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2013 Western Tanager Runt

7/4/2013

Author: Elise Wolf

I have been enraptured and fascinated by wild birds my whole life. I finally got involved in avian rescue when it became clear that while we need to do all we can to save habitat and ecological systems, for many populations of birds, every single bird matters. And thus, saving them one at a time is increasingly important.

This was no clearer than when I raised 4 long-billed curlews. Three of my patients made it to release. In contrast, there were no surviving fledglings at the end of the season for a researcher studying curlew breeding success on three plots in Oregon and Washington.

The rehabilitation needs of song, shore, and water birds is often underestimated and handling these birds can be tricky; they all require specialized training.

I wanted this blog to be about these birds. To share with the public how interesting, beautiful, and unique they are. And at the same time, I want to share just what it takes to get these birds to a state where they are healthy, have excellent flight ability, and are in a condition safe for release.

There are so many of these phenomenal and beautiful winged jewels on our planet, whom we often take for granted. Most impacts to birds are human related or caused, from windows to habitat loss to climate changes to cat depredation. One third of our bird species in NA are in peril, by 2050 if not sooner it will be 50%. It will truly be a planetary loss as their extinctions continue to increase.

There is so much we can all do. Please enjoy my blog as I write about the birds I get in care, plus others and how we can enjoy their beauty, appreciate their plights, and help them meet their life goals of love, community, happiness, and family.

2013 Western Tanager Runt

Author: Elise Wolf

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