Migration Takes A Toll On Laughing Gull

The following story about a laughing gull was submitted by the Marine Science Center in Florida.

This young adult, laughing gull came to us from Daytona Beach, Florida, weak from migration. It was severely emaciated and unable to stand. Weight on intake was 110 grams (about 3.9 ounces) and bloodwork showed the bird had low total protein.

We started the bird on tube-feedings of 12 mL fluids alternating with 12 mL EmerAid IC Piscivore twice daily.

Once the total protein was at a normal level, we offered the bird a diet of silversides. The bird was released at 265 grams (about 9.3 ounces).