This time of year many birds from the north began migrating south for the winter. Some will stay here in South Florida while others will pass through the region on their way to the Caribbean. Increasingly, these birds are running into man-made obstacles that leave them with injured eyes, wings and beaks.
When this happens, the South Florida Wildlife Center often comes to their rescue.
The South Florida Wildlife Center in Fort Lauderdale treats more than 3,000 migratory birds each year. As they fly through South Florida, they have to navigate a changing landscape.
“If new buildings come up or forests are taken down, or a dam is put up and waterways change, that can confuse the birds, which causes them sometimes to deviate from their normal route taking them over long stretches of water where they cannot land and feed”, said Sherry Schlueter, the center’s executive director.
In addition to new high rises and recently-cleared land, Schlueter says these birds are also running into people who would do them harm.
“We have seen an increase in injuries, trauma-related injuries and poisonings, lead-shot birds", Schlueter explained. "So it’s amazing to me that as many of them make it to the destination, are able to have their young, regain their strength and fly back home to the north in the spring.”
When the birds arrive at the center, they’re cared for by three licensed vets and three licensed wildlife rehabilitators. The facility does all of this without receiving any government assistance.