Raptor Center of Southeast Michigan

Or Maybe an owl…

By Dave Spratt

It’s acting weird or it’s obviously hurt. You want to help, but well, it’s a fairly large critter and there on the ground it’s closer than you’ve ever been. Plus it has all those sharp parts. And above all, it seems so … angry.

What to do? You got this! If you’re like 50 gajillion other people on planet Earth, you possess the single most important tool known to humankind for helping a troubled raptor: Your phone.

Sure, you will probably need a box. Or a towel. And some gloves and a jolt of courage. But it’s that easy. You pick up your phone and call the River Raisin Raptor Center, a small but mighty team of highly experienced, agreeable (almost always) folks who are (always) dedicated to making sure that bird you found gets the best outcome we can possibly facilitate.

You’ll likely leave a message. And then two series of events unfold: On your end, you figure out how this remarkably wild, beautiful, powerful intruder has tweaked your day. Late for work? Need to drop off or pick up kids? Find that box? On our end, a chain of events: A text with location, species, description of problem and a photo if you sent one. A phone call or two (or as many as it takes) to figure out who’s in the best position to retrieve the subject. What gear we’ll need. In short, a plan. That’s when you’ll hear back from us.

What happens next is anybody’s guess. The number of potential scenarios is literally infinite, depending upon the condition of the bird, where it is, your availability and willingness to transport it, and of course what happens if we need to catch a bird that doesn’t think it needs catching! Bottom line is, no mater what the scenario, we can and will handle it.

And while we never know exactly what will go down, these things we can assure you:

• Your bird (yes, we know it’s not really yours but chances are on some level you’ll feel like it is) will be treated gently and in a way that stresses it the very least.
• We’ll want to hear your story: What you saw, what you heard, how the bird reacted. Those details help us figure out what the problem might be and guide our actions.
• We are all trained to handle any situation and even if you get the least experienced of us (me), I am well coached and ALWAYS want what’s best for the bird. We’ll also let you know what kind of bird it is, tell you a little bit about that species.
• Think of us as well trained paramedics. We have a combined 40 years of experience working with raptors.
• We’re equipped to hydrate, feed, medicate and calm sick or hungry birds. After examining and stabilizing the bird, if we need veterinary medical services, we have a very talented raptor veterinarian who donates her services.
• If you’re interested, we will keep you posted on developments and let you know how the bird is faring.
• Our very favorite outcome is a healthy bird that flies away, and if all the planets align we release the bird right back where you found it – and if we can include you in that magical moment, we will.
• But nature may seem cruel, and humans even crueler. Raptors face a lot of dangers out there, from speeding vehicles to toxins like rat poison, and sometimes the news isn’t good. In cases where it’s obvious the bird is too sick or injured to survive, rest assured that it will be treated humanely and respectfully. We ALWAYS err on the side of ‘best for the bird.’

Birds of prey are magnificent animals, and to us at RRRC, every encounter is a gift in its own way. Hopefully, you’ll feel the same way. If nothing else you’ll walk away with a great story to tell!