Several bird eggs and chicks were saved from a precarious eucalyptus tree that had been damaged by wind in a park in California. The tree was in danger of collapsing, prompting a rescue operation.
Currently, the dedicated staff at the International Bird Rescue’s Los Angeles Wildlife Center are tirelessly caring for 47 eggs and 12 young chicks, all of which are double-crested Cormorants. Their ultimate goal is to nurse these birds back to health, enabling their release into the wild within the upcoming months.
The instability of the tree, located in a Marina del Rey park, came to light earlier in the month. The tree’s structural integrity was compromised after one of its trunks fell, causing damage to a nearby trash bin shelter. Another trunk was on the verge of collapsing, posing a threat to the birds as well as anyone in the vicinity, including those on a nearby walking path or parking lot. This situation was confirmed by Nicole Mooradian, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors, who noted the urgency due to widening cracks in the tree.
On March 10, tree contractors devoted over five hours to carefully dismantle 20 nests, removing branches one by one. Meanwhile, biologists carefully placed the eggs and chicks into makeshift incubators consisting of egg cartons and heated blankets.
Kylie Clatterbuck, manager of the wildlife center for bird rescue, explained that double-crested Cormorants are prevalent in Southern California, often creating nesting colonies in trees. The parent Cormorants normally incubate their young for about a month and feed their chicks through regurgitation for several weeks. Providing care for these chicks is challenging since they are completely dependent on their parents, described by Clatterbuck as “naked little balls of skin” when they hatch.
At the bird rescue center in San Pedro, feeding the chicks is a continuous task that requires hourly sessions from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. To prevent the birds from forming human attachments, which could be dangerous for their survival in the wild, the staff use unique methods, including wearing black suits to disguise themselves and using decoys and puppets during interactions.
Despite the intensive care regime, the dedication shown by the rescue staff is evident as they hope for a successful reintroduction of these birds into the wild. The goal is to keep them for at least three months, allowing them to develop the ability to hunt and fly independently. Clatterbuck shared optimism regarding the chicks’ health, noting that they appear happy and healthy, with some already consuming whole fish even at just two weeks old.
“It’s really difficult to raise baby birds. We strive to share the knowledge we have,” said Clatterbuck, expressing the commitment of her team. “We hope they thrive in the wild.”