab mix is interested in cuddling and snuggling. She has a black coat with tan accents and lovely brown eyes. Honi Honi is sweet and gentle, perfect for a quiet home where she will get plenty of loving attention. |
