Sticky Situation: A Rescue for the Yellow-rumped Warbler

Ever had gum stuck in your hair? Imagine a gummy mess in a bird’s feathers! That’s what happened to this Yellow-rumped Warbler in Crescent Beach. These winter migrants often hunt for insects on the ground, and the sugar in discarded gum attracts plenty of those. Lucky for this little guy, someone noticed him struggling and gave us a call.

We removed it with vegetable oil, and then washed the bird off in a mild solution of dishwashing liquid. Birds’ feathers are coated with natural oils that make them water resistant and replenishing it takes time. We are hopeful this bird will be ready to join flocks migrating north this spring.

Please help us help the orphaned, injured, and ill wild birds of Northeast Florida by donating at www.thearkrescue.org/donate .