Lydia and Tweeters,

I had called Rebecca a few days ago about her heron to provide some basic
info. It sounds as though the heron was stunned but was able to fly away,
the nestlings may not have been so fortunate...

*** It is important to know that herons can be extremely dangerous to
handle, especially when frightened or injured. Obviously, they earn their
living by being VERY effective and accurate with their dagger-like bills.
I would not recommend that anyone handle one unless they are experienced.

As a side note, with injured birds/animals in general, it often helps to
throw a blanket or coat over them first before attempting to handle them.
This serves the multiple purpose of calming them down and protecting both
them and you. However, again I'd like to emphasize the hazards in
attempting this with a heron! Personally - I wouldn't do it.

At this time of year we may see fledgling birds and other young animals.
Some of these individuals may give the _impression_ that they need help,
but this is not necessarily the case - sometimes it's just best to leave
well alone. You can find out more about when and how to assist them by
visiting the Rainier Audubon web site at http://rainier.wa.audubon.org

Michele Herzberg
Kent, WA
<foxglove at jps.net>

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>Date: Sun, 2 May 99 07:49:42 -0700
>From: lydia <lydia at wizards.net>
>To: "Tweeters!!!" <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
>Subject: INJURED BLUE HERON
>Message-ID: <m10dxZ5-000018C at merlin.wizards.net>
>Mime-Version: 1.0
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"
>
>Hi Tweeters,
>
>I found this on another e-mail list. Anybody out there that can help
>this family out? If it's too late for this heron, any resources that can
>help the next time someone encounters this situation?
>
>Lydia
>
>Date: Fri, 30 Apr 1999 20:18:41 EDT
>From: BKWestby at AOL.COM
>Subject: URGENT!!! Injured Blue Heron!!!!
>MIME-Version: 1.0
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
>
>Anyone know of any one that can do house calls for an injured Blue Heron?
>My
>mother has a nesting pair in her back yard, and one was just attacked by a
>bald eagle. Please, anyone, call me at 253-630-6297 ASAP!!
>
>Thanks,
>Rebecca Westby
>
>--------------