Juneau Raptor Center rescues first bird of 2021

A marbled murrelet was treated for head trauma and released

This Marbled Murrelet seabird was found in the waters of Auke Bay Friday looking “stunned.” Volunteers took the bird to the Juneau Raptor Center where it was treated for likely head trauma and released back into the wild. (Courtesy Photo / Juneau Raptor Center)

This Marbled Murrelet seabird was found in the waters of Auke Bay Friday looking “stunned.” Volunteers took the bird to the Juneau Raptor Center where it was treated for likely head trauma and released back into the wild. (Courtesy Photo / Juneau Raptor Center)

Need some good news? The year’s first bird rescued by the Juneau Raptor Center has been treated and successfully returned to the wild.

A marbled murrelet was rescued from Don D. Statter Harbor in Auke Bay Friday, the Juneau Raptor Center said via a Facebook post.

Kathy Benner, Juneau Raptor Center manager, said that a biologist walking along the docks spotted the bird in the water Friday. She called the emergency hotline to report that the bird looked stunned.

“It’s likely he crashed into something. Maybe a boat,” Brenner said in a phone interview Monday.

Suspecting a head injury, volunteers brought the bird to the Juneau Raptor Center where he was treated for likely head trauma.

[Eagle shot off Back Loop Road]

Brenner said that head trauma treatment for birds is similar to the treatment for humans. It includes keeping the bird warm and quiet in a darkened enclosure and administering fluids.

“We only had him one night and he could go back to the wild,” Brenner said.

This is not the first marbled murrelet the center has rescued near Juneau.

Benner said that a similar bird was found on a trail near Montana Creek late last summer.

“These birds usually come to us off boats or cruise ships because they land and can’t take off again,” Benner said, noting that they are primarily seabirds.

According to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife video shared by the Juneau Raptor Center, the Marbled Murrelet lives in a range that spans from central California through Oregon and Washington and into Alaska.

“The Marbled Murrelet is a solitary, secretive nester, preferring the mossy boughs of mature coniferous trees in the coastal rainforest,” according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s website.

The fish and game site also notes that the species’ largest populations live in Southeast Alaska.

According to the Alaska Sea Life Center’s website, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the marbled murrelet a bird of conservation concern in Alaska.

[Authorities investigate fatal shooting of bald eagle]

Found a bird in distress?

If you find a bird in distress, contact the Juneau Raptor Center emergency hotline at 790-5424. Volunteers monitor the line 24 hours a day.

Contact Dana Zigmund at dana.zigmund@juneauempire.com or 907-308-4891.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast for the week of March 18

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

A board in the House Chambers at the Alaska State Capitol shows Monday’s vote tally of 39-20 to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of Senate Bill 140, one vote short of the two-thirds necessary. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Legislature fails by a single vote of 39-20 to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s veto of education bill

Legislators warn bad blood may hamper other issues as numerous Republicans abandon earlier support.

With COVID-19 aid, more schools gave students and families experiencing homelessness prepaid cards to buy necessities like groceries and gas. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)
Grocery cards and car repairs: How COVID aid changed the way schools can help homeless kids

Juneau student services specialist among those finding creative ways to provide assistance.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturay, March 16, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, March 15, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy discusses his veto of a wide-ranging education bill during a press conference Friday at the Alaska State Capitol. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Veto override vote on education bill expected to have consequences — and no assurance of extra funds

Retaliation by governor, fractured relationships within Legislature on other issues among concerns.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Thursday, March 14, 2024

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Kaskanak Creek in the Bristol Bay’s Kvichak watershed is seen from the air on Sept. 27, 2011. Threats to the watershed and other sites were cited by the Environmental Protection Agency when it issued a decision barring permitting of the Pebble mine. But the Dunleavy administration and Northern Dynasty Minerals Ltd. have taken legal action to try to reverse that decision. (Photo provided by Environmental Protection Agency
State lawsuit claims federal government owes Alaska $700 billion for quashing Pebble mine

The federal government owes Alaska more than $700 billion in compensation for… Continue reading

Tongass National Forest (Photo by U.S. Forest Service)
New Department of Interior opinion promises to recognize expanded tribal jurisdiction in Alaska

Tribes can exert jurisdiction over allotments granted to individual Natives, opinion states.

Most Read