A St. Paul resident recently captured a rufous hummingbird in her yard, presumably to rescue it from the cold weather. It was transferred to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Roseville. The rufous hummingbird is a common bird species, but rare to this area as it is typically found in the Pacific Northwest and winters in the southeastern United States and Mexico.
Based on the recent unseasonably cold weather and expert advice, the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center opted to transport the bird to Texas, to an area along its normal migration pathway, and the bird has been released back into the wild. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports this decision.
Licensed professional wildlife rehabilitators have the permits, tools and training to safely handle injured animals. If you come upon a bird, or other wildlife, that you believe to be injured or in danger, the best thing to do is to leave it alone. If you feel the need to help, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.
For more information about migratory birds visit: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/midwestbird/faq.html
For a list of licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area, visit: http://www.nwrawildlife.org/content/finding-rehabilitator
