Early in the morning on January 31, 2024, Nigel spotted a fox lying motionless in a snowbank by the roadside. The fox was wet, dirty, and matted with road sand. Running late, Nigel continued on his way, but the image of the fox lingered in his mind.

Later that afternoon, as he drove back, Nigel saw the fox again. This time, the animal had shifted position but was shivering from the cold. As Nigel cautiously approached, the fox lifted its head, meeting his gaze with sad, helpless eyes. Weak and in obvious pain, the fox barely moved.

Nigel had experience with wildlife rescue and knew what to do. He called Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary for instructions on safely containing the injured animal. Following their guidance, he gently wrapped the fox in his jacket, placed him in a box, and set off toward the sanctuary.

The fox, who didn’t resist at all, underwent X-rays that revealed severe injuries: both femurs were fractured and splintered, with contracted bones indicating these were older injuries. The fox had been suffering for days.

Dr. Cox, a wildlife veterinarian working with the sanctuary, was en route to the airport and unable to perform surgery for another four days. After consulting with the sanctuary staff, they decided to keep the fox comfortable with pain medication, hoping he would hold on until Dr. Cox could operate.

On the day of surgery, Dr. Cox was able to pin both legs in under five hours. Afterward, his legs felt strong, his pain diminished, and he began showing signs of recovery. He moved around more, even showing interest in returning to the wild. However, his recovery took a turn: the pins in his left leg did not hold and had to be removed.

In an attempt to stabilize the leg, the team applied a tight wrap, but one night, the fox—now named Tavi—chewed through the bandage, creating sores and lesions. After some time, the wounds healed, and the pins in his other leg were successfully removed. Currently, discussions are underway about performing a bone marrow graft to give Tavi’s left leg another chance at healing.

While amputation remains a last resort, Tavi will still be able to return to the wild even if he has only three legs. His second chance at life in the wild would not have been possible without the compassionate care at Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ontario is home to a diverse range of wildlife, from urban-dwelling raccoons and squirrels to majestic birds of prey and endangered species. When these animals are injured, orphaned, or displaced, they often rely on the dedication of wildlife rehabilitators—trained professionals and volunteers who provide critical care and a second chance at life.

What Do Wildlife Rehabbers Do?

Wildlife rehabilitators in Ontario are licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and work tirelessly to rescue, treat, and release wild animals back into their natural habitats. Their responsibilities include:

• Rescue & Stabilization: Responding to reports of injured or orphaned wildlife and ensuring they receive immediate care.
• Medical Treatment & Rehabilitation: Providing first aid, surgery, medication, and physiotherapy when needed.
• Orphaned Animal Care: Hand-raising baby animals that have lost their mothers, ensuring they develop survival skills before release.
• Public Education: Teaching communities about coexisting with wildlife, preventing conflicts, and when intervention is necessary.

Why Is Wildlife Rehabilitation Important?

Ontario’s growing human population and expanding urban areas often lead to increased wildlife-human conflicts, habitat destruction, and vehicle collisions. Wildlife rehabbers play a crucial role in:

• Conserving Native Species – Many rehabilitators specialize in helping threatened or at-risk species, ensuring their survival.
• Reducing Suffering – Injured wildlife often suffer needlessly without human intervention. Rehabbers provide humane care and prevent unnecessary deaths.
• Balancing Ecosystems – Healthy wildlife populations contribute to a balanced environment by controlling insect and rodent populations, pollinating plants, and maintaining biodiversity.

Challenges Faced by Wildlife Rehabilitators

Despite their invaluable work, wildlife rehabbers face significant challenges:

• Limited Funding – Most facilities operate as non-profits and rely on donations, grants, and volunteers.
• Strict Regulations – Rehabbers must comply with MNRF licensing requirements and species-specific protocols.
• High Workload & Burnout – Spring and summer bring a surge of orphaned animals, creating an overwhelming demand for resources and time.

How You Can Help

If you find an injured or orphaned wild animal in Ontario, the best thing to do is contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator rather than attempting to care for it yourself. Here’s how you can support their efforts:

• Donate to local rehab centers to help cover medical supplies, food, and shelter costs.
• Volunteer at a facility to assist with animal care, transport, or public outreach.
• Spread Awareness by educating others about responsible wildlife interactions and conservation.

Conclusion

Wildlife rehabilitators are Ontario’s hidden heroes, working behind the scenes to protect and restore native species. Their work ensures that injured and orphaned animals get a second chance at life while fostering a deeper understanding of our connection to the natural world. Supporting their efforts is an investment in Ontario’s wildlife and the future of conservation.

As winter blankets Ontario in snow and ice, many bird species struggle to find food, especially when natural sources like insects, berries, and seeds become scarce. Feeding birds during the colder months not only helps them survive but also brings joy to birdwatchers and nature lovers. Whether you’re an experienced bird feeder or just starting out, here’s a guide to winter bird feeding in Ontario and the best ways to support our feathered friends.

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Why Feed Birds in Winter?

Ontario’s winters can be harsh, with freezing temperatures, snowstorms, and limited natural food sources. Providing a steady supply of food helps birds:
✅ Maintain Energy Levels – Birds burn extra calories to stay warm, so high-energy food is essential.
✅ Survive Extreme Weather – Reliable feeding stations reduce stress during cold snaps.
✅ Increase Nesting Success – Well-fed birds enter spring in better condition for breeding.
✅ Control Pests Naturally – Attracting birds like chickadees and woodpeckers helps manage insect populations.

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Best Foods to Offer Birds in Winter

Not all bird food is created equal! Here are some nutrient-rich options that attract a variety of birds:

🥜 High-Fat Foods (Essential for Warmth)

• Black Oil Sunflower Seeds – A favorite among chickadees, cardinals, and nuthatches.
• Peanuts (Unsalted & Shelled) – Loved by blue jays, woodpeckers, and nuthatches.
• Suet Cakes – Packed with fat and protein, perfect for woodpeckers and chickadees.

🌾 Nutritious Seed Mixes

• Nyjer (Thistle) Seeds – Attracts finches, siskins, and redpolls.
• Millet & Cracked Corn – Preferred by sparrows, juncos, and mourning doves.

🍏 Fruits & Natural Treats

• Dried Fruit (No Sugar Added) – Raisins, cranberries, and apple slices are great for robins and waxwings.
• Uncooked Oats & Grains – Good energy sources for ground-feeding birds like mourning doves.

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Bird Feeder Tips for Ontario Winters

1. Choose the Right Feeder

Different birds prefer different feeder styles:

• Tube Feeders – Ideal for finches, chickadees, and nuthatches.
• Platform/Tray Feeders – Attract cardinals, blue jays, and juncos.
• Suet Feeders – Best for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.

2. Keep Feeders Clean & Full

• Refill regularly to ensure birds don’t waste energy searching for food.
• Clean feeders every two weeks to prevent mold and disease.
• Use baffles to deter squirrels and prevent seed waste.

3. Provide Fresh Water

• Birds struggle to find unfrozen water in winter. A heated birdbath or frequent refills help keep them hydrated.

4. Offer Shelter & Cover

• Place feeders near shrubs or trees to protect birds from predators.
• Consider adding birdhouses or roosting boxes for extra winter shelter.

5. Be Consistent

• Once birds rely on your feeder, keep it stocked throughout winter.
• Gradually reduce feeding in early spring to help birds transition back to natural sources.

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Common Winter Birds in Ontario

Here are some birds you can expect to see at your feeder:
🐦 Black-Capped Chickadees – Friendly, curious, and love sunflower seeds.
🐦 Northern Cardinals – Their bright red feathers stand out in the snow!
🐦 Dark-Eyed Juncos – Ground-feeding birds that prefer millet and cracked corn.
🐦 Blue Jays – Bold and beautiful, they love peanuts.
🐦 Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers – Frequent suet lovers.
🐦 American Goldfinches – Stick around in winter but turn duller in color.

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Final Thoughts

Winter bird feeding is a rewarding way to connect with nature while helping birds through Ontario’s harsh conditions. By offering the right foods, maintaining clean feeders, and providing water and shelter, you’ll attract a variety of feathered visitors to brighten up even the coldest days.

So grab some seed, set up a feeder, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Ontario’s winter birds! 🐦❄️