Blog

Spotted Towhee Survives Nest Disturbance

A familiar sight in British Columbia, male Spotted Towhees have reddish-orange flanks, black wings, and grey underwings, though the females have grey wings instead of black. These clever sparrows tend to dart from place to place by hopping rather than flying since they mainly forage for insects (such as beetles, ladybugs, crickets, grasshoppers, moths, and spiders), berries, seeds, and acorns (such as raspberries, blackberries, chickweed, oats, corn, and cherries).

How to Protect Ground Nesting Wildlife

Recently, two baby Killdeer were rescued after someone found them abandoned with no parents nearby. Wildlife Rescue staff suspect the parents may potentially be struck by a vehicle or other urban challenges, an all-too-common occurrence this time of year.
Killdeer nest on the ground or flat roofs until the eggs hatch 24 days later. The parents look after their young until they are ready to take flight after approximately 25 days. These two babies will be raised at the Wildlife Rescue’s hospital until they are young adults and are capable of surviving on their own.

Support Your Local Wildlife on Canada Day!

Patrolling up and down the rivers and shorelines, the beautiful Belted Kingfisher with its heavy frame and vigorous flight can easily be spotted. Its small feet and large head give it a unique look. The Belted Kingfisher with a shaggy crest on the top and back of its head and a beautiful blue-gray color and fine white spotting on the wing and tail. Females have a broad rusty band on their bellies.

California Quail Ready to be Released in Osoyoos!

Staff and volunteers have worked hard in the last 3 weeks, providing, much-needed warmth and a nutritional diet of seeds, chick mix, and insects to ensure these babies can make it into adulthood and safely return home. They are now half their adult weight and are growing their flight feathers and crest feathers.

Great Blue Heron Fledglings Survive Horrific Fall

Great Blue Herons are a familiar sight on British Columbia’s coast with wide wings, long “S” shaped necks, and grey-blue feathers. Their remarkably still stance in water, the plumes on their heads, and the black line above their eyes make them distinctive from any other bird.

World Environment Day!

Every year, World Environment Day is a reminder that we must protect and conserve our environment. This year’s theme, biodiversity, is a pressing issue. By continually pushing nature’s delicate systems to the limit, our environment is thrown off its balance affecting all species. Over 190 species of birds have gone extinct, and that number is only increasing. Focusing on ways we can contribute to a healthy ecosystem is crucial to protecting the species we have left.

California Quail Babies Fighting to Survive

California Quail are rare in the lower mainland. In 2019 Wildlife Rescue only provided care to three California Quail related to predator attacks and possible orphans. With nests in secluded areas in the ground near tall grass, tree trunks, and rocks, Quail can easily be injured by both predators and curious humans.

Majestic Endangered American White Pelican Released to his Flock!

Biologists from the Williams Lake region have been on the lookout and recently spotted the White Pelican flock return to one of their breeding grounds at Puntzi Lake, BC. They contacted Wildlife Rescue right away to acknowledge it was safe to move to the next stage. Peli underwent his final health evaluation to ensure he was ready for release to the wild. 
After 8 hours of traveling with Peli safely in a kennel, staff and volunteers arrived at Woodlands Fishing Resort on Puntzi Lake. A sizable remote area where dozens of American White Pelicans fly majestically through daily. A Pelican island exists within viewing distance, making this a perfect spot for the Pelican’s release.

Help Prevent Entanglements Due to Fishing Lines in Wildlife

Every year, birds migrate remarkably long distances across the globe. Since 1993, people around the world have celebrated this journey in May through International Migratory Bird Day. Some 14 years later, in 2007, the Environment for the Americas took over this day and transformed it into a meaningful way to raise awareness of environmental conservation. As we celebrate this day, we must continue to minimize disruptions to our environment and help make bird migration as seamless as possible, while still taking time to enjoy the great outdoors.

Help Ground-Nesting Babies This Spring!

Spring and summer are a particularly sensitive time of year for ground-nesting birds. We need your help to ensure ground-nesting wildlife like the northern junco, hermit thrushes, and meadowlark are among species that can lay and protect their eggs safely. One of the most common and easily forgotten human disturbance during spring is lawn mowing.

Blog

Support Us