In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl, Austin Wildlife Rescue has stepped up to care for 76 orphaned and injured baby birds. These birds, including Mississippi kites, cattle egrets, and yellow-crowned night herons, were brought to the rescue center after being displaced by the storm. Jules Maron, the director of Austin Wildlife Rescue, shared that if all goes well in their recovery, the birds will be released back into the wild in August and September.
The impact of Hurricane Beryl was devastating for wildlife in the area, with hundreds of egret nests destroyed by the strong winds. Julie Kuenstle, the vice president of communications at Houston SPCA, described the heartbreaking scene of deceased birds that had fallen from their nests, either dying from the impact or drowning in the water. The rescue efforts were challenging, with the team surrounded by broken eggs, waterlogged babies, and birds that had been run over by cars.
Upon arrival at the Austin wildlife center, the baby birds showed signs of trauma from the storm. Jules Maron emphasized the importance of quickly removing them from such distressing situations and providing them with warmth and care. The staff at the wildlife center grouped the birds into „mini flocks“ to help them adjust to their new environment and support each other during their recovery.
The influx of birds following the hurricane has put a strain on the wildlife center, as they are caring for more birds at once than they typically do in a year. The staff has had to set up makeshift crates and utilize every available space to accommodate the increased number of animals. Due to the lack of incubators, the screened-in porch is being used to provide warmth for the baby birds.
Despite the challenges, the wildlife center staff is dedicated to providing the birds with the care they need to recover and thrive. As the birds become more comfortable in their surroundings, their personalities begin to emerge, showing signs of resilience and attitude. The staff has observed the unique preferences of each species, such as the yellow-crowned night herons‘ preference for crawfish over bugs.
As the baby birds continue to grow and strengthen, they will be moved to larger outdoor aviaries to prepare for their release back into the wild. The timing of the release will be crucial, especially for the Mississippi kites, as they need to join older birds for their migration to Argentina. The rescue operation has incurred additional costs due to the sudden increase in birds, prompting the center to launch an emergency fundraising campaign to support their efforts.
In conclusion, the dedicated team at Austin Wildlife Rescue is working tirelessly to care for and rehabilitate the orphaned and injured baby birds affected by Hurricane Beryl. Through their efforts, these birds will have a second chance at life in the wild, thanks to the compassion and commitment of the rescue center.
