WHAT HAPPENS IF...

A Bird Has Monofilament

And/Or Fishing Tackle In Its Bill

Eighty percent of the birds treated at the Center are from fishing-

related incidents.

1.  Reel in your line smoothly and firmly. Be careful not to break the line. Even though the bird is struggling and flaps its wings, it only weights about 6 pounds and it is really quite harmless when handled properly.

2.  When the bird is close to you, grab part or the entire bill. Close it and hold it securely in one hand.  The inside edges of the bill are sharp but unless you rub your hand up and down the edge, a Pelican bite will not hurt you.

3.  Fold the wings into their normal closed position and hold them there. You can also put a towel over its eyes. This quiets down the bird and it should stop struggling. 

4.  Turn the bird’s head around so it lays along the middle of its back (that’s how Pelicans sleep) and the bird is easier to handle.  Transport it on your lap to the nearest wildlife rescue center. But remember: KEEP A FIRM GRIP ON THE BIRD’S BILL.

A Baby Bird Falls Out of the Nest

If possible, put the baby(s) back into the nest as quickly as possible.  If you can’t reach the nest, put the babies into a basket, and put the basket into their tree.  Then, watch the nest for perhaps an hour, to see whether the parent(s) have returned. If the babies have been abandoned, bring them to the Center. Baby birds eat frequently and have certain food and water restrictions and needs. Don’t keep the babies at home.

A Bird is Sick or Injured But Can Still Fly.  How Do I Catch It?

Try to lure the bird by holding a fish they would normally eat.  When they  lunge for the fish, grab the beat with the other hand.

Call the Center. The Center has a net gun and a drop net.

THE NEVERS

1.  Throw a fish carcass in the water. Feeding filleted fish carcasses to the birds can quickly end their lives. Fish carcasses have very little nutritional value and cause many problems. The sharp pointy exposed bones get caught on the pouch or in the throat making it impossible for the bird to shake it loose or swallow it. Filleted fish carcasses also form a gridlock causing the sharp bones to puncture the stomach and rupture vital organs. Please don’t feed filleted fish carcasses to any wild birds!  “IT’S THE LAW!”

2.  FISHING LINE/MONOFILAMENT:

Fishing tackle is our number one cause of injuries at the bird Center. You can help by taking these steps:

A.  Keep bait and caught fish out of sight from hungry birds.

B.  Never feed the birds.  If you must, feed birds only fish they could catch themselves. Three inches or a small fist is a good guide. Three inch pieces of a large fish should only be fed if the bones are removed.

C.  Never cut a fish line if a bird is hooked. Gently reel him in and grab his beak, cover his head, and place him in a container until he can be transported to our facility.

D.  Be aware that fishhooks DON’T fall out, and birds CAN’T digest them in their stomachs.  Fishhooks have barbs--sharp bards! 

E.  You can right the wrongs. Properly dispose fishhooks, fishing line, plastic six-pack holders, plastic bags, and your other trash..

MORE TIPS

Eye Protection

 When approaching an injured bird, especially a Heron, Cormorant, or Egret, eye protection is a must.  Out of fear they will lunge for you face--even if the bird is normally friendly.

Keep Yourself Safe First

When approaching an injured bird, lead the bird into a safe area, away from the traffic or water, before attempting to catch it.

Use a Towel

Cover the bird’s head with a towel or T-shirt.  Taking away its sense of sight will help to calm the bird.

Never Use Tape

NEVER tape or tie a bird’s bill shut.  Some birds do not have nostrils, some nostrils may be clogged with blood, some birds regurgitate recently eaten food after the “chase”, and some birds cool themselves by panting.

SPREAD THE WORD

• Slow down if you see a bird standing near or in the road.

• When canoeing or kayaking, bring a bag and scissors.  If you are along the water’s edge and see monofilament or fishing tackle, remove it carefully and throw it away when you reach the shore.

• Pick-up and properly dispose of any trash you see in the water, on the beach or along the roadside...even if its not yours!

• Thrown fish carcasses into the proper containers on shore.  IT’S THE LAW. 

• If you forget our phone number, 305-852-4486, or you’re in another part of the country, call a local veterinary clinic and ask for the phone number of the local wildlife rehabilitator.

LOCAL BIRD REHABILITATION CENTERS

FKWBC                                                                      Marathon Wildbird Rescue

93600 Overseas Highway                                          PO Box 501328

Tavernier, FL 33070                                                   Marathon, FL 33050

Work: 852-4486   or 888-826-3811                            Kelly Grinter

Fax:  852-3186                                                            Work: 743-8382

E-mail: fkwbc@reefnet.com                                       Fax  743-0429

Exotic & Wild Bird Rescue of FL. Keys                 Wildlife Rescue of the Keys

P.O. Box 431392,                                                       P.O. Box 5449

1388 Ave. B.,                                                              Key West, FL  33045

Big Pine Key, FL 33043                                              Work:  294-1441

Maya Totman

Work:  872-1982

Wildlife Rescue of Dade                                          Knights Key Campground

8990 SW 174^th Street                                                Jeannie Ward              743-4343

Miami, FL 33157                                                         Judy Peters                 289-9544

Lloyd                                                                            Fax:  393-0578

Work:  235-5315                                                        

Fax:   235-2157                                                          

Cell:  342-1075