Sacred Bird Rehabilitated at Best Friends

The ancient Egyptians venerated the ibis as a sacred object. Looking at the bird’s long swooping bill, imposing stance, and big pterodactyl-like feet, you realize why this elegant creature would hold such a status.

When a couple in White Sage, Arizona, found an injured ibis in their backyard a few weeks ago, they called Best Friends to see what could be done. The couple thought the ibis might have a broken wing. The ibis, now in the care of Best Friends, is the first of its species to be rehabilitated at the sanctuary.

This species of wading bird spend their springs and summers in the Southwest, and are quite a common sight in the meadows and pastures around the region, where they scour the irrigation ditches for crunchy, crustaceous bugs.

After returning to the sanctuary with the ibis, wildlife rehabilitator Carmen Smith and sub-permittee Barbara Weider found that he did not have a broken wing, but a dislocated shoulder, which means his chances of recovery are good. Carmen and Barbara have protected the bird’s wing with a bandage, and every few days they remove it to see how the ibis is doing. Once the wing returns to its normal position, we can rest assured that this ibis will be gliding along in the big blue skies once again.

Written by Ted Brewer. Photos by Troy Snow.