Rescue of the week: Wood Stork

Species: Wood Stork

Status: Endangered - U.S. Breeding Population

A juvenile Wood Stork was admitted to the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary on Wednesday June 1^st in the late afternoon by Liz Vreeland, rescuer since 2004. The Wood Stork was found in South St. Petersburg's Lakewood Estates with a fishing line wrapped tightly around his right leg, a weight dangling off the line, and a hook in his wing. The deep laceration pierced into his tibia, and was unable to walk. 

“We highly discourage people from feeding wild birds because we don't want them to associate food with people,” said Barbara Suto, the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary hospital supervisor. “It can shorten their lifespan.”

Margret Harwell, a retired elementary school teacher and St. Petersburg residence since 1968, noticed the young Wood Stork standing in the pond behind her house without digging or sticking his beak in the water.

 "We have always been interested in birds," Harwell said. "I am familiar with their habits, and something was very strange about the Wood Stork just standing their looking down at his leg." 

 Before going to her doctor's appointment, she asked her neighbor, Melissa Metcalfe, who has shared previous bird adventures with the Harwell couple, to look after the bird. Metcalfe called the sanctuary and spoke with Vreeland about the Wood Stork's odd behavior. The rescuer had other stops, and was unable to get there until later that afternoon. When Harwell returned home, the Wood Stork had flown off and a heavy rainstorm rolled in. 

"We often have alligators nearby that come from Lake Maggiore.  My worry was that the Wood Stork would be too injured to get away from him," said Harwell. "So I got in my car and drove around to find him. Sure enough he (the Wood Stork) was right at the end of my street." 

 After Metcalfe verified that it was the same Wood Stork, Harwell waited in her car for the rescuer to arrive. 

 "The biggest help the public can do is stay with an injured bird. Even when they can't fly, they can still wander off," said Vreeland. "Margaret and Melissa spent the whole day looking after the Wood Stork, which is gold to a rescuer."

In the pouring rain, Vreeland used a snare trap with fish bait to capture the Wood Stork. She cut the tangled line and freed his circulation from the weight. 

 “God knows how hungry he was, he trailed behind Liz jumping for more food,” said Metcalfe. "They (the Seabird Sanctuary) say he should be released soon, and we will be watching for him."

The next few days the hospital team kept him well nuritioned and hydrated, feeding him fish four times a day. On Saturday June 4^th, the Wood Stork stood freely and his ability to process food continues to increase. He is expected to be released within the next three weeks, and should be transmitted to the outdoor recovery station this week.

The Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary located on Indian Rocks Beach, admits over 8,000 injured birds each year, making it the largest non-profit wild bird hospital and sanctuary in the United States. Founded in 1971 by zoologist Ralph T. Heath, the sanctuary is also known for its world-renown rehabilitation techniques.

Over 80 percent of admissions that survive the first 24-hours, will be released from the hospital recovered. The sanctuary ships rehabilitated birds around the world, and presently holds the largest wild bird banding program in North America.

"Our volunteers continue to make this possible," said Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary Volunteer, Marion Eslick (better known as Slick), who has been involved in various positions at the sanctuary since it was founded.

Volunteers make up about 40 percent of the staff at the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary. From hospital vets to bird rescuers, the volunteers work in all departments at the sanctuary. Volunteers and donations are always welcome and appreciated.