Every year, the Wildlife Medical Clinic receives a wave of calls throughout the summer season about white-tailed deer fawns. Often, these animals are alone, lying down near a house, or sometimes even on a doorstep. Although this may seem like an animal in need, there are some facts about deer and their babies that you may want to read about before intervening.
Continue reading
Category Archives: Conservation
Got Milkweed?
By: Lauren Vincent, Class of 2023
Milkweed is a native Illinois perennial plant that serves a unique role in our backyard ecosystems and across the country. This plant is the only host for Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) making it critical for their survival. With progressive urbanization and habitat loss, milkweed distribution has plummeted, bringing the monarch populations down with it.
Chart created by Monarch Watch.
Love is in the Air
By: Lauren Vincent, Class of 2023
In honor of Valentine’s Day, we wanted to explore the unique mating rituals of avian species that are seen at the Wildlife Medical Clinic. Interestingly, many of these birds are quite the romantics and have a single mate for life. Some of these species are common in the WMC, while others rarely make an appearance. Keep an eye on our Facebook page (@UIWMC) and in future Hawk Talk editions to note when we next see these birds in our care!