Pacific Wildlife Care

About Pacific Wildlife Care

Posts by Travis Ford:

March 4, 2024

Winter of the Grebes

Pacific Wildlife Care Animals in Trouble, Rescue animal rescue, Grebes

For a while this season, PWC turned into “Grebe Town.” Western and Clark’s Grebes filled the treatment room, carriers, drying pens, seabird room, and outdoor pools. Admitted by the dozens, all were dehydrated, most emaciated and weak, and many storm-tossed or oiled—usually due to natural seep from the ocean floor. Some had crash-landed on parking […]

February 1, 2024

Release Story: RTHA #2717

Pacific Wildlife Care Animal Release

On Christmas Day, PWC received a call from a Paso Robles resident, Alton, who explained that his kids were playing outside on Christmas Eve day and alerted him to a large bird lying on its back under a tree. He picked up the bird and put it in a cage inside his shed for rest […]

Yesterday, we shared a post about the differences between ravens and crows— today, you get to see one of these birds in action! Meet Corax, our incredible ambassador Common Raven, who is hard at work solving his puzzle feeder! This clever raven has a wing injury that prevents him from thriving in the wild. Now, he helps us educate the public about the intelligence and importance of ravens in our ecosystems.

Ravens are some of the smartest animals in the world, rivaling primates in problem-solving abilities. To keep Corax mentally and physically stimulated, we provide him with enrichment activities like puzzle feeders, which mimic the challenges he would face foraging in the wild. Watch as he uses his sharp mind and nimble beak to access his meal.

It’s important to remember that while Corax is fascinating to observe, he is not a pet. Ravens and other wild animals have complex needs that are impossible to meet in a home environment. Corax’s care requires expertise, permits, routine vet care from a wildlife vet, and daily enrichment to ensure his well-being.

By watching Corax in action, we hope you’ll gain a greater appreciation for the incredible intelligence of ravens and the vital role they play in our ecosystems. You can help protect ravens in the wild by keeping their habitats clean from trash, avoiding the use of harmful pesticides, and respecting their nesting areas.

#raven #educationalambassador #wildlife ... See MoreSee Less

1 day ago

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👀 Can you tell the difference between crows and ravens? In SLO County, we frequently see both American Crows and Common Ravens – here’s how you can spot the differences! ◾ American Crows are smaller in size, with a smaller bill. They are highly social and often seen in large flocks (sometimes even in the thousands!). In flight, note their fan-shaped tail and rapid wingbeats. If you hear the distinctive and familiar “caw” sound, that’s an American Crow! ◾ Common Ravens are larger, with a longer, thicker bill. In flight, they show their diamond or wedge-shaped tail and have smooth, steady wingbeats. They are often seen alone, in a pair, or in a small group. Common Ravens make a variety of interesting sounds, including a loud croak. 🧠 Crows and ravens are closely related and are well-known for their clever use of tools and puzzle-solving to get to food. Studies have shown they recognize faces, hold grudges for generations, and even hold funerals. They are omnivores and eat almost anything, including nuts and seeds, small animals like mice and birds, and carrion. They serve an important role in our ecosystem by eating insect pests and distributing seeds! You can help these birds and all wildlife by refraining from using rodenticides and pesticides. If you have unwanted crows in your yard, find safe solutions and make the area less attractive to them by securing trash, covering compost, and feeding pets inside. ☎️ If you find an injured crow or raven in SLO County, please call us (remember, it’s illegal to keep these birds, even if you plan to release them later)! #AmericanCrow #CommonRaven #Crow #Raven #Wildlife #BirdFacts

👀 Can you tell the difference between crows and ravens? In SLO County, we frequently see both American Crows and Common Ravens – here’s how you can spot the differences!

◾ American Crows are smaller in size, with a smaller bill. They are highly social and often seen in large flocks (sometimes even in the thousands!). In flight, note their fan-shaped tail and rapid wingbeats. If you hear the distinctive and familiar “caw” sound, that’s an American Crow!

◾ Common Ravens are larger, with a longer, thicker bill. In flight, they show their diamond or wedge-shaped tail and have smooth, steady wingbeats. They are often seen alone, in a pair, or in a small group. Common Ravens make a variety of interesting sounds, including a loud croak.

🧠 Crows and ravens are closely related and are well-known for their clever use of tools and puzzle-solving to get to food. Studies have shown they recognize faces, hold grudges for generations, and even hold funerals. They are omnivores and eat almost anything, including nuts and seeds, small animals like mice and birds, and carrion. They serve an important role in our ecosystem by eating insect pests and distributing seeds!

You can help these birds and all wildlife by refraining from using rodenticides and pesticides. If you have unwanted crows in your yard, find safe solutions and make the area less attractive to them by securing trash, covering compost, and feeding pets inside.

☎️ If you find an injured crow or raven in SLO County, please call us (remember, it’s illegal to keep these birds, even if you plan to release them later)!

#AmericanCrow #CommonRaven #Crow #Raven #Wildlife #BirdFacts ... See MoreSee Less