Day 11: Willet

Species: Willet

Current status: Released

Number of days in care: 4 days

This Willet was admitted to care on March 19th after being found entangled in a fishing line near Hanover Lane in Ventura.

The adult bird had mild dehydration but was otherwise in good body condition.

Initial treatments included fluid support and anti-parasitic medications. The Willet responded well to care, eating regularly and showing no further health concerns.

After four days, it was deemed fit for release and was successfully returned to the wild at Coal Oil Point Reserve, Goleta!

Willet Fun Facts:

• Only male Willets incubate the eggs at night, with both parents sharing daytime duties.

• Willets do not rely on just their eyesight to find food. They also use the tips of their bills to find prey, allowing them to feed both day and night.

• In the last 9 years, we have only received 6 Willets for care in our wildlife hospital.

• Similar to Killdeer, Willets fake an injury, pretending to have a broken wing, to distract predators and lead them away from their eggs or chicks.

• Western Willets are larger, paler, and breed in freshwater, while Eastern Willets are smaller, with stouter bills and more barring.

• We receive many seabirds who are stuck in fishing lines, hooks and nets. To live in harmony with seabirds, please dispose of all fish hooks , lines and nets. You can find more information on how to live in harmony with wildlife on our Wildlife Resource Hub.