Our Village Voice VOL. 36 NO. 5
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Northern Notes It’s Baby Animal Season By Katie Roundtree, Director of Finance and Administration, Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District When we encounter a baby wild animal, often our first instinct is to try to rescue it, especially if it’s alone. Before intervening, make sure it actually needs help. In many cases, it’s normal for wildlife babies to be alone. Generally, if you find a baby animal, it is best to leave it alone. Rarely are animals actually orphaned; the parent may be searching for food or observing its young from a distance. Do not pick up baby animals or remove them from their natural environment. “Rescuing” an animal that doesn’t need rescuing actually decreases its chance of survival. Though it might seem harsh, it’s normal and natural that not all wild animals survive to adulthood. The exception is if an animal is injured as the direct result of human activity, such as getting hit by a car, attacked by a pet, striking a window or falling from a nest during tree work, or if you’ve witnessed its parent killed or trapped and know for sure that it is an orphan. In those instances, the ethical thing to do is try to help. Calling a local wildlife rehabilitator should be your first step to providing help for the animal. Busch Wildlife Center is a good option in our area. South Florida Wildlife Center in Fort Lauderdale is another good option, since they both have public sites available for drop-off seven days a week. If you encounter wildlife you think may be injured or orphaned, you should note the location and contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. if you cannot reach a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, you can contact the South Florida FWC Regional Office for assistance.
Please note: All pictures in this article are of animals that were under the care of South Florida Wildlife Center. Do not attempt to rehabilitate any wild animal yourself!
Species Specific Tips Birds
Sometimes, you may encounter baby birds on the ground in spring and summer. If the baby bird is featherless or covered in fluffy down, it is called a “nestling” and should be returned to the nest if possible. Listen and look for the parents to see if you can find where their nest is located and where you can safely place the nestling. Touching a nestling will not make the parents reject it. Place the nestling in a box or basket (perfect use of old easter baskets) with some shredded paper or towel, and hang it in a nearby tree or bush. Birds can’t move their babies back to their old nest, so this will be the nestling’s new nest. The parents should come and take care of it from there. If you find a nest on the ground or if no parents are near the box placed in the tree or bush for about 24 hours, or the nestling looks weak or listless, take the nestling to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for care. If the baby bird is fully feathered, it’s called a “fledgling,” and it is normal to be out of the nest. Fledglings spend several days on the ground, hiding in the vegetation until they can fully fly. While this is a dangerous time for young birds, their
By Mayor Maria G. Marino Hundreds gathered on April 4, at the invitation of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to celebrate the renaming of the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center. The honor was bestowed in memory of the late Thomas H . C o r e y, a d e c o r a t e d Vietnam War veteran and
Bill’s Box By Bill Thompson Sorry, readers. “A day late and a dollar short.” Time seems to speed forward at a rapid pace. Distractions have no mercy or shame. House restoration is demanding. Coordination of various service companies. Wealthy could hire a general contractor. I could go on, but to bore you further is a negative. Then there is the doctor season. It is not permanent, but sure as hell seems that way. The teen e-bike renegades seem to be quieting. The outlaw race cars may be slowing on the Longshore back stretch. One, in particular, seems persistent. I hope JPD can slow him down, seize his wannabe race car and let him cool his heels with less money for gas. Coming to the end here from the rabbit hole into which I have fallen. I am counting on Bilbo of the Hobbits to help me back to earth’s surface. On the other hand, the Hobbits live a fairly serene life in middle earth. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Until next time. …
Northern Notes on page 2
Commissioner’s Update VA Center Renamed In Honor Of American Hero Thomas H. Corey
MAY 2025
May 11
lifelong advocate for wounded service members. This dedication serves as a lasting tribute to Corey’s unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans and his extraordinary service to the nation. Born in 1945, Thomas H. Corey served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. In 1968, while leading his unit on a mission, he was severely wounded by enemy fire, leaving him a quadriplegic. Corey earned recognition as a highly decorated combat veteran for his service, receiving the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, two Purple Hearts, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. Despite his life-changing injury, Corey relocated to Palm Beach County in 1972 and dedicated his life to improving conditions for disabled veterans, turning adversity into advocacy. As a dedicated veterans’ leader and advocate, he served on advisory boards for local government, including the VA Medical Centers in Miami and West Palm Beach. For more than 15 years, he worked as an ombudsman and program specialist at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center, helping to support and guide fellow veterans. Commissioner’s Update on page 3
May 26 REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IMMEDIATELY TO THE JUPITER POLICE DEPARTMENT
(561) 799-4445
Use 911 for emergencies only. Lock car doors. Do not leave valuables in the car.