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Nature’s Reflections – What To Do?

On finding an injured, or orphaned wild animal

 

First, determine if help is really needed. In the spring it is common to see baby wild animals or birds that may appear to be in need of assistance. Most often it is being well cared for by a parent who may be hunting for food, or watching from an unseen location. Back away and observe the animal to see if the parent returns. A bird, fallen from the nest, could be returned if possible or moved to a branch, or safer location.

 

Signs that an animal may actually need assistance: Has it been cornered by another animal or domestic pet? Is there evidence of bleeding? Does it look like it has a broken limb? Is it shivering, or appear stressed? Is there a dead parent, or siblings nearby? Is it crying and wandering about? If any of these signs are observed, it’s time to take action.

 

Do not try to handle an animal without first consulting a wildlife professional. Even small animals can cause injury. Contact the Florida Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) regional office in Ocala at (352) 732-1225, and report the situation, or consult a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They will give direction for care until help arrives. A list of rehabilitators can be found at: myfwc.com/conservation/you-conserve.
SECO Energy's Nature’s Reflections March 2016, What to do? On finding an injured, or orphaned wild animal.
Once in touch with a professional, describe the animal and its physical condition as accurately as possible.

 

If your safety is at risk, watch from a safe distance. Otherwise, while waiting for help to arrive take these steps: Put the animal in a container safe for transport such as a cardboard box. First, punch air holes and line it with an old t-shirt or soft cloth. Wearing gloves, cover the animal with a towel or pillowcase and gently place it in the container. Keeping the animal covered will help calm and reduce its stress. Do not give it food or water.

 

Place the container in an area out of direct sunlight where it is quiet. Wild animals can become stressed by voices and other man-made noises. If injured or orphaned, they’re already in a compromised condition. Keep their world dark and quiet to lower their stress level and help keep them alive until help arrives.

 

Read the full March 2016 SECO News here.

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton

Nature’s Reflections – Florida’s Flamingos

A unique bird that is more than a Florida icon, The American Flamingo, (Phoenicopterus ruber), is one of several flamingo species found through-out the world. It stands about four feet tall, has a down-curved hooked bill, very long legs, and pink webbed feet with three toes. Black tips on the wings are visible mostly in flight and the wingspan is about five feet.

 

Wild flamingos are found in South Florida, the Everglades, the Florida Keys and throughout the Caribbean. Normally, they do not migrate unless food becomes scarce. Only then, they will take flight on a clear night to find a new location.

SECO Energy's Nature’s Reflections February 2016, Florida’s Flamingos

Following hurricanes in Florida, some flamingos have been spotted as far west as Mississippi, although most of those are believed to be escapees from Florida’s parks and zoos. Somehow, they eventually find their way back home.

 

Flamingos feed in shallow coastal saltwater lagoons and mudflats by stirring up the mud with their feet. Then, they turn their head upside down to scoop up the water, straining it through bristles inside the curved beak and tongue. Blue-green algae is their primary food source and the reason for their pink color. In addition, small shrimp, seeds, mollusks, and microscopic organisms are also picked up in the process.

 

Flamingos in the wild are usually more brightly colored that those in captivity and may live up to twenty years. Males and females look alike; males are larger. They mate for life.

 

Courting includes a variety of flamboyant behaviors, head movements, wing displays and vocalizations. One egg is laid on a mound of mud. Both parents take turns incubating the egg for a month. Prior to hatching, the chick calls to its parents from inside the egg and from that moment, the parents forever know their chick’s call. The downy-gray chick hatches with a straight bill which makes feeding it easier. Both adults feed the chick until it fledges after seventy days. Chicks reach adult size at two years, but may not get their full adult plumage until three or four years of age.

SECO Energy's Nature’s Reflections February 2016, Florida’s Flamingos

 

Read the full February 2016 SECO News here.

Column & photo by: Sandi Staton

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