In the middle of August, on the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which straddles the California-Oregon border, ducks began turning up sick and in many cases dead, due to an outbreak of avian botulism.
January Bill, co-founder and co-director of Bird Ally X lives in the area and was asked by US Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency responsible for the Refuge, to set up a functional wildlife hospital and care for the ailing birds. Marie Travers, another BAX co-director traveled from the Bay Area to help manage the response. Now, a month in, with hundreds of birds treated so far, from Northern Shovelers to American Avocets, the problem continues without abatement. Just as fast as birds recover and are released, new groups are rescued and brought to the growing rehabilitation facility on the combined wetland and sagebrush country northeast of Mount Shasta. So far over 170 ducks and shorebirds have been successfully treated and released. Humboldt Wildlife Care Center/BAX, which is relatively nearby, has sent supplies and staff to help out. Conditions that cause botulism outbreaks are expected to continue until early October.
We are asking supporters to help cover the cost of the supplies and staffing. The US Fish and Wildlife Service can pay for some of our costs, but not all. In the busiest year we’ve ever seen, we need your help. [Donate here].
A call for volunteers was also put out – you can read that here. https://birdallyx.net/avian-botulism-outbreak-in-klamath-basin-wildlife-refuge-call-for-volunteers/
As a small nonprofit, we couldn’t this without you, the wildlife lovers who make BAX exist. Thank you for being here to help ill or injured wildlife, whether it’s a Raccoon family down the block or a Black-necked Stilt in one of our great National Wildlife Refuges. Your donations make this lifesaving work possible – it’s that simple.
A Black-necked Stilt in care, one of the many species affected by avian botulism.
Bird Ally X is working with the Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges to provide care for these birds. We’ve mobilized to bring supplies and experienced wildlife rehabilitators to the response, to send some of our interns, and train community volunteers.
RESCUE
In the affected zone of the vast wetlands, rescuers search for sick birds. They cannot swim or dive normally but may be found struggling on the water’s surface or hiding in vegetation. Deceased birds are also collected to remove them from the environment and help break the cycle that fuels the outbreak. Rescued live birds are placed in a transport crate aboard the boat.
An airboat is used for rescue and recovery – a flat bottom makes it safe for use in shallow waters and around diving birds.
Huddled closely together, the rescued birds arrive at the hospital.
EXAMINATION
BAX co-director January Bill lifts a listless and weak Green-winged Teal from the transport crate. Despite appearances, this bird is alive and has a good prognosis for recovery with proper treatment.
The Teal’s eyelids are sealed shut as a result of botulism. January administers a saline solution wash.
Examining a Northern Shoveler.
BAX co-director Marie Travers examines a patient’s wing.
During the intake exam, rehabilitators assess each patient’s condition and decide on an individual treatment plan. Patients are given a temporary band and a case record is begun to track their progress.
TREATMENT
Critical care patients
Botulism in later stages prevents birds from maintaining normal body posture – these are ducks are critical care patients. They are housed in a heated enclosure and are propped up with supports. When unable to accept oral fluids, they are provided intravenous or subcutaneous hydration.
Two Ring-necked Ducks and a Northern Pintail showing the debilitating symptoms of botulism.
Fluid therapy is an essential part of treating botulism. Patients who can hold their head up, such as this Northern Shoveler, are given oral fluids.
Preparing hydration and nutrition tubings.
A Ring-billed Gull is assist-fed fish.
Patients are re-examined during the course of their treatment. The Refuge outreach and education coordinator observes an exam.
Small easily warmed enclosures house patients until they are strong enough to move to pool housing. To reduce stress for the patients, the enclosures are covered to form a visual barrier.
An indoor pool enclosure, lined with anti-fatigue mat substrate to protect the patients’ feet in care.
HWCC/BAX intern Courtney Watson, prepares food for patients.
BAX co-director Marie Travers enters notes on a patient’s case record.
January Bill assesses the waterproofing of a Green-winged Teal who’s been swimming in a therapy pool.
His condition much improved, a Ring-necked duck swims in a larger pool enclosure enriched with natural vegetation.
RELEASE
Lead Refuge biologist John Vradenburg fits each patient with a permanent band before release. John selected a release site free of botulism, within the vast Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
These birds have come such a long way from the terribly debilitated state in which they were rescued – it’s a thrill to watch them fly, strong and healthy, back to their free and wild lives!
At the release site: healthy water, rich with aquatic invertebrates and duckweed, quality foods for ducks and other birds!
UP AND RUNNING: SCENES FROM THE EVOLUTION OF THE DUCK HOSPITAL
Wildlife rehabilitation is not just hard work, getting dirty, looking tragedy in the face and getting pooped on – it’s a source of joy and a privilege to be close to wild animals in their hour of need and offer real help.
Setting up housing in a hurry: BAX co-director Laura Corsiglia and intern Courtney Watson assemble the Refuge’s modular enclosures to create pool housing for ducks.
HWCC/BAX interns Bekah Kline and Courtney Watson traveled from Humboldt Wildlife Care Center to help at the site, putting in many days of long hours alongside BAX staff.
Bird Ally X is small organization operating on shoestring budget. Yet our mission is as large as our neighborhoods, our counties, our vast open spaces. The threats to our wild neighbors and places continue to mount. As always, wee need your help. Your contribution makes our lifesaving work possible. Please, donate today. Thank you!!
All photos: Bird Ally X
