Creature Feature - February 2004
	Welcome Infrequent Flyer! Glaucous Gull We believe the heavy storms up north forced these Glaucous Gulls, the Iceland Gull and others down south to fish off the Florida Coast. This immature Glaucous Gull was found beached and unable to fly in Cape Canaveral on January 31st by Phyllis, a Florida Wildlife Hospital member and long time birder. Upon its arrival at Florida Wildlife Hospital, we found no apparent injuries and administered fluids to rehydrate. Laboratory tests showed a considerable parasite load and he is currently under treatment. We provide water therapy daily for physical therapy and to help maintain waterproofing. After it swims for a little while, we reduce the depth of water just enough that the bird can stand but can still take advantage of the buoyancy the water gives him. This allows him to walk around in the tub without needing the strength to carry his weight. After several days, we were able to discontinue gavage (tube) feeding as he started eating small fish. On the 5th day in our care it gained enough strength to stand. Day 6 it is stronger, still standing and eating readily. Check out Identification info. Continental Distribution Map water therapy February 5th I'm Standing! Glaucous or glutton? Ahh...the great outdoors February 13th - Glaucous is doing well and eating plenty. It is in 2048 cubic foot outdoor enclosure with a pool. During a re-evaluation exercise this week, it was found to not be strong enough to sustain flight. Continued recuperation and monitoring will be required. February 17th - Glaucous is stronger and passed test flight. We are seeking sightings and preparing for release. If you have seen other Glaucous or Iceland Gulls please contact us at 254-8843 or info@floridawildlifehospital.org. February 20th - Free Again! Our Glaucous gull, along with a Laughing gull, was released today at Jetty Park. The release was everything we hoped it would be. It immediately took off flying and landed closer to the water's edge and hung out with some buddies. We were able to get some shots of him re-acclimating himself to the beach-bum life-- some nice flight shots too! Florida Wildlife Hospital is a non-profit organization which cares for wildlife patients with donations from the public. We receive no state or federal funding. If you would like to contribute for medications, food and care for this and the other 3000 wildlife patients we receive yearly please use the donations link below or mail to : Florida Wildlife Hospital, 4560 N US Hwy 1, Melbourne, FL 32935. You may email for more information. Thank you for supporting Florida Wildlife Hospital and Florida's Treasure...our wildlife. Other Creature Features White Pelican River Otters Snail Kite Great Blue Herons Babies! Glaucous Gull