On January 24, we received a call for help! An Osprey was on the ground inside Prosperity Point, flailing near the East Pool and then in the road. Further attempts to fly moved it onto the grass. Good Samaritans jumped in to alert the traffic to slow down and avoid striking the bird. A wing was drooping revealing its injury. The cause of the injury is unknown, but most broken bones are from vehicle impacts. We had many fast-moving vehicles pass by while there.
Debbie and I have rescued several birds in Indiana in the past. To know what to do, we call the local wildlife center. For herons and egrets, you must avoid their long, sharp, bills. To protect ourselves, we were told to tie a knot at the end of a soft pants leg (like pajamas) and place a plastic container at the end. Then pull the pants leg over the heron’s head to get the beak in the container. Covering the eyes also helps to calm them.
In the case of raptors, like Osprey, hawks, and owls, not only do they have a beak designed to tear meat, but they also have sharp claws. You must avoid even touching these birds without experience. Place a cardboard box over them. Then carefully slide a flat piece of cardboard underneath. The box can then be turned over and closed for transport.
With the call for help, we scrambled to join the effort. They had already called Peace River Wildlife Center and were told that two volunteers of the Center were on their way. Remarkably, they lived inside Prosperity Point! A neighbor had already offered a plastic laundry basket.
The two volunteers have worked for the Center for years, but did not have experience in rescues. So, I picked up the basket and very slowly approached the Osprey. It didn’t move, so I was able to place it over the bird. Next, we took the cardboard we had brought along and carefully placed it underneath. We picked up the cardboard, Osprey, and basket together, then moved it all into their car to take it to the Center. Animals should not be given food or water due to the shock and stress they are under.
About a week later, we stopped by the Center’s hospital to ask about the Osprey. Unfortunately, the injuries were so severe, it had to be euthanized to save it from pain and suffering. I share this story and information in case you find injured wildlife and want to help. Here’s contact information about the Hospital which is only for bringing in patients. To view wildlife, you can still go to their Wildlife Center on Ponce de Leon Parkway.
Peace River Wildlife Hospital
Hours: 8 am-5 pm, Daily
Location address: 223 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Telephone: (941) 637-3830
PEACE RIVER AUDUBON ACTIVITIES:
There are fewer events planned as we wind down the season.
• Saturday, April 11, 9 a.m., bird walk with Dr. Bill Dunson. Myakka State Forest, 2555 South River Road, Englewood. ($2 fee online)
• Wednesday, April 22, Earth Day. No activities currently planned.
• Every Saturday, 8:30 a.m., Rob Mills leads a nature walk at Audubon Pennington Park, 1153 Alton Rd., Port Charlotte.
You do not have to be a member of PRAS to join us. Participation is free, and registration is not needed. Visit the website at http://www.peaceriveraudubonsociety.org for all the details, or you can contact fellow BSM resident Rick Read, at 574-870-2695 for information or car-pooling.
