MONTEREY COUNTY — Every spring, the SPCA Monterey County Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center rescues hundreds of baby birds. These tiny birds receive critical care while they are raised at the SPCA, and then released back into the wild to fly free.
Some of the first babies to arrive every year are hummingbirds.
“They come to us after being blown from trees during storms or when the trees and shrubs they are nesting in are trimmed,” according to SPCA. “While our team will always try to reunite these little nestlings with their parents whenever possible, sometimes the baby is in too critical a condition or it is simply not safe to do so.”
Currently, the SPCA Wildlife Center is caring for three tiny hummingbird nestlings. One was brought in after a community member noticed hummingbirds flying near them while trimming bushes. They examined the clippings and found the nest, but the parents would not return. Thankfully, they brought the baby to SPCA for care.
“You can help by avoiding trimming trees and shrubs during baby bird season,” SPCA stated. “If you see a nest or baby bird on the ground, please call us at 831-264-5427 for advice.”
Hummingbird nests are tiny, about the size of a walnut or a golf ball. Because of this, they are almost impossible to see when trimming trees or shrubs. Hummingbird nestlings are even tinier, about the size of a jelly bean, and weigh about 1/3 the weight of a dime.
“You can also help by not attempting to feed rescued wild animals,” added SPCA.
Recently, two of the rescued babies had finders who attempted to feed them sugar water. SPCA said it took weeks to carefully remove the crusty, crystalized sugar from her feathers.
“Even just one day of the wrong diet could injure or kill a rescued wild baby,” stated SPCA. “Please always call the SPCA Wildlife Center for help.”
The SPCA Wildlife Center is currently caring for three hummingbird babies as well as two baby black-tailed jackrabbits and one baby eastern fox squirrel. Baby songbirds usually start arriving in need of rescue in April.
To report injured, sick or orphaned wildlife in Monterey County, call the SPCA Wildlife Center at 831-264-5427 or visit spcamc.org.
Every year, the SPCA Wildlife Center rescues over 2,500 injured or orphaned wild animals. This work only is made possible thanks to donations. To give to help, visit SPCAmc.org/donate.
