birds – Page 3 – For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue

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?”

Raccoon-Proofing Your Bird Feeders

Raccoons are very smart and agile, so you may sometimes encounter a crafty coon who has figured out how to raid bird feeders. As much of a pain as this might be, there are several solutions that don’t involve trapping or killing the trash panda. Here are some things to try: -Hang your feeders onContinue reading “Raccoon-Proofing Your Bird Feeders”

Does Feeding Birds Prevent Migration?

Some people start bringing their bird feeders inside in the fall, fearing that their backyard visitors won’t migrate if they’re fed by humans. It’s actually beneficial to have bird feeders year-round! Studies have found that birds fed by humans have much higher survival rates and more successful broods. We owe it to birds to giveContinue reading “Does Feeding Birds Prevent Migration?”

Will a Mother Abandon a Bird my Child Picked Up?

It’s a common myth that wild animals will abandon their young because of the smell of a human hand. Animal parents have a strong instinct to nurture their babies, and many don’t have a sense of smell strong enough to even notice human handling. If your child has handled a baby animal and the animalContinue reading “Will a Mother Abandon a Bird my Child Picked Up?”