When the first migrant birds appeared in August on our shores, I was overjoyed. It will be my first entire migratory bird season (August to March), having started bird photography back in November last year.
Now, we are almost mid-way into the season, and based on all the chatter on Wildlife Facebook groups and Telegram groups, photographers are having a blast traveling around the island in hopes to capture a lifer (a bird that is seen for the very first time by the birder)!
Singapore is on the East Asian-Australian Migratory Flyway, and bird watchers here enjoy up to 100 migratory bird species stopping by our tiny island every year.
Unfortunately for some of these birds, entering a highly urbanized country with high-rise buildings at all corners of the island can be challenging. And collisions into windows do happen more often during this season.
Many of these migrant birds are not accustomed to living in urban jungles and are often casualties of collisions. They are unable to distinguish reflections from the sky, real trees, and greenery. And while we are blessed with having good parks interwoven into our housing estates, the birds are the casualties of Singapore's success.
All hail the king - the Kingfisher - they are one of my favorite birds! #DidYouKnow there are eight different kingfishers spotted in Singapore? Some are residents, while others are either common or uncommon migrants. The Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher is an uncommon migrant found in Northeast India, Southwest China and mainland Southeast Asia.
While volunteering at ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) as an animal caregiver, I had the privilege of coming up close and personal with the Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher (see picture). This rare and beautiful pocket-size bird collided into a window and was brought to the ACRES Wildlife Rescue Centre disoriented and in shock.
Speaking to Ari, an ACRES caregiver, I found out that there has been a significant increase in cases of migratory birds involved in a collision in the past couple of weeks. Other migratory birds like the blue-winged pitta were also sent to ACRES by members of the public. As with any collision, some survive while others don't.
Although bird collisions are unfamiliar to many Singaporeans, and probably most of us may never encounter such a situation, it doesn't hurt to know what to do should we find a bird injured or in shock after a collision. This could happen when at your home or at the office.
What Causes Shock?
There can be many factors to cause shock for an animal. Window/vehicle
collisions are common causes. Sometimes when a predator is chasing a bird, the bird can go into shock when it gets fatigued/disoriented and
crashes. Common symptoms of a bird in shock are weakness, panting,
unresponsiveness, and ruffled feathers.
What Should I NOT Do?
AVOID offering food or water. When a bird is in shock, food and water provision
can make the situation worse. Let the bird rest first. This can take 2-5 hours
AVOID constant handling and checking on the bird. This will stress it
further and worsen the situation. Noise should be kept to a minimum.
Transportation should be avoided if possible.
Here are some tips (courtesy of ACRES) on handing a bird in shock:
Step 1
Find a cardboard box. If you don't have one, get it from a provision store or a nearby 7Eleven. Make some holes in the box for ventilation (Very Important). You can place some towels or newspapers at the bottom of the box.
Step 2
Place the bird into the box and keep the box in a quiet and dark place. Check
on the bird in 3 hours to see if the bird's condition has improved.
Step 3
After 3 hours, if the bird seems more alert and is standing up, try to release it. Some may need additional encouragement. You can do this by letting the bird perch on a stick or your finger and gently swing down over soft ground (grass), to encourage the
bird to fly. If the bird seems alert but weak, you can try dripping some sugar
water on its beak to perk it up further. Let the bird rest again and attempt
release in 2 hours.
If the above steps don't work. Call the ACRES Hotline (+65 97837782) for further advice.
About Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES)
ACRES is a pioneering Singapore-based charity with the sole aim to advocate for an end to animal cruelty in our own backyard. With Singapore's first facility dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and injured native wild animals ACRES speaks up for more animals via our five focus areas: Tackling Wildlife Crime in Singapore, Humane Education, Promoting Cruelty-Free Living, Community Outreach, and Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation.
Since its founding in May 2001, ACRES has helped effect several environmental shifts that pushed Singapore forward in the animal protection movement.
ACRES receives 2000+ calls a month, via the 24 hour Hotline (9783 7782) and has only 1 Rescue Team to serve the whole nation at any one time. As a non-profit organization, they rely on donations from the public and your valuable donation will help animals in numerous ways; including directly saving lives. All donations made to ACRES qualify for a 250% tax exemption. Open your hearts and wallets. Do help ACRES continue on their mission and donate here.