Editor’s Note: The Green Heron is part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
Green Herons are short and stocky-sized birds with distinct greenish-black feathers on its back, a chestnut-colored neck, and a bold yellow stripe on its legs. Green Herons typically lives around ponds, marshes, rivers, reservoirs, and estuaries. The species can be found in various areas around the world, ranging from North America, Central America, and the Indies. Green herons hunt by standing still near water, waiting for the right time to strike fish, frogs, and insects. This species is crucial in controlling fish and insect populations, contributing to a balanced wetland ecosystem.
Green Heron (24-4272) was admitted after being found unable to fly. Upon examination, staff and students found a superficial tear in the left patagium (the skin between the body and wing). Luckily, the tear did not involve any tendon damage. The heron also demonstrated “hock sitting,” resting its legs in a crouched position, which shows the patient struggled with coordination. Staff administered fluids and pain medications to the patient and provided force-feeding. After a few days, the patient was regularly perching and eating on its own. After a few days in care the heron was moved to an outdoor enclosure, which is the last phase of our rehabilitation process at CROW and determine how well the patient is equipped to live on their own in the wild.
At CROW, we’re dedicated to providing care for all our wildlife patients, even when a clear prognosis is uncertain. The more information we receive about a patient’s history and injury, the better we can make informed treatment decisions. Knowing details about how the injury occurred, or any symptoms observed before admission can guide us in customizing care for the best chance of recovery. That is why we ask those who find injured animals to first call to see if the patient needs to be brought into us, and that you always fill out a patient drop-off form providing as much information as possible. Although we do not always have information provided, like our green heron patient, our staff is trained to provide patients with resources, from pain management to specialized diets and daily assessments
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