Ancient Sea Bottom Exposed Along A Modern Seaside Rocky Platform. This Immense Amount Of Fossilized Shells

This little guy is an Eastern Screech Owl. Although small, he is considered fully grown. An eye injury sustained from a car collision keeps him from thriving in the wild on his own, so he will remain with the SNC as a permanent resident and educational ambassador. 

The Eastern Screech Owl is considered a bird of prey. So its sharp talons and curved beak have adapted to ripping and tearing prey as opposed to the straight and long beak of something like a heron that has been adapted for fishing. 

This is one of our resident parrots, Fred. Fred and his partner in crime, Alice, were surrendered upon the death of their owner to the Sawgrass Nature Center. In captivity, this particular species of parrot can live up to 80 years. 

Does that bird really need help? 

Located in Coral Springs, Florida, and operating for the past twenty-six years, the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital (and its staff) have handled many wildlife encounters over the years. One of the incidents we and other nature centers see a lot of in the Spring are (not-so) abandoned baby birds. However, most times the bird calls we receive are not actually for birds that require assistance.

Baby birds have a natural part of their life cycle where mom prepares them to leave the nest. This means they spend a lot of time at the bottom of a tree outside of the nest. Now, because of the size and lack of developed feathers on these birds, many people see this as a sign for concern. But again, we assure you, this is entirely natural.

The last thing anyone should do when they see a baby bird is put it in a box and take it to a nature center. We know that it might seem scary to think that mom is not nearby, but parental birds are really good at hiding when they do not want to be seen. The baby that seems alone, may not actually be alone. Our best advice is to assess the situation from afar if you think there is cause for concern and call your local nature center. Your local wildlife rehabber will be best at determining whether or not the little guy is truly abandoned and needs to be brought in.

Birdnapping is more common than you might think. The Sawgrass Nature Center and many other nature centers like us, have received baby birds that did not need to be taken out of the wild. We never want to take a baby bird out of the wild for doing exactly what it is they should be doing at that point in their lifecycle. Again, as scary or unnatural it may seem to us for a baby bird to be on its own, it’s just as scary for them to be put in a box and brought in by humans.

Найти время, чтобы заметить красоту мира.

Найти силы, чтобы радоваться ей.

Жить. Просто жить и впускать в сердце радость...

Анна Чуланова

Take time to notice the beauty of the world.

Find the strength to enjoy her.

Live. Just live and let joy into your heart ...

Anna Chulanova

Ocean Conservation Organizations: Help Save The Oceans & And Its Babies

Oceana:

A non-profit ocean conservation organization that focuses on influencing policy decisions on the national level to preserve and restore our oceans.

Shark Angels:

An organization focused on the conservation of sharks and using technology, education, media and local campaigns to conserve the oceans shark population.

Shark Savers:

Focuses on ending the slaughter of sharks and manta rays. They aim to motivate the end of shark fin soup and the consumption of sharks. They also work to create shark sanctuaries in different locations.

Sea Shepherd Conservation Society:

Sea Shepherd is well known for many things. One being their on going campaign against the dolphin hunts in Taiji and chasing Japanese whalers out of whale sanctuaries. They also have campaigns to vault poaching in Guatemala and advocating a ban on the West Australian shark cull.

Ocean Preservation Society:

They use cinematography to expose crimes against the environment and its creatures.

American Cetacean Society:

Their mission is to protect the habitats of whales, dolphins, and porpoises through public education and outreach programs.

Whale & Dolphin Conservation:

An organization devoted to the well being of both wild and captive cetaceans. They campaign for the end to the trade of captive cetaceans.

Project AWARE Foundation:

A non profit organization that works with scuba divers in 182 countries to implement lasting change in two core areas of shark conservation and marine litter.

Ocean Conservancy:

A non profit environmental advocacy group that helps formulate ocean policy at the federal and state levels based on peer review science.

Coral Reef Alliance:

A non profit organization aiming to save the world coral reefs.

Our oceans and its creatures are in danger and it is up to us to save them both. Let’s work together to save our oceans and it’s precious babies.

Alika the Laysan albatross with today’s reminder that birds are dinosaurs—sound on!

Thanks to Staffer and Aviculturist Extraordinaire Susan for sending along this video of rescued Alika playing with her aviary-mate Makana!

Yknow the thing where red pandas just lay down on a branch and let their legs hang and they’re just like vibing

I am part of a club at my collage where we help to educate others on reducing their water and energy waste! Follow us on Instagram at chicogreencampus for more stuff like this!

WAIT: Does that animal really need help?

Every year thousands of young animals are found by people. Most of these wild animals do not need to be rescued. Humans are always a young wild animal’s last hope for survival; never its best hope. A young animal should be removed from the wild only after you have received direct advice from a Wildlife Rehabber. 

Is the animal an orphan? 

An “orphan” is a young animal that is unable to care for itself and whose parents cannot be found or are known to be dead. It is natural for all young animals to explore the world alone once they leave the nest. If you have found a healthy young animal that is able to walk and is fully furred or feathered, it probably does not need your help. Its parents are usually nearby, even if they are not visible to you. Observe the young animal from a distance for some time before calling for help. 

Is the animal injured or weak?

If the young animal appears weak or injured, you should call a wildlife rehabilitator or nature center for further guidance on assessing the situation. If an animal has been attacked by a cat or dog, assume there is an injury even if it is not visible. 

Should I intervene?

The best way to determine if an animal is in need of your help is to contact a wildlife center BEFORE you intervene. Most times, people that believe they are rescuing baby wild animals are advised to place them back where they found them so their parents can do their jobs. Remember, parent animals will not go for their young while you are around, so don’t panic if you can’t see the mom. 

Questions about an animal you think is in need of help? Contact the Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital at 954-752-9453.