Today was the first time in weeks that we had to return a baby Least Tern to the rooftop where it would be reunited with its parents! Yesterday evening, Kevin from the Royal Plum condominiums on Coco Plum Drive in Marathon called. For years Kevin has known the best thing for the babies is to return them to their parents as soon as possible if they come off the roof, land on the ground and look clueless! However, this little fledgling's left eye was closed, his wings were drooping and he seemed listless. A volunteer zipped out to Coco Plum and picked up the baby.
Back at the Marathon Wild Bird Center we put the youngster under a heat lamp to bring up his body temperature and waited an hour. Then we examined both his eyes to make sure they didn't have any blood in them -- they did not. It was apparent that the baby had probably taken a good knock to the noggin! We administered a smidgen of dexamethasone, a steroid anti-inflammatory. An hour later we force fed the little guy a few glass minnows.
By this morning the fledgling Least Tern was pacing in his cage and calling out for his parents! Just what we wanted to hear! Within the hour he was taken back to the Royal Plum Condominiums and reunited with his parents.
Least Terns are tiny little birds that fly offshore to find tiny little fish to eat! Due to their size and quick flight it has always been difficult for scientists to follow them to learn more about their habits. We do know, though, that the learning curve for their offspring is steep and that without these "life lessons" the babies will not survive. Hence the reason reuniting babies with their parents as soon as possible is essential. Of final note, Least Tern parents will not care for any other babies other than their own!
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