Wildlife Rehab

Home

The website is optimized

for viewing with Explorer,

if you are having trouble

navigating, try switching

browsers.

Text Box: Orphaned Killdeer

Return to Photos

Orphaned Killdeer

Follow the progress of these orphaned killdeer, from their arrival at WR&E until their release back into the wild.

Baby killdeer's first day with WR&E - 06/27/04

Four tiny orphans were brought to a WR&E rehabilitator in late June of 2006. They were each about two inches in length and were able to eat and drink on their own. The downy young killdeer must be kept warm (therefore, some photos have a red tint from a heat lamp).

The smallest, however, had an eye injury. Even with a veterinarian's treatment, the little killdeer could not overcome the infection. In these, as well as other birds, the optic nerve is so close to the brain that eye infections quickly spread to the brain, and for this reason, the mortality rate is rather high.

Two baby killdeer graduated to chick starter and meal worms.

After several days and the demise of the smallest killdeer, the largest killdeer was seen pecking at the feet of the other two babies. These other two began holding their feet up, so to prevent further possible injury, the largest was housed in a separate container.

The little killdeer began eating meal worms. Two in one container and the larger killdeer in the other live adjacent to each other with only clear glass separating them.

After about two weeks, the chicks are growing. Note the length of the tail.

Chick after being at WR&E for about two weeks.

Even as small as these chicks were, they enjoyed their baths.

Baby killdeer enjoying bath time.

Wing feathers developing on baby killdeer.

After being with the WR&E rehabilitator for about two weeks, wing feathers are more visible and developed. The little killdeer enjoy stretching those developing wings!

The two smaller killdeer on the left watch the larger killdeer stretch and try out its wings. Once we saw a lot of these outstretched wings flapping, we knew it wasn't long and they would be flying.

The killdeer live in side by side containers, and the larger baby is obviously trying out its wings.

The little killdeer on their first day in the big flight cage.

In approximately three to four weeks after arriving at WR&E, the little chicks graduated to an outdoor flight cage.

In only a few more weeks the killdeer finally received their flying credentials! We moved them from the flight cage to the release area in a carrier, and they looked very brave and anxious to see the world.

The killdeer traveled from the flight cage to the release area in a regular carrier. They looked anxious to see the world.

Suddenly finding themselves beneath a very large sky it took quite some time before the first little killdeer actually took flight. Then it took the other two another half hour or so to work up their courage.

Release day!

Return to Photos

To Contact Us:

713-861-WILD

The Wildlife Center is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Our trained staff is available to answer all of your questions or a refer you to an individual wildlife rehabilitator if necessary.

713-643-WILD

In the evenings, 713-643-WILD and our website, www.WRandE.org (under Wildlife FAQs) provide valuable information on handling and care until the animal can be transported to the Wildlife Center.

E-mail: SharonSchmalz@wrande.org

WR&E Wildlife Center 7007 Katy Road, Houston, TX, 77024