Category Archives : How to Help Critters

Suggestions from Patti of what to do to keep animals safe, how to tell if they are injured, and when to help them.


Pairings Can Be Tricky….

A couple weeks ago, a warden brought me a Barred Owl with a damaged wing.  Yesterday the owl seemed to be improving so I decided to put it out in a cage with another Barred.  The two immediately jockeyed for domination.  I stayed in the cage ready to protect or separate as needed.  They seemed […]


A Buddy Keeps Life Fun…

Through the years I have found that having at least two animals of the same species rehabbing together helps each individual heal and the pair have fun.  I was reminded of this yesterday when I watched the two remaining raccoons play.  The smaller one jumped at the larger one, and soon they were tussling, having […]


A Little Known Part of my Day…

Every day I handle many telephone calls from people who have come across a critter they believe is in distress.  On a light day I have twenty-some calls.  An average day I handle thirty to forty, and during baby season last summer I had a high of sixty-three.  In these calls I lead the caller […]


I’ve Always Loved Observing…

I frequently am asked how I learned about animals.  My best and favorite way is to observe them.  A relaxing break in my day is to sit and watch their movements, antics, and habits.  Each one is an individual, just like us.  Their personalities are distinctive.  After getting to know them, I sum them up […]


We Are Heavily into Fledgling Season…

I have been receiving over forty calls per day, mostly about fledglings. When birds fledge, they spend a few days on the ground running around since they are not sure what to do with their feet and wings.  The parents stay close by to feed and watch over them.  Many callers catch the birds and […]


I Thought You’d Like an Update…

A few weeks ago I wrote you about the sandhill crane I have been raising.  She’s almost 20” tall now.  Her wings are forming.  She still loves worms, eating over 100 a day.  When she tosses them into her water dish before downing them, sometimes she misses the dish.  I move her water dish at […]


The Baby Eagles Are Falling from the Sky

Today I had five calls from people concerned that they are seeing baby eagles on the ground.  My advice, “Just enjoy.  Not many people get to see baby eagles.” When baby eagles leave the nest, they find themselves down on the ground and don’t know what to do.  Similar to baby birds’ fledgling, young eagles […]


If You Have to Chase a Bird on the Ground…

If you have to chase a bird on the ground, maybe you shouldn’t.  Fledglings spend three to five days on the ground after leaving the nest.  They learn to use their legs before they exercise their wings.  When they hit the ground, they look around, “Huh!  What am I doing here?” The parents, especially robin […]