The following story about a red-necked grebe was shared with us by International Bird Rescue in California.
The International Bird Rescue’s Wildlife Center in San Francisco received a red-necked grebe from our partners at the SPCA for Monterey County. This poor bird was brought to us contaminated with fish and vegetable oil all over its entire body. Additionally, this grebe had a large, petroleum oil, tar patty the consistency of asphalt on the right side of its chest and suffered from burns on its legs from the oil as well.
With the assistance of EmerAid IC Piscivore, we were able to provide enough nutritional support with tube feedings and intravenous fluids to stabilize the bird enough to be washed.
It took a few days to get this bird waterproofed, but after two washes and many tube feedings later, this grebe was living life to the fullest in our outdoor pools, diving for fish left and right. After 42 days of treatment at our center, this feisty grebe was ready to be released.
Thanks to EmerAid IC Piscivore, we were able to provide the critical nutritional and support needed for this red-necked grebe to have a successful recovery.