A nocturnal bird in South Florida, known as Chuck-will’s-widow, found itself grounded after crashing into something while flying around. The staff at Pelican Harbor Seabird Station took the injured bird in to provide the necessary care for its recovery.
According to Renata Schneider, a veterinarian at Pelican Harbor, a concerned citizen discovered the bird flailing on the ground and brought it in for treatment. The bird suffered from a severe neurologic presentation, with its head and eyes in an unusual position due to the impact.
Sadly, migratory birds like Chuck-will’s-widow often collide with obstacles such as windows and buildings during their travels. The bird had a corneal ulcer and severe scratches on both eyes from the trauma. Despite the injuries, the doctors at Pelican Harbor are optimistic about the bird’s full recovery.
The Chuck-will’s-widow is known for its migratory nature, traveling with the changing seasons. In South Florida, these birds are typically spotted in the fall and spring. The staff at Pelican Harbor are providing round-the-clock care, including eye medication and a surgical procedure to aid in the healing process.
Once the bird shows signs of improvement, it will be released to continue its migratory journey. The veterinarians emphasized that they do not name their wildlife patients to maintain their wild nature and avoid emotional attachment.
Pelican Harbor Seabird Station has treated 32 Chuck-will’s-widow birds so far in 2024. The station is looking forward to ‘Give Miami Day’ on Nov. 21, their biggest fundraiser of the year. Donations received will support the treatment and care of all injured wildlife patients at the station. By contributing to this cause, individuals can help ensure the well-being of birds like Chuck-will’s-widow and other species in need of assistance.
