On a recent Saturday we were treated to a very different activity at the Hanson floodplain restoration project site, releasing injured birds back into the wild! For the last three years we’ve been working on invasive plant removal; conducting groundwater studies; and planning and design support, so we jumped at the opportunity when The Bird Rescue Center (BRC) in Santa Rosa contacted Russian Riverkeeper seeking a release site for juvenile birds that were recently rehabbed after injury.
Snowy Egrets especially like mudflats or tidal wetlands and can be found throughout Sonoma County on the Russian River. They are known to live a considerably long life, with the longest on record being 17 years and 7 months old! The recovery of these birds through the work of concerned citizens was an early victory of the environmental movement and continues today as a beloved species found across the Americas.
These particular birds were snowy egrets that fell out of their nests at the West 9th Street rookery in Santa Rosa. Since these 5 birds had broken bones, after being triaged at BRC they were sent to the International Bird Rescue Center in Fairfield where they were treated and cared for until deemed ready for release. BRC volunteer Mark Strange then picked up the birds early Saturday from the rehab center and drove them in a dog carrier back to Sonoma County (Yes, all five seemed quite comfortable in one large dog carrier!). Crystal Norris, BRC Board member and wildlife expert, was also present to assist with the release. We met at the property gates and drove to the shoreline of one of the old gravel pits which was suitable for release.
Mark brought the pet carrier to an open area of shoreline and as Crystal opened the door, two egrets popped right out and took flight! Within one minute, all five egrets had jumped out and spread their wings for take-off. Three of the birds found a roosting spot near the release site to rest and take in their new surroundings. Two of the birds flew upward and caught a thermal updraft until we lost sight of them, likely enjoying their new found freedom.
RRK Director Don McEnhill, who used to sit on the County Fish and Wildlife Commission and approve grants to support the work of Bird Rescue Center, said it was very enjoyable to see the end result of the work and dedication of BRC to help birds recover from injury and get back to being the wild birds that we all enjoy along the Russian River. You can learn more about local bird rescue and release and what to do if you find an injured bird at birdrescuecenter.org.