Three common loons and a gopher tortoise were
among the 39 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the
Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week. Other admissions included a
snowy egret, a burrowing owl and an evening bat. We also released 21 animals
back to their "homes."
Loon Lore
Common loons are migratory birds from various
northern states and winter along our coast. Loons normally only come ashore to
nest, so if one beaches itself it is a good indication of distress. One common
cause is starvation. Oftentimes these birds are exhausted after migration, and
they may have a hard time finding food once they arrive in our area and
continue to lose the strength required to forage. Weak and emaciated loons will
beach themselves in the sand once they are no longer strong enough to stay
afloat.
Loons can be injured by motorboat propellers.
Loons float atop the water and will dive as motorboats approach. Sadly, they
don't always dive fast enough and can sustain deep lacerations when propellers
cut into their body and legs.
Our first loon suffered injuries to its legs
and back, but is responding well to treatment. Currently we are administering
pain medication, antibiotics, electrolytes and a quality fish diet.
The loon spends the day floating in a specially
designed "bath tub" in the water bird room at the von Arx Wildlife
Hospital. The tub allows the loon to dive underwater if it chooses and has an
overflow feature that preserves the waterproofing on the loon's feathers.
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