I thought you might be interested in the process I go through when I take in wildlife to rehab. Whatever the species, I go through the same steps. When I first receive the wildlife in Step #1 I put it in a container that is large enough for it to move around but small enough […]
I have been privileged this summer to watch families from five species of woodpecker, hairy, downy, red-breasted, flicker, and red-bellied, raise their young. What particularly intrigues me about them is their chatter. I love to listen to the parents and young ones interact. Each one is distinctive and fascinating. When Mom comes to feed, the […]
Right now the second nesting of birds and squirrels are fledging. If you come across one that you think needs help, take these three actions. Keep it warm. Fill a pop bottle with hot water, cover it with a towel, and place that near the baby in a box. Call me at (715) 832-1462. Refrain […]
If you have wildlife, any wildlife, hanging around that you do not want, the best way to get rid of them is with noise. Wildlife do not like noise. From a mouse to a bear, noise will prompt wildlife to leave an area. The only caution is do not make the noise continuously. If you […]
I’ve been getting a lot of calls lately about turtles. This time of year they get in trouble searching for a place to lay their eggs. Sadly that is often crossing the road. One lady who called had found a pile of eggs. “What do I do with them?” she wondered. “Bury them in some […]
Birds don’t sweat. When you see them with their mouths open, that is how they handle heat and humidity. Similar to dogs, birds do not have sweat glands. They equalize their body temperature through their mouths. Some species promote heat loss by fluttering their neck muscles while their mouths are open. Birds don’t have breasts. […]
In the last few days, I have had over thirty calls on baby raccoons. I couldn’t agree more with the callers who tell me, “They’re so cute!” Be careful. They have sharp teeth and long, razor-like claws, which they need in order to eat. They also imprint very easily. If you pick them up and […]
If you see a fledgling on the ground and running, do not get alarmed. Mom and Dad are most likely around, watching over it. Similar to doing yoga or calisthenics, fledglings run on the ground to work the muscles in their shoulders in anticipation of using their wings to fly. By running, they also move […]
I have had several calls lately about people finding birds stuck on glue traps. If you encounter that situation, swipe either canola oil or peanut butter gently underneath the bird to free it from the glue. Then carefully wash the bird with Dawn to remove the glue completely. Do all of this effort with as […]
Many people think baby birds need green grass and bring them to me in a box lined with it. Not true. Keep them in dry materials. Green grass pulls body heat from them, cooling them off. It is not suitable nesting material. Nests are constructed of dry materials because they help keep a baby warm. […]