Red tide likely cause for “drunk” cormorants

By Joanna Fitzgerald | Director of the von Arx Wildlife Hospital

Four double-crested cormorants were among the seventy-three animals admitted to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida this past week.

The double-crested cormorants were all admitted under similar circumstances. All were found stumbling and disoriented on local beaches, almost as if they were drunk. This behavior, as well as a compromised blink response and respiratory distress, indicated the cormorants were suffering from toxicosis associated with red tide. Physical exams showed the birds were also slightly dehydrated and underweight.

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Treatment for toxicosis involves oxygen therapy, administering electrolytes, vitamins and Chinese herbal supplements which support liver function. After the cormorants are rehydrated, if they are too debilitated to eat fish, they are given a specialized diet designed to meet the needs of critically ill birds. Typically, they only require this type of feeding for a day or two before they are strong enough to begin eating whole fish.

What You Can Do

If you see a bird struggling on the beach, please take the time to offer assistance. Rescue techniques are similar no matter what species you encounter.

• Wear eye protection (sun glasses, reading glasses) to keep yourself safe.
• Use a towel or T-shirt to cover the bird’s head and body. Once the bird’s head is covered it will be easier to handle because darkness keep most birds calm.
• Place the bird in a secure, yet well ventilated container and transport it to the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for assistance.

Carrying a towel with you when you walk the beach and keeping a box in your car will ensure you are prepared if you encounter an animal in distress. We do not have a large staff at the hospital and rely heavily on the public to rescue and transport animals in need of care. Specialized rescue kits are available for purchase in the gift shop at the Conservancy Nature Center.

Recent Releases

A Florida softshell turtle, five eastern cottontails, a double-crested cormorant, two yellow-bellied sliders, and eastern screech owl, and a gray catbird were released this past week.

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. Your volunteer time, donations, and memberships are vital in helping us continue our work to protect Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife and future.