This is the second installment of the webinar series on Reuniting and Renesting Orphaned Wildlife. The first webinar talks about urban wildlife conflicts, reuniting steps and framework, and specific guidance when reuniting mammals such as squirrels and deer. Meanwhile, this session focuses on efforts, considerations, and other tips for reuniting birds.

John Griffin is back on the Justice Clearinghouse to continue his discussion. John has more than 20 years of field experience resolving conflict issues with wildlife from raccoons to great apes. He is currently the Senior Director of Urban Wildlife Programs for the Humane Society of the United States.

Specifics of this course include:

• Emphasizing the reason and importance of reuniting juvenile wildlife with their parents in terms of the animals’ survival and the saved time, effort and costs for those who respond to these calls.
• Looking back at the past session highlighting the value of vocal luring and how maternal behavior plays an important part in facilitating reunifications.
• Outlining the decision framework for renesting and reuniting efforts for birds.
  • Elements to look into when building a complete case history.
  • Factors to take into account before trying to help and when deciding to reunite a juvenile bird with its parents.
  • Critical precautionary measures to bear in mind and protective equipment to have when attempting to handle, transport, or renest a bird.
• Common reasons that may cause the separation of the juvenile from the parent that must also be considered when reuniting or renesting them.
• Some of the most common reasons for the calls for service involving juvenile birds, guidance for these, and the different responses to implement based on the age of the juvenile bird.
• Guidelines and other things to consider when making and using substitute nests.
• The importance of monitoring after renesting to ensure that it results in successful reunification.
• Typical issues faced with cavity-nesting birds, its causes, and how to appropriately address these.
• Common concerns that endanger ducks and geese and their young and ways to resolve this and put them back to safety.
• Special considerations, knowledge, and skills required when dealing with raptors, and how to determine a juvenile’s age based on its behavior.
• Guidelines when renesting or reuniting juvenile raptors with parents and employing methods like recorded calls and hacking to assist with this.
• Case examples were provided to demonstrate how other agencies handled renestings and reunifications within their jurisdiction.
• The value in building a potential reuniting team made of volunteers and paid staff that can be mobilized for such situations.

Questions from the webinar attendees were about:

• Raising awareness and getting involvement from other stakeholders like electric companies to prevent conflicts with wildlife triggered by their activities.
• Details of the time-release food delivery system used for a hacking case example.
• Whether parents transfer their juveniles in a substitute nest back to the original nest.
• Resources for shareable graphics that can be used in awareness and education efforts and bird calls that can be used in calls for services.

Other Webinars with HSUS:

• Nov 11: Preparing for Court: Tips for Effective Testimony about Animal Crimes
• Feb 1: Wildlife Reuniting/Renesting Birds (part 2) (this webinar)
• Feb 24:  Pets and Evictions: Keeping Families Intact in a Crisis
• April 13: Handling “Nuisance” Wildlife Calls 
• Aug 4: Resolving Roosting Bird Conflicts
• Oct 6: Responding to Calls and Concerns about Bats

View our Animal Welfare Webinar  Schedule and Recordings

Resources and Handouts

• Handout: HSUS Humane Wildlife Conflict Guide
• Handout: Working Reuniting Steps Simple Framework
• Website Referenced: Birds of the World

Audience Comments

• “Some very good ideas showcasing options not thought of!” — Joseph
• “I liked the ideas he gave for re-nesting cavity birds. Thank you very much!” — Jennifer
• “This was very informational and I would love more on this topic along with other kinds of bird training.” — Ashley
• “The speaker was very, very knowledgeable! This information MUST get out to the general public, tree-trimmers, Parks & Rec. employees; Road Workers, etc. Thank you for offering this very important training.” — Roseann
• “Had never thought of playing sounds to lure the parents back for raptors. and need to go ahead and stockpile baskets.” — Beth
• “I learned about the renesting process… if and when necessary and some techniques to use! Great webinar! Very informative!” — Melissa

This webinar has been certified by the National Animal Care & Control Association and is approved for 1 Continuing Education Unit. Please refer to your NACA membership portal for current CEU submission process. Current NACA Members who attend the live presentation or watch the recording will be able to download a jointly issued attendance certificate that includes the National Animal Care & Control Association logo. Visit the NACA training page for a complete list of future trainings.

Founded in 1954, the Humane Society of the United States and its affiliates around the globe fight the big fights to end suffering for all animals. Together with millions of supporters, the HSUS takes on puppy mills, factory farms, trophy hunts, animal testing and other cruel industries, and together with its affiliates, rescues and provides direct care for over 100,000 animals every year. The HSUS works on reforming corporate policy, improving and enforcing laws and elevating public awareness on animal issues.