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PROWLS: Rescue of the week

Wounded pine siskins heal at Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society
Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society

FREQUENT VICTIMS: Large flocks of small, very vocal pine siskins swirl around our winter skies, twittering their cheerful call. Sadly, they are also the frequent victims of sparkling windows and prowling cats, and many have already spent time at Powell River Orphaned Wildlife Society (PROWLS) this winter.

Cat attacks usually cause the most damage. Because the pine siskins are so small (11 centimetres from sharp-pointed beak to short-notched tail), a cat’s teeth can quickly pierce and go right through the little bird’s body. The required stay is usually longer for a cat attack because a course of antibiotics is required, which can still prove inadequate if the damage is great.

However, the news was all good for three pine siskins recently in care at PROWLS. They were all found in central Westview within a few days and probably familiar with each other. Their wounds healed and with the weather perfect, they were taken back to where they came from and the cage was opened.

Out they came in a flash, then landed a few metres away in the bare trees and started to call for family and friends. The others appeared from nowhere, and all was well.

Contributed photo