Officer Mullen reports…
Earlier this week, after some of the big storms, a concerned citizen called our dispatch at 415-554-9400 to report a bird on the beach that appeared to be in some distress. The bird was being dive-bombed by a group of crows and dogs were running up and disturbing the bird. I made my way to the beach and some nice people had already gathered up the bird and placed it carefully in a box to protect it as they awaited my arrival. I peered into the box and found a young apparently healthy Western Grebe. These are beautiful black and white birds with red eyes and a long pointy bill (that they know how to use well, so be careful). The person told me that the bird was still quite feisty, but did not appear to be able to walk or fly away when the dogs and people approached, so they were concerned that the bird was injured.
The Western Grebe is a water dwelling, diving bird that is an aggressive hunter, diving into the water and spearing fish with its long bill. They have thick waterproof plumage that actually traps water between feathers, giving them great control of their buoyancy. They can sink deeply or stay at or just below the surface, exposing as much or as little of their body as they wish. Their legs are set in the rear of their bodies which makes them excellent swimmers, but makes walking on land very awkward. They are known for their elaborate aquatic courting displays where they appear to walk and run on the surface of the water standing upright and flapping their wings. Grebes raise their young together and carry their young on their backs. There is a patch of bare yellow skin on the head of the young that turns scarlet red when begging for food or if separated from the parents. Grebes fly short distances at a time and can only take off from the water, never from dry land. These birds are rarely found on land and mainly end up on our shores during or after major storms, brought in by the high surf and winds.
Thankfully this Western Grebe did not appear to be injured, but was just displaced from the storms and probably a bit tired and hungry. We were able to transport this beautiful bird to our rescue partners at Peninsula Humane Society Wildlife Care Center in Burlingame to get some much needed rest and nutrition to help get this bird back in the water once again. A huge thank you to the concerned citizens who called about the bird and protected him until we were able to pick up and transport it. Thank you also to PHS Wildlife Care Center for their amazing work helping with the rehabilitation of all of the displaced and injured animals left behind after the crazy storms we have experienced. Please do not hesitate to call our dispatch (415-554-9400) if you see any injured or displaced wildlife.