It's LOON season! Most of us don't expect to see these gorgeous northern birds on Carolina beaches. But every year as they migrate north again for breeding season, a few stragglers run out of fuel. Some simply missed the schooling bluefish that left earlier due to warm water. They didn't have the fat reserves to finish the trip.

Some have boat strikes or shark bites. This one washed up on Holden Beach and was released recently. He may spend the summer here instead of heading north.

VOLUNTEERS!

This is clinic volunteer Janet Kurz moving a baby owl. The Sea Biscuit Shelter has no paid staff. We are an all volunteer organization. Currently there are 10 people who work at the clinic and create newsletters , etc. A dozen transport volunteers rescue and bring injured animals to us for care.
Requirements for volunteers are: Minimum age 16, must enjoy good health and be able to lift 15 lbs, Clinic volunteers must live within 5 miles and are expected to work at least one weekly 2 hour shift. Transport volunteers must have reliable vehicles and their own gloves and nets. Training sessions are offered twice a year. If interested in helping out with the animals or scheduling a brief tour, please send an email to wildlifeshelter@bellsouth.net

This is baby season and lots of extra help and time is needed for feeding the little ones. We must enforce our 'no visitors' rule and can't always answer the phone.

UNcommon Loon

Mary Forehand found this beauty in her backyard after being alerted by barking dogs. the mature Loon evidently took a wrong turn at Lockwood Folly Inlet or the Shallotte Inlet and found itself almost landlocked. A bit thin but otherwise okay, he should be good for release after a weeks worth of fish at the Sea Biscuit.
UPDATE! The loon was released after 5 days and is merrily getting his own fish in the Davis Canal behind Oak Island. His haunting call was heard by several neighbors.

All Beak, Feet and Attitude

This fluffy looking 2 week old bird is a Great Horned Owl. Mother owls use nests built by and for other species like ospreys, hawks and even squirrels. This baby fell from a flimsy nest with a sibling in it. On the ground, mom continued to feed it but it was subject to predation. Carolina Beach Park Ranger Carla Edwards cleaned out some maggots in its eyes, fed it bits of chicken and sent it to us temporarily while she looked for the nest. That baby owl ate 4 mice in 24 hours! Once again it's eyes were cleaned out and it was otherwise in perfect health! Very vocal, he'll get moms attention quickly.
The nest was located about 50 feet up in a pine tree. Ranger Carla hoisted the baby up as far as she could. The other baby peered over the edge and mom was in the area watching the operation. The plastic flower pot may not be beautiful but it's lightweight, deep enough to contain the baby and shallow enough so mom can easily feed him.

More Improvements Afoot

Pelicans, loons, gannets, gulls and other waterbirds have webbed feet. They live on beaches, To improve the surface they walk on while in rehabilitation is a daunting task. The 'floor' has to be easily cleaned and soft. Grass or gravel surfaces don't work. Officer Jessica Camara recently brought a work crew to shovel and rake the 4 tons of sand. Even the mature pelican that arrived with frostbitten feet is happier in the winterized enclosure adjacent to the pool pen.

Year End 2011

378 birds came to the Sea Biscuit last year. Of the birds who were treated, a whopping 45% were released. Many had injuries that made them non releasable and they were transferred to educational facilities. Sadly, many were unable to be helped at all.
Of the total number,115 of them came from Oak Island and another 59 from the Southport area. 50 pelicans, 49 gulls and other beach birds outnumbered the 34 hawks and owls

Winterizing Update!

Ray Barham, with Scott and Duane, spent a day and a half installing the new roof and trapdoor for the final new bedroom for the big birds. New heaters are installed and fresh sand will be added soon. The birds hop right in and out when fish is offered!