Date: 1/27/25 11:52 am From: Amanda Newlove via groups.io <amandanewlove...> Subject: [southbaybirds] UPDATE on Red-throated loon at SCVWD
Hi all,
After seeing all the posts about the red-throated loon looking quite sick/injured on the island... I decided to try to do something about it this AM.
I went to SCVWD and saw the loon was still beached on the island with its leg out to the side. Here is the update on rescue attempt:
I tried calling animal control. They are unfortunately too busy and short staffed to deal with non-emergency requests. They would only assist if someone basically already had the bird captured or the bird is fully incapacitated.
I contacted Peninsula Humane Society SCPA/Wildlife staff (Formerly known as Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley) since I sometimes volunteer there. They intake wild animals if you bring it to them but they do not have ability to do site visits to capture animals. But I thought perhaps they might have contacts. They suggested talking to the SCVWD people again first and see where we could go from there.
So I went into the main office and talked with the very nice security crew at the front desk. They contacted the biologist who made a few calls and got a couple awesome employees to rally with a boat and make a rescue attempt! I was able to meet with them all and was ready with a box to transport loon to the wildlife rescue if caught. Unfortunately, the loon is too feisty and made a quick escape. They had a big net ready but the loon scooted itself back into the water and zipped away much too fast for it to be reasonable to capture. It did not fly however. They followed it in the boat for a minute but realized quickly it wasn't going to happen. I am no longer on site as it will probably take waiting for the loon to decline more to be able to capture it. I do not know whether they would have time/ability to try again another day if the loon is still around. I do have the biologist contact info so we can keep in touch if needed.
A BIG special thanks to all the SCVWD employees who humored me this morning and took time out of their day to make the great attempt to help our bird friend. I told them all the birding community would be very grateful for the attempt.
So, the Loon is still "at large".
For everyone's reference, here is the info on where to bring sick/injured animals if you ever come across one:
PHS SPCA Found a Wild Animal? ( https://phs-spca.org/found-a-wild-animal/ )
Do not disclose information that identifies the location of nesting birds of any species, to minimize stress on the nesting birds and the risk of vandalism or abuse.
