A Visitor from Quebec!

On Monday, March 8th, Volunteers for Wildlife received an injured Canada Goose from our neighbors at the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center in Oyster Bay, New York. The goose was found on the side of a road next to the Sanctuary.

Upon admission, the goose was given a complete physical exam by our staff. He was emaciated and dehydrated. In addition, he had a heavy parasite load of feather lice and intestinal parasites. The goose was unable to stand. His legs were stiff and his feet knuckled under his body weight. The exam also revealed that this goose had been banded with a band from the North American Bird Banding Lab and a foot tag. Bird bands allow individuals to be tracked over a period of time. We processed his band (Band#: 0988-09312) and learned the age, gender and origin of our patient!

0988-09312 had been initially banded in Boucherville, Quebec, Canada on July 6, 2006 as a young gosling before learning to fly. It seems this Canada Goose may have been a migratory one coming down to Long Island for just the winter months.

During his rehabilitation at our hospital, the goose received supportive care with tube feedings, deworming and a homeopathic course of treatment for joint stiffness. Over the days, he got stronger, developed a hearty appetite and put on a substantial two hundred and twenty five grams of body mass. We moved him to our yard for exercise and a more natural environment. On March 16th, the four year old goose had gained enough strength to fly again. Upon seeing a resident flock of Canada Geese, he took flight over our fence and joined the flock!

On Long Island, Canada Geese are found in large numbers. The ideal landscape on Long Island, with plentiful water sources and well manicured lawns and golf courses, encourages many of the native geese to stay on the Island year round. Although their numbers are plentiful, we were very glad we were able to help the goose recover so he can hopefully migrate North again!

Rehabilitation and Release of a Mallard Duck (Anas platyrhynchos)

We recently released a male Mallard,  Anas platyrhynchos, that was rehabilitated at the Wildlife Hospital of Volunteers for Wildlife.   The patient was rescued by a concerned citizen of Wantagh who observed the duck on his front lawn for an extended period of time.  The gentleman called the Wildlife Advisory Telephone (631) 423-0982 for help with the bird.

 

After an initial physical examination, the Mallard was found to be weak, dehydrated, obtunded (mentally dull) and thin.  Dr. Loudon at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island, was consulted to ensure that toxicity was not the cause of our patients symptoms.  Blood tests indicated that the duck was not suffering from lead poisoning and seemed to be overall inconclusive.  He remained at the wildlife hospital for supportive care and medical treatment.  It was noted that he had passed many adult Helminths while in the bath.  Parasites in the digestive tract are common in waterfowl.  This particular duck had a heavy parasite load.   Following the successful treatment of his "worms" the Mallard was released at Twin Lakes Preserve in Wantagh. 



Volunteers for Wildlife would like to thank the staff and Veterinarians at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island (VMCLI) for their generous support with this and many other cases.