Owls, eagles, hawks, and other birds of prey have it rough in the
modern world. They have to navigate electric wires, cars, and loss
of habitat — problems that aren't always treated gracefully.
A handful of volunteers in Pennsylvania take on the responsibility
of nursing injured birds back to health... Brad Linder has more.
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A bird's best friend
Wendy Looker's Central Pennsylvania back yard hold's some of the most extensive facilities in the state for nursing injured birds of prey back to health.
July 12, 2002
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By Dan Simon
Once hunted because they were thought to be competitors with human
beings, raptors are now protected by a variety of laws. These birds
of prey include eagles, hawks, owls, osprey, falcons and harriers.
 When
such animals become injured, usually through human contact, their
best hope of recovery is often through a rehabilitator. Pennsylvania
has over 50 such licensed specialists for all types of animals. Of
these specialists, about 35 aid raptors and there are 10 rehabilitation
centers in the state that treat these birds.
Becoming a licensed wildlife rehabilitator takes more than good intention
and a love of animals. In Pennsylvania, individuals must submit an
application and pass a test given by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
State and federal permits are necessecary to allow someone to handle
wildlife too.
There is no set path or educational program for wildlife rehabbers.
The National Wildlife Rehabbers Association recommends a college degree
in biology or ecology with courses in ornithology, mammalogy, animal
behavior, ecology and related wildlife and environmental subjects.
Some states require an apprenticeship under an experienced wildlife
rehabilitator as part of the process.
While there is no requirement for a college degree, many rehabbers
are veterinarians, veterinary technicians, biologists or educators.
There is currently no university in the United States offering a major
in wildlife rehabilitation. Many rehabilitators care for injured wildlife
as an avocation. Rehabilitators are prohibited by law from charging
a fee for their services in this country.
Once licensed, the rehabilitator is also required to keep detailed
records on the animals they treat. This information is turned over
to state and federal agencies. Pennsylvania also requires a rehabilitator
to continue taking courses after becoming licensed.
Pennsylvania Code doesn't say anything about apprenticeships, although
it does address assistants and volunteers (how many are allowed, how
they should be documented and reported).
There are several noteworthy viewpoints in the state where bird watchers
gather during the fall migration period. Hawk Mountain in Kempton,
Penn., is perhaps the state's best known. During last year's fall
period, more than 20,000 raptors were counted at the sanctuary's North
Lookout, a 1,521 promontory. Sixteen different species of raptor were
observed.
This migratory period usually begins around mid-August and lasts about
four months. Fall migrations produce higher concentrations of migratory
raptors than does the spring return period, for reasons that aren't
fully understood.
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