Nestling Northern Cardinals Knocked From Nest in Storm

Three northern cardinals were among the 88 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week. Other admissions include four painted buntings, a brown thrasher, a burrowing owl, a marsh rabbit and a Florida softshell turtle.

The three nestling northern cardinals were knocked from their nest in a storm. A resident on Isles of Capri called the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for assistance. While the man was unable to transport the nestlings to the hospital, we were grateful he had called to alert us of the situation.

Volunteer Critter Couriers were sent to retrieve the cardinals, the need for medical attention was confirmed, and the babies were admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for care.

The three cardinals had suffered internal injuries when they fell from the nest. Initially they required pain medication and were placed in an animal intensive care unit in the nursery. Slowly the babies recovered. Hourly feedings, vitamin supplements and electrolytes helped the three youngsters to thrive. All three are doing fantastic and are beginning to test their skills at flying.

Afternoon storms often cause a lot of damage and may result in young wildlife being displaced from their nests. Carefully check yards and trees after storms; if you encounter a baby animal, call the hospital for assistance. Wild animals are incredibly resilient and, with appropriate care, can rebound and make full recoveries.

Recent Releases

Four eastern cottontails, five common grackles, six northern mockingbirds, three mourning doves, an eastern screech owl, a blue jay, a mottled duck, a red-shouldered hawk, two burrowing owls, a cooper’s hawk and three Virginia opossum were released this past week.

Opportunities to Help

Joanna Fitzgerald is director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Call 239–262–2273 or see conservancy.org

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