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An infectious disease of birds caused by a virus which can cause permanent damage including blindness, beak malformation and loss of toes and feet. It is not difficult to diagnosis Avian pox (AP) in an eagle when it is presented to the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. These wart-like lesions, that can be the size of a golf ball, appear on the unfeathered part of the bird, such as the beak, eyelids, nostrils and legs and feet or between feather tracts anywhere on the body. An eagle may suffer from this trauma for some time as it develops into the last stages of hemorrhage and tissue death permitting bacteria and fungi to develop. The lesions also severely affect its ability to feed thus starving and exhaustion. It has been determined there is no cure for this disease but care such as fluid therapy, balanced nutrition, decreased stress levels and medicinal treatment can help in the bird’s recovery. The lesions can cause permanent damage including blindness, beak malformation and loss of toes and feet. The unpleasant outward appearance of the pox also affects mucous membranes, respiration, their gastrointestinal tract and can result in death. Avian pox seems to occur more in juvenile eagles than adults. It also seems that the birds’ susceptibility to the virus and the severity of the lesions are tied to its immune and nutritional state – so severely affected birds are often compromised in some other way and the virus really takes hold. This disease is a member of the poxvirus family and is species specific. It is believed to be transferred from one bird to the next from an insect bite, direct contact, contaminated objects or by aerosol particles, trauma or damage to the epithelium (skin) when birds are fighting. There is no evidence that the strain affects humans. Dr. McAdie DVM, NIWRA’s veterinarian says, “The severity of the lesions can be small and self-limiting if the bird is otherwise healthy. I think that these severely affected birds are presented in such a debilitated state that you can’t reverse the extreme damage from the virus. Our fundamental goal is to restore wildlife to full health so they can be returned to the wild and stand a good chance of survival or to end suffering. These birds are starving (often just feathers and bones) and they have been suffering in silence for quite a while. To not euthanize is to needlessly prolong their suffering. It always makes me sad to euthanize these eagles, but I know it is the right thing to do.” You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

Weighing only 13 pounds, this baby bear managed to enter a home through a cat door in search of safety. The cub's mother could not be found and it was brought to NIWRA for assessment, stabilization and rehabilitation. Image of Bear Cub hiding behind house plant in corner of house DID YOU KNOW? Small cubs are fed a special formula containing yogurt, cottage cheese, applesauce, eggs, milk for bears, puppy food and nutritional supplements. Fruits and vegetables are added to the diet as the cub grows. The cub will stay at NIWRA until its release to the wild where it belongs in 2023. Click the video below to follow along as orphaned cubs are raised at North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre and released back into the wild How You Can Help Vancouver Island Black Bear Cubs at NIWRA Your support means the world to the animals! You can help by dropping off any of the items on the wish list below, or by making a financial contribution through our secure website. THANK YOU!

It's about this time of year that fawns begin to arrive, and we urge the public to leave them unless they have a life-threatening injury or you witness the doe is dead. New born fawns will drop to the ground in response to a threat (dogs, cougars and humans) or while their mother goes off to forage. Fawns do not have a scent therefore the doe will leave them in tall grass or even in your yard. This adaptation allows for the fawn to be safe from predators. If the doe stayed close the predator would smell her and attack the fawn. Please curb the urge to pick them up thinking they have been abandoned. 90% of the time that is not the case. If you find a fawn laying out flat on the side or in the middle of the road, stop and gently herd them off into the bush or ditch. This will prevent other motorists stopping or even hitting the fawn. The mother and fawn have become separated when crossing the road and she is probably watching you. The fawns tend to lay flat instinctively hoping you will go away. If it is necessary that the fawn must be brought to the centre, do not feed it. Feeding an improper diet may cause its death. For more information about wildlife: www.niwra.org If an animal is in distress, call the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre at 250-927-6025 You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

NIWRA shares the incredible journey of two Bald Eagles who are released back to their wild home after successful rehabilitation. Check out North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre on Facebook to stay up to date with all the news. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

Story from Parksville Qualicum Beach News - Michael Briones The x-ray conducted on a eagle rescued by the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre showed a fractured leg. The eagle (inset) is now recovering from the injury. (NIWRC photo) The eagles were picked up from Qualicum Bay, Qualicum Beach and Boswer on Feb. 15. After each one was X-rayed, they presented different injuries and ailments. Unfortunately, said Derek Downes, centre animal care technician, two of the eagles did not survive. Go to: Parksville Qualicum Beach News to read the full story. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

Story from the Vancouver Sun - Written by Jane Mundy Sitting on eight acres, the North Island is a world-class rehabilitation facility with an interactive learning centre and gift store—shopping began. Longtime volunteer Dr. Lynne Brookes greeted us and we walked by displays about trash showing the damage we’re doing and another display diagramming how a poisoned mouse can kill so many animals. “Our purpose is to educate the public out of our jobs,” says Brookes. Go to https://vancouversun.com/travel/local-travel/cool-coombs-quirky-qualicum-and-picturesque-parksville to read the full story. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

The bullfrog is the largest frog in North America. It has made a negative impact on native frogs. Amphibians like frogs, toads, newts, salamanders and the limbless worm-like caecilians will live in the water but can survive on land. They are cold-blooded vertebrate animals of which there are about 2,500 known species in the world. At least 53 species of birds have frogs, toads and salamanders as their favourite delicacy. Long-legged wading birds like herons and egrets feast on these amphibians. In fact, 34 frogs were found in the stomach of one little blue heron. The common merganser will ingest frogs and 5% of the belted kingfisher’s diet is frogs. Crows seems to be a voracious eater of frogs with a one-time consumption of 24 frogs. They also love salamanders. The belted kingfisher consumes the large tadpoles of the bullfrog when it dives into the shallows of small ponds. Unfortunately, the kingfisher does not eat enough tadpoles to make a difference in the population of the Alien bullfrog, which not exists on Vancouver Island. Bullfrogs are native to North America from southern Quebec and Ontario to the Gulf of Mexico. Farming of bullfrogs for their hind legs as food and the subsequent failure of these ventures have seen their introduction into western North American from California to southern British Columbia. The Alien bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) is successful breeders and can live up to 15 years. They begin breeding at the age of 4, with females lying up to 20,000 eggs in single spawn. These tadpoles grow to about 15 cm. over a two-year period before they turn into a frog. They breed in early May in permanent ponds and lakes in sub-urban, rural, disturbed and wooded habitats. Sometimes they move into stream habitats either as tadpoles or young frogs. The bullfrog is the largest frog in North America growing 8 - 20 cm. long and weighing up to 600 grams. They are green to brownish green in colour with the breeding males having yellow under their chin. They have a conspicuous skin fold around the ear membrane down to the shoulder. The breeding males call the females with a very low-pitched drone. Their diet mainly includes insects, snakes, small mammals, birds, as well as smaller native frogs. They have been seen catching and swallowing birds up to the size of a woodcock. This species of frog has made a negative impact on native frogs. Both the adults and tadpole were known to prey upon the tadpoles of smaller frogs and caused them to relocate into unfavourable habitats. A monitoring study has been underway for the past few years to determine the location of the Alien Bullfrog and to prevent their further expansion. It is apparent their introduction has displaced native frogs in the lower Fraser Valley and southeastern Vancouver Island. Evidence shows they have made their way past Nanaimo. To prevent their spread into new areas, the public must not move frogs, tadpoles or frog eggs from one wetland to another. This would mean young boys and girls may have to curb bringing home frog eggs in an ice cream pail from ditches, ponds or streams. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

Story from CHEK News It was a day that Megan Buemann had been looking forward to for months. On July 4, Buemann and her colleagues at the North Island Island Wildlife Recovery Centre finally got to release a Great Horned Owl back into the wild that they had been nursing for months. “I’m very happy, I’m almost nervous excited,” said Buemann, an animal care worker at NIWRA. “It’s very fulfilling to see them off and free and healthy.” They chose Little Mountain near Parksville, a popular hiking spot where on a clear day you can see for kilometers, as the place to release the now recovered Great Horned Owl. But upon releasing the raptor, Buemann saw a disturbing sight over the cliff – piles of trash including appliances and televisions, at the base of the mountain. “Looks like a TV screen down there,” said Buemann as she was surveying the bottom of the cliff. “It’s kind of disheartening you know we wanna create a good environment for ourselves and wildlife and then there’s junk down there.” Go to www.cheknews.ca to read full story and watch video You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

Story from CHEK News The Ahousaht RCMP point to a slogan on police recruitment posters that state “a career nowhere near ordinary,” after rescuing a bald eagle on Sunday. On June 14, Ahousaht RCMP responded to reports of an injured bald eagle that was located on the roof of the Thunderbird Community Hall and in need of assistance. Two police members attended the scene and immediately determined that further help would be needed, according to an RCMP press release. This led police members to reach out to the Ahousaht Fire Department. One of the members even retrieved his own personal dog crate and blanket, anticipating a course of action once the injured eagle was recovered. Go to www.cheknews.ca to read full story and watch video You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

In contrast to other goose species, Brant are characterized by their extensive use of native coastal habitats outside the breeding season. The Brant is a small dark goose that occurs throughout much of the northern hemisphere. In contrast to other goose species, Brant are characterized by their extensive use of native coastal habitats outside the breeding season. Three to four subspecies are recognized mainly on the basis of plumage characteristics. The two/three North American subspecies are further separated into four sub-populations based on genetics, location of breeding and wintering areas, and migration routes. This goose breeds from the low to the high Arctic, and migrates long distances to wintering areas. Different sub-populations nesting in arctic Canada and Alaska winter in areas as distant and widely separated as Baja California, the Puget Sound, the coastline of the mid-Atlantic states, and Ireland. In summer, salt marshes, especially those containing the graminoids Carex and Puccinellia, are key habitats for nesting and raising young. These same habitats, along with large freshwater lakes with abundant moss and sedge shorelines, are also used during the flightless moult. Wintering locations are usually characterized by an abundance of native intertidal plants used as forage, particularly the seagrass, Zostera; no other species of goose relies so heavily on a single plant species during the non-breeding season. In contrast to European populations, Brant wintering in North American have, for the most part, not switched to agricultural habitats. Like other geese, this species provides bi-parental care, accompanies its young through their first migration, and usually mates for life. Brant show fidelity to both wintering and breeding areas. In the low Arctic, Brant often breed in relatively dense colonies, but in the high Arctic nesting is more dispersed. During brood-rearing, the availability and abundance of salt marsh foraging habitat directly affects growth and recruitment of goslings, thereby influencing local population dynamics. During winter, their strong dependence on certain food plants makes them vulnerable to occasional heavy losses from starvation, more so than most other geese. Further, oceanographic conditions experienced at wintering locations directly affect their subsequent breeding condition and reproductive performance. These vulnerabilities necessitate careful population-monitoring and regulation of hunting. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

Anna’s hummingbird was originally named Ornismya anna by René Primevère Lesson in 1829, based on specimens collected by Paolo-Émilio Botta and owned by the duke and duchess of Rivoli. Anna’s Hummingbird has expanded its range dramatically since the mid-1930s. It once nested only on the Pacific slope of northern Baja California and California north to the San Francisco Bay area, but now breeds north to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, eastward through southern Arizona, and it has an increasing presence in West Texas. This species’ effective use of widely cultivated urban and suburban exotic plants and hummingbird feeders has contributed to its increased numbers and expanded range. In many localities Anna’s is present throughout the year, although it is rarely known if nesting birds are resident or if they are replaced by individuals from another region. Male Anna’s hummingbirds attract attention through their elaborate dive displays, in which they ascend ~35 meters and then plummet toward their target—a female Anna’s hummingbird or other bird. Males sing more conspicuously than any other North American hummingbird, and their songs are learned and complex, unusual in nonpasserine birds. Anna’s hummingbird was originally named Ornismya anna by René Primevère Lesson in 1829, based on specimens collected by Paolo-Émilio Botta and owned by the duke and duchess of Rivoli. Lesson regarded it as one of the most beautiful hummingbirds, on account of “the bright sparkle of a red cap of the richest amethyst...” on the male’s head, and so named it after the duchess of Rivoli, Anna de Belle Masséna. Gould (1861) placed it in a new genus, Calypte, for “not only the throat, but the entire head as glitteringly resplendent as if they had been dipped in molten metal”. Calypte is greek (Кαλυπτη) for covered or hood (Holloway 2003), a reference to the male’s iridescent crown. Males turn their head from side to side as they sing, flashing the brilliant iridescence as a signal to other hummingbirds. Female Anna’s hummingbirds are less conspicuous than males and sometimes defend feeding territories, but usually away from those of males. Females associate with males only long enough to copulate. The female constructs the nest, incubates the eggs, and cares for nestlings, typically in winter and early spring, timed with the arrival of winter rain in the Mediterranean climate of California, and the consequent increased availability of nectar and small insects for food. Of the four Pacific Northwest hummingbirds, Anna’s is the only one that doesn’t always migrate south to warmer climates in the winter. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

Up to nine subspecies of heron have been recognized by past researchers, based on differences in plumage color and morphology. Young blue herons resemble a character out of a science fiction movie. Their long lanky legs and out of control wings give the appearance of a vehicle out of control heading for the ditch. But don't be fooled, the beak is honed to penetrate those fish in the boat with accuracy. Wildlife rehabilitators watch their eyes very carefully when handling one of these birds. Up to nine subspecies of heron have been recognized by past researchers, based on differences in plumage color and morphology. Researchers have agreed that Florida’s Great White Heron, the subspecies most distinctive in color (entirely white), and the Pacific Great Blue Heron are distinct subspecies. Recent reviews have suggested that the remaining Great Blue Herons in North America are composed of either one or two subspecies. Owing to this controversy, this account primarily considers ‘blue group’ Great Blue usually referred to as the Herodias (or blue) group, and ‘white group’ Great Blue Herons - the Great White Heron referred to here as the Occidentalis (white) group Great Blue Herons. Equally at home in coastal (marine) environments and in fresh water habitats, the Great Blue Heron nests mostly in colonies, commonly large ones of several hundred pairs. Such colonies are often located on islands or in wooded swamps, isolated locations that discourage predation by snakes and mammals and disturbance from humans. Although the species is primarily a fish eater, wading (often belly deep) along the shoreline of oceans, marshes, lakes, and rivers, it also stalks upland areas for rodents and other animals, especially in winter. It has been known to eat most animals that come within striking range. Its well-studied, elaborate courtship displays have correlates on the foraging grounds, where this species can be strongly territorial. The Great Blue Heron weathered the impacts of 20th century North Americans relatively successfully. Although it was hunted heavily for its plumes and some of its wetland habitats were drained or otherwise degraded, many populations have recovered well. Nevertheless, breeding colonies remain vulnerable to disturbance and habitat loss, and climate change and increasing predator populations may bring new challenges. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

If you have ever had a bird hit your window you will recognize the loud crash. The poor bird may or may not survive. Birds hitting windows happens quite often. The reflection is a continuation of their environment, so they are unaware of the imminent danger that is about to happen. Several methods have been tried to prevent window strikes: images of hawks applied to the window, hanging streamers, and sometimes covering the whole window. One method that does not work is closing your curtains. If you have ever had a bird hit your window you will hear a loud crash as they are flying at a good speed. The poor bird may or may not survive. Often, birds will live through the ordeal. Usually you will find them on the outside looking like they have had their “bell rung”. Leaving the bird for an extended time is the right thing to do but if cats are present, it is a good idea to place the bird in a small well-ventilated box and putting it in a quiet place. After a few hours you can take the box outside and open it up. 9 out of 10 times, the bird will fly away. If you see a wing drooping, you may want to bring the bird into the centre. Birds tend to have love affairs with windows in the spring. They look at that handsome reflection of themselves and think they have found the perfect mate. You will hear fluttering about for possibly many days but be sure they will tire after a while and move on. I have even heard of birds being amorous to a car mirror. Spring is the time of year for birth of nestling birds and baby fawns. It is a good reminder to not clear land at this time of year and to stay clear of fawns that will start arriving around May. The best plan is to leave them where they lie. Their mother will return to feed them. I’m sure we are all enjoying the sun bringing the leaves out on the trees, beautiful flowers and the sense of anticipation of the birds and animals for rebirth. Let’s give wildlife a fighting chance to live in this beautiful environment. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

Although the Belted Kingfisher breeds at northern latitudes, and occasionally winters there if open water is available, most individuals migrate, some as far south as northern South America. The North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC) occasionally receives Belted Kingfishers into our care. The Belted Kingfisher, one of the most widespread land birds in North America, remains poorly studied. Throughout the continent, it inhabits diverse aquatic habitats where it typically perches over clear open water before plunge-diving for prey—chiefly fish, but also other aquatic animals such as crayfish. Undigested remains of such prey are regularly regurgitated as pellets, which fall beneath fishing and roosting perches. By studying these pellets, some information on seasonal diets can be determined without collecting birds or directly observing their foraging behavior. Although the Belted Kingfisher breeds at northern latitudes, and occasionally winters there if open water is available, most individuals migrate, some as far south as northern South America. Solitary except while breeding, both males and females of this species vigorously defend their territories along shorelines of lakes or rivers throughout the year. They do this with strident vocalizations, especially a reverberating mechanical rattle, and by aerial chases. Indeed, this kingfisher’s Rattle Call is given at the slightest disturbance, and people are likely to hear this bird before seeing it. The availability of suitable nesting sites—earthen banks where nesting burrows can be excavated—appears critical for the distribution and local abundance of this species. This kingfisher prefers to excavate a nesting burrow near its fishing territory, raising a single brood annually. Burrows may be reused, but site tenacity is weak. In some regions, human activities such as the digging of sand and gravel pits have created nesting sites that have stimulated population growth and enhanced opportunities for range expansion. Despite this species’ diet, environmental contaminants do not seem to have affected its productivity as with other fish-eating birds. You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!

Bears are hungry in the spring and since they are opportunists, they will look for the easiest source of food available. That could be your garbage, bird feeders, barbecues, or pet food. Once they get a taste of what you offer them, it is a guarantee they will be back to dine. Bears get more calories from a garbage container than foraging in the forest all day long. Those easy meals help in obtaining the 25,000 calories they consume each day. Their keen sense of smell often drives them into residential areas where they may discover human food or garbage. This scenario makes them into nuisance or food conditioned bears which never has a good ending. So, what can we do to prevent damage to our residences, possible harm to ourselves and the eventual killing of a nuisance bear. Let us consider our garbage which is an easy target unless it is bear proof. Garbage must be put curbside the morning of pick up, not the night before. Do not store food in outside freezers or fridges. We all love to feed the birds and hummers but bears are attracted to bird feeders. I have never been a proponent of hummingbird feeders when a beautiful hanging basket or brightly coloured flowers can do the same thing. It can keep the bears away. It is easy to close the lid on your barbecue when finished thinking you can burn off the remains the next use but bears smell the left-over steak and will try to get at it. Clean your barbecues right after use and store them inside if possible. Leaving pet food outside will not only attract bears but also raccoons and other domestic animals. This includes leaving dog bones lying around your yard. There is a long list of bear attractants: beverage containers, garbage, compost, pet food/dishes, BBQ grease, bird seed, oil/fat, fish and fish offal, wastewater from cooking, perfumed items such as soap, deodorant, toothpaste, suntan lotion, insect spray and hair spray. Who would have guessed? You can help the wildlife in care at NIWRA by making a financial contribution on our secure website. Thank you so much for caring about wildlife!