Burrowing Owls, as their name implies, mostly live in underground burrows dug by other animals such as ground squirrels or gophers. These small brown and white owls have long legs and yellow eyes. While CWC has admitted eighty owls so far this year, only two have been Burrowing Owls.
This season California Wildlife Center participated in 14 outreach events! These were a combination of educational presentations for schools and clubs, partnering with other non-profits, and hosting educational and interactive booths at events open to the public. As CWC is not open to the public or able to provide tours to school groups or camps, one of the most effective ways that we can increase exposure for the organization is to be present in the communities that we serve.
Marine mammal strandings have a somewhat predictable pattern – spring and summer are extremely busy! A sharp bell curve of activity to be precise. Winter and fall months are generally slower seasons, as we respond to the rhythms of nature and the birthing calendar of our native species. There are fewer rescue calls received during the fall months in SoCal, and we close for rehabilitation during the winter. We are often asked, “what do you do when there are no patients on-site?” The reply – reflect, improve, and prepare for the next busy stranding season.
Trees are essential to our environment in many ways. They absorb and store carbon dioxide, which helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gases, and are a primary source of oxygen production. Roots help bind the soil preventing erosion, and some varieties of trees even improve soil by making it more fertile for plant growth.
Each year we receive orphaned Acorn Woodpeckers and this year was no exception. Some were brought in after the tree where their nest was located was chopped down and others after falling from their nest, but all were assessed for trauma or illness and a plan for their treatment and diet were developed.
With a small staff and 4,300 patients admitted each year, it quickly becomes obvious how important volunteers are to California Wildlife Center (CWC). Volunteers may be the first point of contact for members of the public, rescuers on the beaches of Malibu, line cooks preparing a multitude of diets, or nurses helping to medicate patients.
Upon intake at CWC, baby birds range widely in age, health, and more. A critical task within their first few hours of admission is identifying their species, to begin to provide them with the appropriate care. Los Angeles is home to 518 species of native birds, many of which are especially similar in appearance while in their juvenile feathers.
You may have seen California sea lions in the news recently. Starting in June, we have been experiencing an increase in sick sea lion calls all along the Southern California coast. What has caused this?
All of us here at California Wildlife Center are constantly advocating for native wildlife. Whether it’s on the phone with one of the tens of thousands of calls we receive each year or answering questions from our friends and families about their wildlife encounters, we do our best to support animals through education. One person at a time, we explain why that fledgling bird is okay to leave alone or why those raccoons are hanging out in your yard.
Harbor seals are found in nearly every ocean across the globe. There are even two local sites in Malibu that support year-round populations, and yet our Marine Mammal Rescue Team receives only one or two reports per year about a harbor seal in distress. How can this be? Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are very shy and go to great lengths to keep their distance from humans.