Wildlife rehabilitators get a lot of calls in the late spring and early summer about birds described with words like “mean,” “crazy,” and “dangerous.” Blue jays, mockingbirds, geese, and robins are the ones most commonly considered aggressive— and it’s no coincidence that they’re the ones most likely to be nesting near our homes and businesses.Continue reading ““Mean,” “Crazy” Bird Parents”
Tag Archives: birds
Crows Deserve Love, Not Superstition
I have to admit: before I started working with wildlife, I had no idea that there were still people who had superstitious beliefs and fears about crows. It turns out these ideas didn’t get left behind in the Victorian Era where they belong. Even in 2020, a lot of people fear crows and some willContinue reading “Crows Deserve Love, Not Superstition”
Crusty-Eyed Birds? Take Down Your Feeder!
If you see birds with goopy, crusty eyes, that’s a sign to take down your feeders immediately.
The Smoke-Phase Turkey
These beauties occur throughout the United States, including right here in Tennessee! Smoke-phase turkeys are distinctly different from albinos and can range from solid white, to pale grey, to— like this fellow here— white with handsome black markings. These gorgeous patterns are a natural occurrence in wild turkeys and do not mean that the turkeyContinue reading “The Smoke-Phase Turkey”
Fledglings Don’t Need Help
Especially in the spring and summer, you’re likely to see a baby bird awkwardly hobbling on the ground, barely able to fly, possibly crying for its mother. It’s understandable that many well-meaning people mistake these babies for orphans. They are actually doing just fine and are under their parents’ care! If a bird has feathersContinue reading “Fledglings Don’t Need Help”
To Fake a Broken Wing
It’s certainly understandable if you mistake this for a bird with a broken wing. This superb acting has been fooling would-be predators for millennia, and humans are no exception. But there’s no need to rush to call a wildlife rehabilitator. Chances are, this bird is actually just fine. This is a mother killdeer. Killdeers liveContinue reading “To Fake a Broken Wing”
Protect Wildlife:End Light Pollution
Here are some simple things you can do to reduce light pollution: -Turn off your outdoor lights when not needed for safety. -Replace your private street lamps and flood lights with motion-activated lighting. -Use low-glare lighting fixtures for outdoor light. One company that offers star-friendly outdoor lighting is Starry Night Lights. -Write to companies inContinue reading “Protect Wildlife:End Light Pollution”
Capture Myopathy: The Risks of Picking Up Wildlife
Wild animals— particularly rabbits, fawns, and birds— are prone to a condition called capture myopathy. This is a complex disorder that results from the stress of being chased, captured, or even simply held by a human being. Although there are usually no signs of disease or injury, these animals simply die. Please: never capture orContinue reading “Capture Myopathy: The Risks of Picking Up Wildlife”
Found a Baby Bird? Don’t Feed It!
Found a baby bird on the ground? Your first impulse is probably to feed it, especially if it’s gaping and crying out in hunger. But this is one of the worst things you can do. Feeding a baby that is dehydrated or hypothermic can make it extremely sick. So can incorrect foods for its ageContinue reading “Found a Baby Bird? Don’t Feed It!”
Will a Mother Animal Abandon a Handled Baby?
You should never handle a wild animal because it stresses them and can spread disease, but it’s entirely a myth that a mother will abandon her young because of unfamiliar smells. This is not true of any animal species. If you, or a child, already handled a baby animal and it is not hurt orContinue reading “Will a Mother Animal Abandon a Handled Baby?”
For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue 