Cold season sets some birds on the move
Although the winter solstice (shortest day of the year) has passed, winter days are still short. People have less outdoor time for fun and work (depending on your job).
Wildlife, birds and mammals have less time for finding food – and there is less food available! No flying insects or swimming fish, no edible fruits. How can they survive?
— short distances or long.
In the past month, two species of water bird – eared grebes and great blue heron – were rescued from locations where they might have been looking for needed food. They were rescued, admitted by Wildcare and released.
Great blue heron: In the Eastern Sierra, they rest and hunt in shallow areas of ponds, lakes, and occasionally along rocky and sandy shores where they slowly stalk or stand motionless. Herons eat rodents, small birds, fish in unfrozen water, frogs, amphibians, turtles, as well as snakes. They hunt alone or in small group, spearing food or catching it like a scissor.
Our heron patient somehow became entrapped in a small section of canal where there was no place to get out. He was rescued by Wildcare Assistant Director Danielle Manriquez. Other than suffering exhaustion, the great blue was alright and ready to be released after two days of food and rest.
Migration
Eared grebes: These diving water birds are found in large parts of the country.
In California, Mono Lake (a saline lake) houses many of these birds.
There, a major food found is invertebrates, most commonly brine shrimp and brine flies (saline areas). Occasional small fish, mollusks, tadpoles or amphibians are found in other bodies of water. The eared grebe catches food by diving under water, pecking at the surface or dipping head just under the surface.
When it gets too cold, the eared grebes migrate relatively short distances in California to other small, shallow freshwater ponds and bays. Some often mistake landing spots when on the move. They find themselves landing on wet pavement; cement at night with lamp lights gleaming; tiny pools in backyards. Most of the time they are unable to take flight.
Our 15 recently rescued grebes were found in such areas. Each of them was rescued promptly: four were together; others found singly. (One died almost immediately). Each of the others was ready for release after an overnight rest and snack.
Great blue heron:
Great blue herons’ size (approximately 4 feet) and wide wingspan (approximately 6 feet) make them a joy to see in flight. They can cruise at some 20 to 30 miles an hour.
On Day 3, our handsome rescue was put in a carrier and driven to a the 15 birds were found separately except for one group of four. At the Center they swam in our bathtub to hydrate, clean their feathers, and gobble goldfish and mealworms. After an overnight rest, another quick swim and feast, a single grebe was placed in a small carrier, and driven to the southern end of Tinnemaha, not far from the dam. Each bird is walked to the edge of open water with patches of aquatic plants nearby. When the carrier door opens, the individual pushes out into the slow ripples, paddling, diving, celebrating! The group of four did the same, playing with each other.
Wildcare is thankful for the people who so promptly rescued these needy migrants and delighted that we were able to release them successfully.
(Living with Wildlife is a program of Wildcare Eastern Sierra dedicated to helping the people of the Eastern Sierra live in harmony with our wild neighbors. For further information, contact Wildcare Eastern Sierra at (760) 872-1487.)*