71 Injured, Orphaned Migratory Birds Rescued by Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas

(May 15, 2022)

The Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas team was called to a scene by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on Friday afternoon where scores of injured and/or orphaned migratory birds such as juvenile great blue herons and great egrets were discovered with broken wings, mangled legs, and internal injuries after their nesting area had been destroyed. Dozens of others were found dead.

The Houston SPCA Wildlife Center of Texas team rescued 71 vulnerable baby birds from the property including several who were found alive inside a trash bag that also contained several dead birds. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is conducting an ongoing investigation.

Migratory birds like egrets and herons are protected by state law and are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). More than 1,000 species are protected under the MBTA and it is unlawful to kill, injure or capture them.

The injured migratory birds are in the care of the Houston SPCA Wildlife Center of Texas’ veterinarians and expert wildlife staff where they are being closely monitored and receiving medical care. The birds will remain in their care until they can be released back to the wild.

Each year, the Houston SPCA’s Wildlife Center of Texas cares for more than 12,000 native wild animals, comprising more than 360 species at the Campus for All Animals at 7007 Old Katy Road in Houston. You can learn how to care for native species in your area here.

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