Latest Happenings

Great horned owlet in its new nest When baby birds fall out of their nests, it is impossible for their mothers to pick them up and place them back in the nest. Some mothers will continue to feed their babies on the ground, but these babies will eventually fall prey to predators such as raccoons or stray animals. This is where YOU can help! Most birds do not have a good sense of smell, and do not care if you touch their babies. It always best for mom and baby to remain together, and babies may still be cared for by the parents if placed in a substitute nest. A concerned citizen called The Wildlife Center of Texas last week about two great horned owlets whose nest had fallen down, taking the owlets with it. One had already passed away when he found the fallen nest, but the other was still alert and walking around. He called the center to see if he should bring it in, but here at The Wildlife Center of Texas we always want to try and reunite parent and baby if possible. Laundry basket used as substitute nest So we instructed the rescuer on how to construct a make-shift nest out of a laundry basket, leaves, and grass and place it in a tree nearby the spot where the babies were found. Of course it was also important that he watch to see whether the parents came back to care for the baby. The mother soon returned and kept feeding her baby!  The concerned citizen sent us regular updates and pictures of the baby and, under the care of its mom, it is growing every day. [...]

The Wildlife Center of Texas is continuing to receive more baby raccoons than usual. These little ones require a great deal of care, expense, and a long term time commitment. It has been interesting to look at our statistics and 85% of the baby raccoons we have taken in should not have been put in an orphan situation to begin with. Their mothers were trapped out of attics, under decks, etc. and then hauled off to who knows where without their babies. This is sad and painful for these females. They are full of milk and once released try to get back to their babies. Many are hit on roads that they are not familiar with or are run out of the site they are put on by resident raccoons. Please remind family, friends and co-workers if they have a raccoon problem to call the Center first for advice so these little families are not separated. If you would like to help us care for all the new orphaned little raccoons please click here to donate. Thank you for being part of the team that lets animals have a place to grow, a place to heal, a place to be wild.

Many area birders have enjoyed watching this springs migration of birds.  Our region of Texas is on the Central Flyaway migration route and is a popular birding area.   The past few years the weather has been so nice that the spring migrants come over the Gulf of Mexico and then continue inland for many miles before stopping to eat and rest.  This spring our area has experienced several cold fronts with strong headwinds that have left the birds exhausted and when they reach our coastline they stop to look for shelter and food as they rest. Area residents who have birdfeeders have reported seeing colorful birds they have not seen before.  The Wildlife Center of Texas has received over 20 different species of migrating birds since March.  Many have come in with head traumas or exhaustion.    The weakened birds end up easy prey to cats and then the injured birds are brought to the Wildlife Center.  The Wildlife Center staff and volunteers offer these birds medications, food and shelter as they are quickly given care and then sent on their way to continue their migration.  Please enjoy our photos of some of the patients who were brought to the Wildlife Center of Texas by caring rescuers.