A prothonotary warbler and two gopher tortoises admitted to hospital

By Joanna Fitzgerald | Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital

Von Arx Wildlife Hospital Staff examines a prothonotary warbler after the bird was injured when it collided with a window. Reflective glass leads to window collisions which are a common cause of injury and death for birds.

A prothonotary warbler and two gopher tortoises were among the 41 animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week. Other admissions include a red-shouldered hawk, an eastern screech owl, a tri-colored heron and a gray fox.

The prothonotary warbler is one of many species of migratory birds passing through our area as fall migration gets underway. The warbler was found lying beneath a window and was brought to the wildlife hospital for treatment. A physical exam showed the warbler was slow to respond when handled and closed its eyes intermittently throughout the intake process. Knowing the bird was found under a window, along with the symptoms being exhibited, indicated the warbler was suffering from head trauma due to striking the window.

The warbler was given an anti-inflammatory and arnica to reduce swelling and placed in a quiet, dark space in the ICU to rest. After several hours the warbler was more reactive and able to be moved to the bird room.

The following day the warbler was bright, alert and responsive. A test flight showed no residual effects from the window strike. The warbler was released later that day.

Colliding with windows is a leading cause of bird mortality in the United States. Windows cause hazardous situations for birds because reflective glass fools birds into thinking there is an open flyway. Help reduce the reflective quality of windows and make them more visible to birds by closing curtains or blinds or by affixing decals to windows.

Well-lit windows can disorient birds that migrate at night. Many birds use the coast line as a navigational guide and can be drawn off course by lighted windows along their flight path. If you live in a high-rise building along the beach, encourage your neighbors and your condo association to turn out the lights and to keep shades closed at night, especially during spring and fall migration.

Both gopher tortoise were found on Marco Island. One tortoise was found in an intersection after being struck by a vehicle. The turtle suffered a broken carapace which left his internal organs exposed. The injuries were so extensive that the tortoise passed away during transport to the hospital.

Please, if you see a tortoise attempting to cross the road, offer assistance if you are able to safely pull over. Human safety is always the top priority. If you are able to help, move the tortoise out of harm’s way in the direction it was headed. If the tortoise has been injured it must be brought to the wildlife hospital for care.

The second tortoise was found after being attacked by a dog. The crushing pressure inflicted by the dog’s jaw fractured the right side of the tortoise’s shell and breached the coelom which left the tortoises internal organs exposed. Two puncture wounds, caused by the dog’s teeth, were noticeable along the right side of the tortoise’s shell. The staggering part of this situation was that the tortoise was alert and actively moving around the transport box.

The damage to the tortoise’s shell and internal organs was too severe; the only option was humane euthanasia.

This tragic death was preventable. As pet owner we must be responsible; we have to monitor our dogs and cats when they are allowed outdoors. I speak from personal experience. The prey drive can be strong, even in our lovable family pet. When a dog or cat encounters a wild animal, their hunting instinct kicks in and the wild animal often pays the price with its life.

Please, not only will you keep your pet safe from harm by supervising outdoor activity, you will keep local wildlife safe from harm as well. Never allow pets to roam unattended when outside; the risks are too great.

Recent Releases — 39 Animals Returned Home

  • 1 marsh rabbit
  • 2 gopher tortoises
  • 4 raccoons
  • 7 Virginia opossums
  • 5 eastern cottontails
  • 2 common grackles
  • 3 northern mockingbirds
  • 1 laughing gull
  • 1 red-shouldered hawk
  • 1 striped mud turtle
  • 2 mourning doves
  • 2 brown pelicans
  • 1 peninsula cooter
  • 1 common nighthawk
  • 2 peninsula cooters
  • 1 Florida softshell turtle
  • 1 red-bellied woodpecker
  • 2 Florida box turtles

Opportunities to Help

Please visit the Conservancy website at www.conservancy.org to view all of the amazing volunteer opportunities at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Volunteers help in many different capacities and are vital to the success of our work. One area we are in constant need of volunteers is the evening shift. The shift runs from 5pm to 9pm; if you think you could dedicate one evening a week to help in the hospital contact our volunteer office and get involved. Your volunteer time, donations, and memberships truly help us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.

Joanna Fitzgerald is director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Call 239–262–2273 or see conservancy.org

Wild animals have specific nutritional and husbandry requirements; without proper care, nutrition, and access to antibiotics and pain medications when needed, they can suffer and sometimes die.

A week inside the von Arx Wildlife Hospital

Weekly blog from Joanna Fitzgerald, director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.

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Conservancy of SWFL

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Protecting Southwest Florida's unique natural environment and quality of life...now and forever.

A week inside the von Arx Wildlife Hospital

Weekly blog from Joanna Fitzgerald, director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital.

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