A unique white raven, which appears to be unique to the Oceanside region, continues improving under the watchful eye of staff at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre. (NIWRC)

By Ian Holmes

prized bird

Second rare white raven to arrive at wildlife refuge makes substantial improvements

Jun 22, 2022 | 5:27 AM

ERRINGTON — About a year after a rarely seen leucitic raven was rescued, a second one brought in for treatment at the North Island Wildlife Recovery Centre (NIWRC) is also on the mend.

In early May what’s known as a Sacred White Raven was found in dire condition in the Errington area — thankfully a facility tailor-made for its needs was located nearby.

NIWRC animal care technician Derek Downes said the unnamed months old bird responded extremely well to various forms of care which he said can cause setbacks.

“He was not stressed out by the treatment. He was able to bounce back incredibly fast,” Downes told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Staff at the non-profit facility are closely monitoring one of their newest arrivals, which requires special attention.

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The odds are stacked against Sacred White Ravens from surviving in the wild.

In fact Downes said there aren’t any confirmations the rare species surviving a single winter on their own in the Oceanside area following sporadic sightings locally since the 1990’s.

In addition to showing an improved ability to respond to care, Downes said the new raven has a more personable attitude than the first white raven named Blizzard.

“Not every bird is going to be able to be glove-trained, but he outwardly shows an interest in it. He’s going to make a really, really great educational ambassador.”

At this point, both the unnamed raven and Blizzard are not in a position to be viewed by the public, which could change at some point in the future.

Both birds discovered distressed locally will be lifetime residents of NIWRC.

Being extremely light-sensitive severely impacts the prized bird’s ability to make it on their own.

“It’s really important to be able to limit their exposure in that capacity, as well their immune systems just are not operating at full capacity it seems,” Downes said.

Brittle feathers hindering flight and being susceptible to infections are among other constant worries.

After bouncing between improvements and setbacks last year, Blizzard stabilized while remaining in a highly controlled setting at NIWRC.

Downes said it’s unclear what kind of relationship the rare white two birds will have, which he believes are almost certainly siblings.

“There’s nothing set in stone right now. We will always do what’s best for them individually, if that means putting them together then we would do that, if it means keeping them separate we would do that as well.”

NIWRC cares for hundreds of injured and sick Vancouver Island-based animals annually, including a group of resident wildlife unable to fend for themselves.

The facility is well known for rescuing and caring for a variety of birds, including eagles, ravens, hawks and owls, many of which can be seen during daily public viewings between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 1240 Leffler Rd. in Errington.

Information on donating to or volunteering at the NIWRC can be found here.

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ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes