What is the difference between Pelican Island Audubon and Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge?
Pelican Island Audubon Society is the National Audubon Society and Audubon Florida chapter for Indian River County. Pelican Island Audubon Society’s mission is to preserve and protect the animals, plants, and natural communities in Indian River County through advocacy, education, and public awareness.
Though Pelican Island Audubon is a tremendous supporter of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge (the nation’s first national wildlife refuge!!!), the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service actually manages the refuge. For more information about Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, call the Refuge at 772-469-4275 or visit http://www.fws.gov/pelicanisland/
What do I do about an injured bird (or other wildlife) I have found?
Pelican Island Audubon does not have the facilities to rehabilitate injured wildlife, but we would like to do everything we can to direct you in finding the proper help for injured wildlife.
For injured wildlife in the city of Vero Beach, call the Vero Beach Police Department at 772-978-4600.
For injured wildlife in Indian River County, call Indian River County Animal Control at 772-226-3485 located at 4350 43rd Avenue. Visit their web site at http://www.irces.com/Animal_Control_Division/Index.htm
If you suspect a wildlife or boating law violation, report it to the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Alert Reward Program at 1-888-404-3922.
Visit the FWC web site: http://www.floridaconservation.org/index.aspx
Wildlife hospitals that service Indian River County include:
Treasure Coast Wildlife Hospital – (772) 286-6200
8626 S.W. Citrus Boulevard, Palm City, FL 34990
Web site: http://www.tcwh.org/
Florida Wildlife Hospital – (321) 254-8843
4560 North U.S. 1
Melbourne, FL 32935
Web site: https://floridawildlifehospital.org
Busch Wildlife Sanctuary – (561) 575-3399
2500 Jupiter Park Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
Web site: https://buschwildlife.org/
I have found a baby bird on the ground that has fallen out of its nest. What should I do?
The USGS gives this advice, “The best thing you can do with a nestling that has fallen out of the nest is simply to put it back in the nest. Contrary to popular belief, most birds have almost no sense of smell. The parents will not abandon a nest or a chick simply because it has been touched by a human. They may very well abandon, however, if you decide to revisit the nest frequently to check on “your” nestling.”
For more information or to ask a specific bird question, please call Pelican Island Audubon Society Board Member Nancy Irvin at 772-567-8234.
Click to view 20 Ways to Help Birds