The snow may be disorienting for drivers, but it's also affecting birds in Washington state. Sarvey Wildlife Care Center in Arlington is getting calls daily about small birds with a variety of injuries.
“This is a fox sparrow that hit a window,” said Sarvey Clinic Manager Jessie Paollelo. “The snow can be a little distracting. It can displace a lot of animals.”
The snow has made it more difficult for birds to find food, and since they're traveling further to find it, they can grow disoriented. The glare from the snow can also be an issue, sending birds into windows.
Salt has also become a problem, as birds think it is seed. Plus, dirty feeders are giving some birds an infection called finch eye.
“The bird feeders are getting wet; the seed is getting moldy. So, we recommend that people clean those bird feeders out and make sure the seed is dry,” said Paollelo.
Paollelo recommends homeowners use sand instead of salt to reduce toxicity among birds.
Sarvey's facility is facing some repairs as well, all due to heavy snow damaging areas like one of the eagle areas.
The weather has also delayed the release of patients ready to return to the wild.
“We’re waiting until it clears up and the temperatures are a little warmer, so these animals have more success finding food when we do release them,” said Sarvey Executive Director Suzanne West.
If you find an injured bird, place it in a box with warm towels and air holes. Keep the box in a dark and quiet place until you contact a licensed wildlife rehab facility to take the animal.