There has also been a rise in the number of winged creatures usually not found inland: “Young pelicans are landing in very strange places... they’re coming inland. The seas are over-fished and we have the problem” with micro-plants that bloom and form toxic red tides. “Pelicans are coming in starving” and sick from toxins. They are stabilized locally before being sent to a San Pedro shelter for long-term care.Another growing problem is humans: “There was a great horned owl that the Department of Fish & Game confiscated that some stupid woman had hanging on her patio in a canary cage for five years. She had been feeding it vegetables and chicken,” a diet that harmed the owl. The owl also was found to have an untreated fractured wing... that and the owl’s being confined in a space so small that it had hurt itself, plus the diet should lead to criminal animal abuse charges, noted Thole.Thole is among a handful of Ventura County residents who offer wildlife shelter, rehabilitation and relocation. It’s not unusual for Thole to have a full house: at one point she had 14 skunks, 11 coyote and bobcat pups, baby raccoons, and “about 30 or more song birds in the aviary and more inside” her Camarillo home.She said that over the years West Nile virus has started turning up among unusual species: “I saw it last year in a variety of birds and tree squirrels. This year it’s been detected in some birds of prey.” Last year a raven was treated successfully for the virus, a first, Thole noted.
Disorientated pelicans found near Santa Clara River
August 18, 2006
Santa Paula News
The City of Santa Paula and Camarillo Wildlife Rehabilitation continue to see an upswing in injured and orphaned wildlife, including seabirds discovered inland, drunk and disorientated due to ingestion of toxic algae.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThe City of Santa Paula and Camarillo Wildlife Rehabilitation continue to see an upswing in injured and orphaned wildlife, including seabirds discovered inland, drunk and disorientated due to ingestion of toxic algae. With the Santa Clara River cutting through the valley, other unexpected visitors to keep an eye out for are pelicans. “We’re been getting a lot of toxic pelicans who can become disorientated when they are malnourished,” noted Santa Paula Animal Control Officer John Dunn.Baby birds are also coming in at record numbers, said Nicky Thole of Camarillo Wildlife Rehabilitation. “We’re seeing a lot of baby birds,” at least those who have not been killed by prowling cats.Although the law of nature is strong, there are about 2.7 billion songbirds killed by cats throughout the United States just during summer months, said Thole. A bell on the collar of a cat can warn songbirds that they are in danger and give them a chance to escape.
