Belted Kingfisher Regains Her Wits

The following story about a belted kingfisher was submitted by Peninsula Humane Society and SPCA in California.

An uncommon patient for us, this adult belted kingfisher came to us on August 21, 2021, after she was found stranded in the South of Market Neighborhood of San Francisco. She appeared disoriented, lethargic, and dehydrated upon intake, weighing 135 grams (about 4.8 ounces). It is possible she was suffering from head trauma due to a window strike or other collision.

We began supportive care that included pain and anti-inflammatory medication and oral tube feedings. After hydrating the patient, we used EmerAid IC Piscivore for those first two critical days before switching to a fish slurry.

This patient perked up quickly and was transferred to International Bird Rescue on August 24. We were happy to learn she was later released on August 30.