Save Our Seabirds casts net for new bird-trapping volunteers

Longboat Key is home to an extensive cohort of wild birds, from diminutive parakeets to towering herons. On occasion, those animals run into trouble, and that's where the volunteers at Save Our Seabirds step into play.

The nonprofit held one of its semi-annual volunteer trainings on Feb. 22, inviting community members to learn about joining the network of people who venture out to rescue injured or otherwise distressed birds to be brought back to its emergency care center.

Jonathan Hande, senior avian hospital technician who has been with the center for 12 years, led the free training with senior volunteers Heather and Ray Sellers. More than 40 people attended.

The avian rescue group has made about 1,200 rescues — responding to about 5,000 calls — often taking in brown pelicans which had hooks lodged in their bodies or perhaps a fish-eating bird that's built up too much toxicity from sources like the red tide.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Hande said it all begins with their text messaging network, which allows them to find available volunteers near the injured animal.

From there, the citizen volunteer can hopefully meet whoever called in the incident. He said the center doesn't always need to take in an apparently distressed animal. Owls, for example, can quite convincingly play dead when disturbed during the day. Or an anhinga may simply be taking extra long to stretch out its wings to dry on a chilly day.

But it always pays to follow "FOAM," according to Hande as he explains to volunteers. It stands for Focus on finding the bird, Observe its behavior, Assess if it needs help and then Make an action plan.

Having the right tools is essential, Hande said. The basics include a box or non-wire carrying kennel of appropriate size, gloves, eye protection, a net or towel, and any other useful protective gear.

Sellers said certain tricks of the trade can be helpful, like carrying a net handle-forward to appear similar to a fishing pole. 

Photo by Dana Kampa

Also key is knowing how to handle the bird based on species. The team recommended the Merlin Bird ID app, which can help quickly identify a species with a picture or audio recording.

The most important step is securing the "danger bits," as Hande described. For a large bird like a crane, that may include their muscled legs. Or for fish-eating birds like cormorants, that may be their slicing beak.

Hande reassured volunteers they never should have to put themselves in a dangerous position to save a bird, as the safety of both the rescuer and bird are paramount.

Save Our Seabirds sends out its most experienced volunteers to handle challenging birds like the great blue heron. But Hande said it pays to be informed on how to handle any situation.

He said volunteers like those joining are what keep the rescue organization running, especially when they can help ensure an injured animal reaches the rescue center as quickly as possible to have the best chance at survival.

Photo by Dana Kampa

Unfortunately, injured animals aren't always able to be saved, even with the team's best efforts. But Hande said the center's efforts, facilitated by volunteers, have had an immeasurable impact on Longboat Key's wild bird population.

One of the best perks of assisting with rescues is responsible volunteers getting the first chance at releasing the rehabilitated bird back into the wild, Hande said.

Attendees Stacey and Murray Israel said they are seeking ways to give back to the community in their retirement, and they are eager to do more with Save Our Seabirds.

Anyone who is interested in learning more about volunteering but couldn't attend the session can visit SaveOurSeabirds.org/volunteer. Hande said the team hopes to host the handling seminars more frequently and looks forward to welcoming any new members.