Rescue Efforts Underway for Eared Grebes Stranded in Cedar

Eared Grebe.

Over 4000 eared grebes were grounded last night during the storm in Cedar City, Utah and Wecco. The small duck-like bird with red eyes thought the wet asphalt and bright lights were water and attempted to land, according to Division of Wildlife Resources. These birds need an open body of water to take off and fly again. Many of them were injured. These birds will die if they are not able to take off and continue their migration to warmer winter grounds.

The Division of Wildlife Resources has already rescued around 4000 of these birds since they were grounded around 1 a.m. this morning. While many of these birds have been found towards the southern end of Cedar City they have been found throughout the city, including at some of the schools. They are releasing them at Grandpa’s Pond just south of Quail Lake in Washington County. Releases have been ongoing this morning with more scheduled as birds continue to be found. Once released onto the pond the birds that are not severely injured are able to run across the water and take flight.

If you find these birds please call southern region wildlife manager Teresa Griffins at 435-691-0638 or the DWR office at 435-865-6100. Or, you make take the birds directly to the DWR office on Airport Road at 1470 N. Airport Road.