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UPDATE: We are happy to report that, thanks to your generosity, this beautiful bufflehead is now fully recovered and has been released back to the wild. Her wounds healed beautifully and her waterproofing improved immensely.
She was released along the shore near a flock of buffleheads who were swimming out on the water. She immediately flew towards the flock and was an instant hit with one of the males who performed a mating display for her on her arrival.
Thank you for your donations towards the care of this incredible bird. We couldn’t do this life-saving work without you.
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This poor little bufflehead was admitted to Wild ARC for care after surviving a predator attack. She had multiple punctures on her rump and shoulder that required surgery to properly clean the wounds. She was immediately put on antibiotics and medications to manage the pain.
Seabirds like this bufflehead are dependent on uninterrupted coverage of clean feathers over their body to keep them waterproof and warm. Wounds expose their skin to frigid water temperatures and the discharge from the injuries can actually soil their feathers making it even harder to stay warm. This exposure to the elements can be fatal to these small, beautiful birds.
Caring for this bufflehead is no easy feat. The food she eats is very oily and this can further damage her feather quality if she soils herself. Because of her high stress levels she hasn’t been eating on her own, and as a result staff must tube feed her to ensure she receives enough nutrients while in care. Buffleheads spend most of their time on the water, which means their bodies aren’t accustomed to being on a hard surface for long periods of time. While she recovers from her wounds, staff will have to take extra precautions to prevent the injuries that can affect her feet and body from being on land.
Please help us rehabilitate this beautiful bird by donating towards her care. With your help, she can recover and return to the wild where she belongs.