Expert: Roger Lederer - 4/28/2009

Question
Thanx for being here! I found a fledgling woodpecker w/its wing half shot off hopping on the pavement avoiding cars. It's in a bird cage at my house.(Going crazy-they excape!) I need a rescue near me, I dought it will ever fly agian, but gets around well, eating steak. Was bleeding,needs surgery to remove part of wing still attached.Can you help me find a rescue near me? Stearns would not take it. Dade City, Florida. Thank you. p.s. How much time do I have? 18 hs. so far.

Answer
Well, I don't have the local connections that you do so you would have a better chance of finding help than I would. Best thing to do is contact a state or federal wildlife official for help. They deal with this all the time and can tell you where to go. Maybe the local humane society can help as well. I don't know how much time you have because I can't see the bird, but if it was bleeding and is a fledgling, it is an urgent situation. Thanks for your concern.
Here is the address on the web for the wildlife rehab directory http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/ - you might find one near you.