Today, my classmates and I were off the ocean’s waters and visited the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary. There, we were able to see a broad array of bird species: from coastal to raptors. I personally really like birds (second to mammals), so this visit was really incredible for me. I’ve worked with many of these species at the Bronx Zoo and I really enjoyed seeing them here in Florida.
There was one bird that stuck out to me in particular and that was Valkyrie, a Harris’s Hawk.
Valkyrie was found with a severe leg fracture and was brought to the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary for proper treatment. Unfortunately, because of her injury’s severity, she could not return to her life as a falconer’s bird or be returned to the wild. Harris’s Hawks are found throughout the southwestern United States. Despite this, Val was found here on the east coast after her injury, most likely due to her participation in falconry since these animals do not migrate. Fortunately for her, Val is safe and can remain in this sanctuary, where she will be taken care of and can receive any further treatment if she needs it.
Harris’s Hawks prey on medium sized mammals, such as rabbits, squirrel, rodents, quail, reptiles, and other smaller birds. They are very social animals and have been known to hunt cooperatively in groups of two to six individuals for larger prey species. They like to live in these small groups unlike most solitary bird species.
Unfortunately, a major threat to this majestic species is electrocution from telephone poles. In order to protect this wild species, the Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary urges people to properly insulate their sources of electricity to help reduce the likelihood of electrocution. They also suggest people encourage their neighborhoods to switch to hawk-safe substitutes or build more perching so that the animals have more options and are less likely to get electrocuted.
The Laura Quinn Wild Bird Sanctuary is a great place for unlucky feathered creatures to be cared for and given a place to start over. There are other sanctuaries like this in Florida, as well as, New Jersey. For more information on those, check out the links below!
These birds are so cute! Especially Valkyrie. I had no idea that electrocution was such a huge issue. I always see birds sitting on telephone poles and wires so I didn't think that there were issues with it. This post has definitely made me want to build a million perches for these cute little guys.
ReplyDeleteSame here Kat, I did learn though that wind turbines do threaten many species, hopefully not these beauties. Spending time at this sanctuary was so serine, minus those Nemo-esk gulls. Its great there is a place for imprinted and hurt birds, I was always concerned what trained birds do in their "later years". Also, while you are one-with-the-goats it was fun to learn I speak bird and am glad to welcome the Blue Jay Jayson into my family.
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