Liberty Wildlife Blog

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 04/04/2011

2011-04-04T17:12:00.000-07:00

So, do you smile or laugh out loud when you walk into work and when you walk out the door at the end of your shift? You are a lucky person if you answered yes to this question. Last Friday, yes that would have been April Fool’s Day, that is exactly what happened at Liberty all day long!

In order to keep an official tally on our staff and volunteer hours we have installed a bar coded system that reads everyone’s identification badges when they enter and leave….making sure that at the end of the day everyone has checked out and no one is inadvertently locked in an enclosure in the back of the property out of ear shot of the staff (and yes, that has happened before…thank goodness for cell phones). This system also lets us make documented statements regarding staff and volunteer hours related to our needs, etc.

Thanks to our savvy volunteer, John Glitsos, the system has been functioning for almost two years. Everyone coming in is greeted with a voice from the box that says something normal like Good Morning upon entering and Good Day upon leaving….becoming wallpaper and to be expected after a while.

Not so on Friday. As staff or volunteers entered they were greeted by a sound track of voices, statements, ditties, etc. from none other than The Simpsons…..very, very funny stuff….Homer sang to some people, Bart yelled for his burrito and the dog barked relentlessly for others. Every person walking in the door came in with a belly laugh and a really big smile. People greeted others coming in to hear what the box said to them….and then everyone had another big laugh together.

And, guess what….not one person failed to sign in or out. As each person left at the end of the day, they left with a smile and a chuckle.

It was hot on Friday. The rush of orphan season is beginning. The flies have moved in for the season, and it would be very easy to find something to grouse about even though the work being done is rewarding and important. But it was really hard on Friday to stop smiling and chuckling throughout the day.

Thanks, John, for a most pleasant surprise; thanks for being fun; and thanks for reminding us that humor can go a long way towards making everything we do more enjoyable.

This Week at Liberty 04/04/2011

2011-04-04T15:31:00.001-07:00

The intake total is now at 275.

Life is a learning process, and we're learning new things at Liberty all the time. This week, we confirmed that baby bird season starts with a bang, windy days this time of year can be a dangerous thing (at least for baby birds), motorcycle riders of all ages care about wildlife, and we learned that we have two educational birds that are misnamed!

Let's start off with more recap of the Born 2 B Wild annual motorcycle run...

The weather was perfect and turn out was high! (photo by Allen Spencer)

Amanda educates a young biker. (photo by Allen Spencer)

Sonora and Joe are always stars. (photo by Allen Spencer)

Awards and raffles capped the day... (photo by Allen Spencer)

Followed by a dual Harris' Hawk release! (photo by Allen Spencer)

The results are in for this year's annual Born 2 B Wild benefit motorcycle run and it appears to have been a hit! The weather was perfect and attendance was high. From the start at Logan's in Mesa to the finish at Cody's in Carefree, everyone seemed to have a great time! As always, two rehabilitated harris' hawks were released to complete a wonderful, successful day in the Arizona sunshine!

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Something about that wing...

Does this remind you of a cigar brand?

Some suspicious marks on the feet.

The beautiful white barn owl that is in our care is still being treated. The verdict on what caused the bird's injury is still not in but as time passes, electricity is becoming one of the prime suspects. Lesions on the bird's feet are suspicious as is his sometimes drooping wing. We're still hoping that a full recovery is possible as this guy would produce beautiful offspring if he is returned to the gene pool.

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The egret is examined by Toba, Joanie, and Sharon.

A young GBH comes down from Camp Verde.

Two pretty waterfowl are in our care. One, a great egret in the onset of breeding plumage, is slowly recovering from a wing injury. The other is a young great blue heron that Carl brought down from Camp Verde last week. The first year bird has a break in one bone of his right wing but the damage is minimal and in a fortunate location and since he is so young, his prognosis is excellent.

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A little sharp-shinned hawk is improving.

A sharp-shinned hawk came in with a head injury last week. These are all too common and generally, the birds frequently don't do well after such an injury. This little guy, however, has made drastic improvement and is responding to treatment. Fingers crossed, please!

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Henry (or should we say "Henrietta") adjusts her eggs.

"Do you mind...?"

Magellan (or "Maggie") is also setting up a nursery.

Must be the vitamins...

Two of our education birds have demonstrated why naming raptors is such a difficult thing, unless you name them all "Pat!" Both Henry and Magellan have laid eggs and are currently incubating. It seems we guessed incorrectly as to their gender when naming them, as we have done so frequently in the past. I suppose it's only really important that THEY know who're the boys and who're the girls in their world. Since they are housed alone, the eggs are infertile, so they will be allowed to sit on them for an appropriate time and then, when the hormones subside, the eggs will be removed so the birds can resume their normal duties.

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A very new baby green heron (note the egg tooth).

A big yawn from a little bird.

The star of the nursery last week was this little newly hatched green heron. He seems to have started the onslaught of baby birds that is beginning to grow each day...

It's a big world out there!

The "goth look" is in!

Another hatchling GHO orphan.

Yellow could be his color.

Some tender care from Bethany before meeting his new foster mom.

Liberty Orphan Care: It's not just for raptors any more!

Babies, babies, babies... All species are dropping on us, and the strong winds over the weekend didn't help. Carl brought in couple of newly hatched GHO's and I did my share today as these two came in from the Phoenix Humane Society. The orphans were found on the ground, probably blown from the nest prematurely by the wind. Too young to make it on their own, they were marked (with colored talon paint and a dollop to the head!) and placed with one of our wonderful GHO foster parents for care and proper imprinting! It's a system that works well and the older birds seem to love it as well.

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 03/28/2011

2011-03-28T18:05:00.001-07:00

I love running into Claudia K. when I am at Liberty. She is always upbeat and regales me with wonderful stories. Just the other day she stopped me to relate an experience she had the previous week. It was a story about an educational program she had agreed to take with more than a little trepidation. When the program was announced at the education meeting it was billed as an event for 700-800 boy scouts….now that is enough to bring fear to the heart of any sensible educator…put yourself in that place….I’m trembling just thinking of it….so much could happen…through no fault of anyone’s…just the thought of it…oh my! But being the trooper that she is, she took a step forward and raised her hand, “I’ll do it.” Atta girl, Claudia….!

And, like most of the things we impose on ourselves from a place of possible misinformation leading to downright fear, this proved to be positive beyond belief. The scout leader she dealt with, Glen V., was a jewel. He totally gets it! The program was at the campsite that the group was using for the weekend. Now, for a start, how cool is that? All of these youngsters out enjoying an adventure in tents (picture enough tents for all of those kids), in the out of doors, at night, in the wide open spaces of the desert! Perfect!

I am not sure of exactly what magic the education group provided, but as always they were a huge success. So much so that Glen managed to keep them way beyond their allotted time. He is dedicated to making sure his Troop 30 will learn about nature, their environment, and what they can do to help it. Here’s a man with a goal of taking his family to all of the national monuments. Can we clone him?

According to Claudia, the group was wonderful. They kept presenting the educators with donations of money and items that we use in rehabilitation. And just as they were readying themselves to pack up and leave, out would come more stuff….it just kept coming. And if that weren’t enough Glen’s wife made a special trip the next weekend to bring more stuff to the education program Claudia was presenting for another group….part of the take was an adorable plaque that they had made as a thank you. It is hanging proudly on the door to the facility for everyone to see as they enter.

It looks like the leaders were enamored with Liberty Wildlife. The kids were enamored with Liberty Wildlife. And Liberty Wildlife was clearly enamored with them. It doesn’t get much better than that!

This Week at Liberty 03/28/2011

2011-03-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

The intake total for the year is now at 236.

I'm baaaack! A big update this week as we see some of the latest arrivals, the uptick in babies at the facility, and two surgeries: a desert tortoise, and a condor! Plus, the 2011 Born 2 B Wild motorcycle run was a big hit with all who attended! (It was photographed by Alan SPencer and Lesley Guenther. Thanks, you two!!)

An excited crowd at Cody's in Carefree. (Photo by Lesley Guenther)

The 2011 Born 2 B Wild motorcycle run was held yesterday under absolutely perfect weather conditions (remember last year...?) Everything went well and the large contingency of bike riders all seemed to have a great time before, during, and after the ride.

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Are we talking cute here...?

OK, so peach-faced lovebirds are NOT natives, but there is a substantial colony living in Scottsdale, many right outside of Liberty. We don't usually treat any non-natives, and we certainly don't release them to the wild. But these helpless little baby birds were brought to us for care and since they have a good chance of carrying a disease that proliferates through the psittacine community (Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, or PBFD), every one we get is tested. If they test negative, these little guys will be taken by volunteers who wish to raise them as pets, never to be released.

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Carl's latest rescue.

Lilly checks for canker.

This bird could be a cigar ad!

Carl Price brought in a beautiful barn owl today. The bird's chest and underparts are almost entirely white, devoid of the "poppy seed" markings and shading that one normally sees on barn owls. Presenting no overt trauma, the bird was checked for canker and was placed in a brooder for close observation. Hopefully, it can be released soon as he would produce some gorgeous offspring!

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Another dog attack!

Jan and Dr. Orr examine the damage.

Dr. Orr prepares for surgery with the help of Laura. (photo by Jan Miller)

The amputation is complete! (photo by Jan Miller)

A bedraggled (and very dehydrated) desert tortoise came in last week. It had been attacked by a dog who had chewed most of it's left rear leg off. When threatened, desert tortoises pull their legs, tail, and head inside their shell for protection. This little guy was either too late or the dog too persistent. Tortoises can live with only three legs -they're not going anyplace fast! - but the end had to be surgically amputated to heal properly. Dr. Orr performed the surgery and now he is resting and rehydrating while in convalescence. ALPO II, the Sequel!

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Wyatt is now a foster parent.

A big yawn from a little owl.

Hogan has some help this year as Wyatt, the GHO that came in from Tombstone last year has joined the foster parent team. We're still not certain if Wyatt is a male or a female, but filling the role of foster parent seems to be a natural for him/her. This may allow Hogan to take it a little easier this season.

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"I'm feeling so much better"

#122 goes under anesthesia one more time...

The intubation tube is inserted.

The opening has nearly healed on it's own.

Jan cleans and prepares the site.

The surgery begins.

Missi and Jan monitor all vital signs.

Meticulous records of all phases of the operation are kept.

The final sutures are put in place.

One more blood sample is drawn.

Waking up in his enclosure.

He doesn't look too happy...

Now he feels better (after getting in one last shot at me!)

Scavenger or not, he is one beautiful animal!

When condor #122 came in a few months ago, his crop was in sad shape: not functioning and full of rotten food. Dr.Orr opened it up and this time, left it open to clean it more easily, and to keep from inserting a tube that might irritate the tissue. As the lead level dropped and the crop began working, the opening began to close on it's own. But with release imminent, Dr.Orr decided to close the wound, and while doing so, remove the mass of scar tissue that had formed around the opening. This was accomplished last Tuesday afternoon and the operation was a complete success. By Saturday he was again in top health and was taken north to the hack station on the Vermillion Cliffs northeast of the Grand Canyon. Another condor success!

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 03/14/2011

2011-03-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

What is a philanthropist? And, what makes one philanthropic? Simply put a philanthropist is someone with a desire to help who has something to give and does give to someone who doesn’t have it and needs it. Money is usually the “does and doesn’t have” in this equation.

But, what makes a person philanthropic doesn’t seem to have a simple answer. I used to think people were born with a philanthropic gene, but now I am thinking that isn’t always the case. I thought people learned “giving behavior” by growing up in families that were philanthropic because they had a great deal to give. Or, maybe it is possible that some people just listened and learned from sermons and religious offerings about generosity and giving…all possibilities, but I still think there is something more operating now.

The teaching of “philanthropy” has moved into the family next door, the elementary classroom, the scout troop. Here are a few examples.

Recently Scout troop No. 1738 showed up at Liberty Wildlife on a Saturday to sell cookies. As one would imagine this active Saturday volunteer group with lots of comings and goings, bought up a bunch of cookies in support of the Girl Scouts, another group benefiting from philanthropy. What the Liberty crew didn’t know was this. The Girl Scouts now let each troop keep a portion of their sales for the benefit of that troop. But, Scout troop No. 1738 had other ideas. They turned around and donated their profits to Liberty Wildlife to help support our mission. And they had a top seller of cookies in their midst.

In return, Jessica, a star Saturday volunteer, agreed to provide a tour for the troop. Rising from her sick bed (no longer contagious!) she drove across town to be the tour leader for this wonderful group of young girls. The girls loved the tour and the choice they made to support our organization. And, as a little more testament to what a great group of girls they are…they sent us a thank you note for the tour….I have hope!

Another young girl worked in our orphan care area in the summer while her family was here from California. They were wonderful to have as volunteers, and we enjoyed every minute of their time with us. When she went back to California she set up a lemonade stand with literature about Liberty Wildlife and the importance of helping wildlife no matter where you live! She then sent the profits of her endeavors to us with an adorable card and photos of the lemonade stand…I have hope!

And there is the example of a young boy who told his mother and his friends that at his birthday party he wanted no presents but rather wanted money donated to Liberty Wildlife. He and his mom brought his donations from the party and dropped them off….I have hope!

I am not sure if this is just a bunch of old souls who have come into our lives at this time or what, but whatever the reason is….in days of disaster and bad news… these are the things that carry me forward into a time of great hope. Thanks to all of you!

This Week at Liberty 03/14/2011

2011-03-14T18:20:00.000-07:00

The intake total is now at 181.

A short update this week but still some cool stuff! New birds and mammals are always coming in, and I've included a couple of updates on previous patients just for fun. The weather is getting warmer (for now!) and the breeding is beginning! Hang on tight...!

Snuggling tortoises...

Just a fun shot of the two baby desert tortoises sleeping face-to-face in their terrarium. They have grown sooo much in the past few months, but then again, all they do is eat and sleep (mostly eat!) I'll post periodic updates on their growth!

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Sharon and Joanie bring out a great egret for Vet Night examination.

Jan examines the break at the wrist.

Toba wraps around the breeding plumes.

A light snack before more cage rest.

A pretty great egret sporting some beautiful breeding plumes arrived last week. He has a nasty break near the wrist of his left wing, but hope never dies around Liberty! His wound was cleaned and a foam splint was wrapped to his wing with some purple cammo wrap before he was placed back in the brooder. He has subsequently been transferred outside to room with the great blue heron who hopefully will be released soon.

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The first arriving bunny family.

The tiniest of newborn bunnies.

A careful feeding.

Some older "step-siblings" arrive.

"This doesn't smell like mom...!"

OK, spring is definitely in the air. Not only are the GHO's breeding, but the bunnies are going at it like, well...rabbits! Two separate cottontail orphan families arrived on Tuesday last week, the first some recent newborns, and then some more that were a few days older. Before being transferred to Ruth, they were examined and fed. Hey, Easter is just around the corner!!

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Toba and Kristine check some beautiful wings for injury.

There's something suspicious about the feet...

A beautiful young RTH.

The first year of life is terribly hard on birds, giving them an 80% mortality rate, regardless of their species. A gorgeous young red-tail came in last week with undetermined injuries. She presented no overt trauma, but she did have some suspicious evidence on her feet. One of the main recurring injuries we see over time is that involving electricity and it's sometimes the most difficult to correctly diagnose - at first. The bird is now under observation to see if any symptoms of electrical injury develop.

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122 stretches his wings in the flight enclosure.

A rousing condor!

This is a beautiful bird!

SInce everyone keeps asking "How's the condor doing?" I thought I'd give a little update. His crop seems to have started working again, and although he isn't out of danger yet, he is making great strides towards recovery. He has now been transferred to one of the 60ft. flight enclosures and he's getting to eat real food. So far, he is doing really well as his lead levels are remaining low. If he keeps improving at this rate, he'll be taken back up to the condor site on the Vermillion Cliffs in a few weeks!

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ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS TILL THE BORN 2 B WILD BIKE RUN! DON'T MISS IT!!

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 03/07/2011

2011-03-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

It takes a team to help a javelina. Just a few days ago the Hotline received a call about a javelina running through a neighborhood in the Hayden and 76^th Street vicinity. Now that is a fairly urbanized area, but it is adorned by a wonderful wash…the corridor of many wildlife species who have been forced into the only remaining wild area by our vastly encroaching civilization.

The teamwork began with the first call from a caring soul who saw this poor animal running amok with two large metal darts sticking out of her….one between the neck and shoulder and one in the hind hip/flank area. Missi and Denise drove over to the area to appraise the situation and reported that they agreed that it needed capturing. The second team sprung into action including Jan, Missi and Eddy. The javelina already having had one bad experience with the human dart shooter took a quick hike into the wash and eluded the rescuers.

No sooner had they returned before a second call came in from another caring person who reported the javelina with darts was in an adjoining neighborhood and was catchable. The team took off again including Missi, Denise, Jan and now Tony who had originally taken the call on the Hotline (hmmmmm…doubling as Hotline and Rescue Transport, now that is a dedicated soul). This time with the help of Tony’s capture net and the ability to corner the poor girl, the javelina was theirs. Missi quickly retrieved the carrier and the javelina was backed into the carrier in which she was transported to Liberty Wildlife.

Oddly enough two Game and Fish representatives had dropped by looking for some information on a Cooper’s hawk and stuck around to see what was up with the javelina. They identified that the darts were illegal, and among other things it wasn’t hunting season, and it was in the city limits. How much creepier could the mad darter be?

Dr. Orr stepped in to add to the team effort. She checked out the unfortunate animal, found her to be healthy and feisty and other than being used for someone’s dark cushion was ready to be re-released back to her territory. Using a pole syringe she darted the critter through the carrier with a slow release antibiotic…just in case and deemed her ready to go.

It was a quick turn-around making you wonder what the javelina thought had happened to her before she was returned to her home territory and herd. It is a bad idea to just take one to a suitable habitat because it is undoubtedly some other herd’s home. They are very scent oriented and would have attacked her to drive her out….no, she needed to go home.

We can only hope that she has learned where to stay away from….the turf of the mad darter!

There might not always be a team like she saw in action that day last week…great job All!

This Week at Liberty 03/06/2011

2011-03-05T12:39:00.000-08:00

The intake total for the year is now at 156.
This week, we'll finish the saga of the dual-eagle release! Plus, we'll look at the progress of some earlier patients, get a look at our first orphan arrival of the year(!), and see how Liberty teamwork saved a javelina from a painful injury from some illegal activity!

Let's jump in!

Toba and Joanie examine a cormorant's wing.

Sharon wraps the injury.

Beautiful eyes!

A cormorant was brought in last week with a broken wing. The break appeared to be right at the wrist joint - a bad spot for a bad break. But as always, the first thought is hope for a chance to recover, so the bird's wing was carefully wrapped and he will now be watched closely to see if the break will heal properly. Those piercing green eyes are unforgettable!

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The male harrier is flying wonderfully!

AFter being transferred to an outside flight enclosure, the pretty male harrier is progressing nicely. He is now eating well on his own and is flying almost normally while no longer trashing his tail. Hopes are high for his release in the near future.

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A little javelina with a target arrow in his right rear leg. (Unidentified photographer)

A second arrow is discovered in his neck. (Unidentified photographer)

The darts are removed by the rescue team. (Unidentified photographer)

Note the warning: "NOT A TOY!" (It's also not a legal weapon for animals...)

The rescue squad arrives at Liberty. (Unidentified photographer)

Dr. Orr administers some antibiotics. (Unidentified photographer)

"This little piggy went home!" (Unidentified photographer)

Choose your violation:

Hunting in a populated neighborhood (76th St. and Cactus)

Hunting javelina out of season (ended Feb.24th)

Using a weapon illegal for use in hunting (crossbow pistols are only legal for target practice)

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GHO nesting at the country club at Anthem. (Photo by Country Club staff)

The first GHO orphan of the season.

He almost fledged at the nest...

Hungry baby gets a meal.

Great horned owls are some of the earliest nesting raptors in North America. This was confirmed recently with photos sent in from Anthem of a sitting GHO momma who had laid her eggs in a planter, followed by the arrival of a pre-fledgling baby owl last week. The little guy is doing fine with his foster parents Igor and Sedona and will be released later on this spring. The baby bird season is almost upon us!!

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Winter in the desert. (Photo by Jan Miller)

Seconds from release. (Photo by Jan Miller)

"I'm sooo outta here!" (Photo by Jan Miller)

The big bald gets a sunny spot for her release. (Photo by Jan Miller)

Another bird happy to be free. (Photo by Jan Miller)

No more 60ft. flights for her! (Photo by Jan Miller)

OK, here's the final installment of the double eagle release from the last two updates. Joe and Jan drove north to the best sites available for releasing the big bald and the golden that were measured and tagged last week. The golden went first a bit farther north close to where he was found, followed a few hours later by the bald who, being a migrant bird, had no established territory locally - yet! Both birds flew strongly as they were set free and we hope they do well in their new, post rehabilitation life!

Two more eagles returned to the Arizona skies, courtesy of Liberty Wildlife!

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Don't forget the upcoming 4th annual Born 2 B Wild motorcycle run. on March 27th! Go to: www.borntobwild.org for all the details!

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 02/28/2011

2011-02-28T15:12:00.000-08:00

Wow another month bites the dust!

What better way to end a month than by releasing two eagles—one golden eagle and one bald eagle? Joe and Jan did the honors of squiring the birds to their new homes in the wild and said it was a beautiful thing to see. I am so sorry that I can’t report on it from a personal view…maybe next time. Terry has photos of preparing for the release. Your imagination will have to do the rest.

I also wanted to brag a little bit about the impressive diversity of educational opportunities that our education volunteers supply to the public. Take one slice of the schedule for an upcoming ten day period. The range covers a vast landscape starting with a traditional school in Queen Creek of 150-200 first through eighth graders, moving to two days at the Tres Rios Nature Festival for thousands of all age learners and next to the Riparian Institute of 500 three through eight year olds. A Chandler Junior High will host Liberty Wildlife educators for 125 seventh graders. Soon after that we will be presenting to an Adult Day Care Center for twenty dementia patients and will end the short snapshot of our education schedule with a program in Sun City for 80-100 Sun City Singles group. Sprinkled in with this diverse group of programs are others more typical of what we do every day during the education season.

Not only does this awesome Education Department and their Ambassadors cover a huge part of the valley mile-wise, they adapt to a truly diverse group of skills, educations, experiences, and ages. To fill it out we are currently working to create a pre-school program having all bases covered in the near future.

It only proves that you are never too young or too old to learn about the beauty and benefits of our native wildlife neighbors.

This Week at Liberty 02/28/2011

2011-02-28T13:43:00.000-08:00

The intake total for the year is currently at 132.

This week we'll highlight some of the individual birds/animals that are here in our care, plus some shots of what eagles have to go through prior to being released. Also, the weather has again been an issue and it's probably a good thing that only the biggest and strongest birds (eagles and great-hoirned owls) are nesting right now.

Let's look at what's going on...

A beautiful GBH in breeding plumage.

The great blue heron that is in the water fowl pen is sporting his finest breeding plumage and hopefully will soon be released so he can do what he needs to do: contribute to the gene pool!

As soon as he has demonstrated his ability to fly well enough, he'll be taken back to the lake where he was rescued and allowed to return to his job of shore and shallow policing!

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The harrier moves outside.

The pretty male harrier has progressed enough to be transferred to an outside enclosure. This will allow him to grow accustomed to the ambient temperatures as well as keep him from damaging his tail. He also eats much better on his own when he is out of the inside cage so this is a win-win deal for him. Next step: freedom! Another bird that needs to get back to replication!

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A little hummer eats heartily.

This little hummingbird was dropped off at the emergency clinic last night and was looking fairly sad when I brought him in. By noon, he was standing on the basket and eating almost continually - a good sign! No obvious trauma, he was most likely just torpid from the cold.

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Let the cuteness begin!

OK, so even though only eagles and owls (mostly!) are breeding now, bunnies pretty much breed all year, especially in Arizona! This little guy came in last week and was quickly transferred to a bunny care specialist. (It is getting close to Easter...!)

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This is why they call them "Red-Tailed Hawks"!

The dark-morph RTH in last week's update displayed his defining field marking so vividly last week that I had to get this shot. No wonder this is one of the most requested feathers at the NEFR (Non-Eagle Feather Repository)!

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Dr.Orr cleans a broken beak.

A wooden splint is glued in place.

A gila woodpecker was brought in from Superior last week. the little bird had a broken beak from hitting a window. Some birds fly into windows trying to drive off an intruder - only to discover that it was their own reflection. Glass is mostly impervious to feathers and small bird bones so the result is often an injured bird. In this case, Dr. Orr thought that since the beak wasn't broken all the way off, this wooden splint could be glued on with surgical CA adhesive to hold it in place while the beak healed.

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The bald eagle with the X-Files eyes...!

The beak is measured next...

...followed by the tarsi.

Red is for "Rehab".

Bald eagles get two bands: one federal, one state.

Jan gives her beak a final trimming.

All the measurements are recorded.

The female bald eagle that came in last year is finally ready to be released. The surgeries to repair her broken wing healed and she has demonstrated her ability to fly in the 60ft. flight enclosure. Last week Kyle from AZG&F came by to measure, weigh, and band her. He carefully used a micrometer to record the length of her talons, the length and width of her beak, and the diameter of her tarsi (legs), all of which were recored. Then her applied two bands, one silver - the federal band, and one red (for "REHAB") - the state tag. These are so she can be identified both close up and at a distance. Now, it's all up to her!

The golden gets his feet checked.

A good cleaning is in order.

Kyle carefully mic's the talons.

Kyle weighs the bird - almost 10 pounds!

Red shoes for his last pair!

In the enclosure next door to the big bald, was this male golden. Dave Kendall brought him down from the northern edge of the state last year and he gradually grew healthy in our care. The last hurdle he had to jump was a case of "bumble-foot." This is a foot infection some heavy birds develop for unknown reasons. After his feet were checked and wrapped one more time (with dazzling red wraps!), he went through the same measurement routine with Kyle, except he only got one band (the silver federal variety!) God speed, big guy!

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 02/21/2011

2011-02-21T15:23:00.001-08:00

Some important snippets to consider:

Snippet One:

Have you noticed those nurturing vibes running up your spine lately? Perhaps you are getting the urge to help orphan birds this year. The accompanying photos are of a mother (or maybe father) great horned owl who has set up a nest on the second floor patio roof at a local Golf Club. It looks like a nice place for a nest until the winds start to blow and young eager practicing wings are sent loft-ward before they are ready. In many cases like this the babies can’t be returned to the nest. That is when Liberty Wildlife takes over….and this is where you come in.

Snippet Two:

Did you know that Liberty Wildlife has a seasonal Orphan Care Department that nurtures babies sometimes from eggs to fledging from April to the end of August (The “A” months and in-betweens are a very important and busy times for us.) We see over half of the animals of the year during this glorious time. We also see a whole new group of people involved in the rehabilitation of our native wildlife…and I am inviting you to be one of them if you aren’t already involved.

Snippet Three:

Have you got a few hours to spare once a week where you could sign up a friend to spend some quality time together? Our OC shifts run from 7:00 in the morning (remember the early bird catches the worm) and 7:00 in the evening (the last feeding as the babies don’t eat at night…hooray)! The hours of the shifts vary, but each one needs a dedicated volunteer or three to make things happen. We can find one to fit your schedule.

Snippet Four:

Are your super motivated? If so, we are looking for a couple of Orphan Care Coordinators to oversee the Tuesday and Wednesday shifts….the big cheese volunteers! I won’t begin to try to give you the details of this rewarding job in the blog. But, if you are interested in either positions as an Orphan Care Volunteer or a Coordinator, we would be totally delighted to fill you in on the nitty-gritty of the positions.

This is rewarding work. You make great friends. You feel good about giving back to nature, the babies, the community and the environment. And, the bonus of course is that you could arrange it so that you and your pal have an opportunity to visit while you nurture a helpless little creature. You get to see the process from start to finish. You meet like-minded friends. You get to be a hero!

Come join us by calling 480-998-5550 and leaving a message on the Volunteer hotline. You will be called back SOON…I promise!

I look forward to seeing each of you this season with Liberty Wildlife’s Orphan Care machine.

Training begins in March and again in April….be there!

This Week at Liberty 02/21/2011

2011-02-21T14:20:00.001-08:00

The intake total for the year now stands at 117.

Some progress on a couple of previous patients shows up this week, plus we take a look at one or two new arrivals. Prior to the big storm front that moved through the state last weekend, we also got to release one of our recent success story birds. Let's jump right in...!

The harrier gets a tail guard.

Toba and Kristine wipe a messy eater.

A cooper's hawk also gets tail protection.

The male harrier continues to make slow progress toward recovery. Last week he began to get more active (A good sign!) so he was fitted with a tail guard to try to keep his empennage from becoming frayed. Hopefully he'll be going into an outside enclosure as soon as one becomes available! While they were at it, a similar guard was attached to the cooper's hawk which was also endanger of elongating his stay by "brooming" his tail feathers in his cage in the ICU.

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Toba and Sharon examine a gorgeous dark RTH.

Toba makes an ID tag prior to placing the bird outside.

The band is secured in place.

Worthy of a photograph!

A most handsome bird!

We get our share of very dark red-tailed hawks at Liberty and last week another fine specimen came through our doors. Not showing much of the light or buff colored chest, these dark morphs are very distinctive and, seemingly, very strong and "grabby" as a group. The bird was not seriously injured and was banded and placed in the outside RTH enclosure in preparation for a speedy release - it's breeding season!

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Sharon trades looks with another western red-tail.

The sutures are holding.

Another RTH came in with a gaping hole in it's chest. It appears that possibly it was on the short end of a run-in with some barbed wire or possibly an attack by another predator. In any case, Dr. Orr put in some temporary sutures to close the massive wound and it looks like they were just the ticket as the bird is doing well only days later!

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Slow healing is evident.

The GHO that came up from Douglas (thanks, Christie!) a few weeks ago (see TW@L Jan.03 2011) is making slow progress, as is usually the case with electrical injuries. Now that the wounds are healing, it's time to see if the wing will be usable for normal flight as the wraps are removed and feathers can once again grow in.

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A tiny GHO is examined for injury.

It looks a lot like a bullet wound.

The wound is cleaned and irrigated.

Speaking of GHO's, a diminutive owl came in last week with what looks like a bullet wound to his left wing. If it was in fact a gunshot, it appears that the projectile passed completely through the wing without doing much damage to the tissue or breaking any large bones. The med services staff cleaned and treated the wound and will check it again soon to see if X-rays are warranted.

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The osprey hanging around (!) waiting for release.

Dave (rt.) and Greg Kendall load him up for the trip to freedom.

Dave gets ready for the release. (photo by Greg Kendall)

Lift off! (Photo by Greg Kendall)

"There's no place like home!" (Photo by Greg Kendall)

The osprey that came in a couple weeks ago (see TW@L Feb 07) made a full recovery. Last week, his rescuer, Dave Kendall, along with his son Greg, came to Liberty and boxed him up for the ride back to his territory near Gila Bend. Even after the long drive down, the bird flew well when Dave launched him and flew off to begin his life again, hunting the canals and lakes in that area of south-central Arizona. It was another satisfying success story for Liberty, the people at Tierra Construction and the Solana Generating Station who made the call to our hotline, and Dave who drove 150 miles to rescue the downed bird and brought him in for the treatment that saved his life.

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 02/14/2011

2011-02-13T11:49:00.001-08:00

“I am very happy with my order of red tailed hawk feathers. They are really beautiful tail feathers. The condition of the feathers was awesome. I expected to wait a couple of months before receiving my order. I can’t wait to make a fan with these feathers. As soon as I’m finished making the fan I will send y’all a picture. I would like to thank you all very much at Liberty Wildlife for my feathers and for what you all do for our feathered family.”

This is just one of many communications we have had with “customers” of our Non-Eagle Feather Repository. For those of you who follow this blog, you’ll remember that we are part of a pilot program (only one of two in the nation) that enables Native Americans from federally recognized tribes to obtain non-eagle feathers to use in cultural, religious and healing practices.

Let me give you a few statistics. Since we opened in October, 2010 we have received 125 legal requests. Of those requests we have been able to fill 88 so far. There are 6 awaiting approval to send from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. We have been seeking help from other rehabilitators to help us fill orders for species that we rarely see like anhingas. We have 8 outstanding requests for these birds whose feathers are often used in the Native American Church. We have had requests for scissortail flycatcher tails which is another bird not found in our area. We are currently looking for these in other parts of the country where they are found. There are outstanding requests for mature red tailed hawk tails, our most common request. Also listed in the waiting list are caracaras, osprey, red shafted and golden flicker feathers and swan wings.

We have even had requests for non native birds like Macaws, hornbills, and cockatoo feathers. We have relationships with the Zoological Society of San Diego to assist us with molted feathers from their collection. Also, local aviculturists are saving feathers for us so that we will be able to meet some of the non-native requests. If you are reading this now and know of other legally held feather sources, we would love to hear about them.

Our repository staff members have become pros at identifying and assembling tails and wings from molted feathers and that is no simple task (see This Week at Liberty). Each tail or wing has its own unique characteristic which might include unusual barring, spotting, or coloring. One of the guiding principles of our repository is to only send quality feathers, parts or carcasses. We will operate by that principle as we know how important it is for each person to receive the feathers that will satisfy the critical need of the ceremony or religious practice.

“Last night I arrived to find the beautiful feathers. I have much respect and love for the ones here who hunt communally. It took some of the disappoint away, as illness kept me away from the ceremony. Thank You so much for bringing us a pathway for these feathers. I remember wanting these kinds of items and being offered them, it was a talon in a filthy bandana that has kept me from having a fan for 20 years. I felt that the poor being was much disrespected to be harvested and offered to a total stranger like it was nothing. Today, I see how worth the wait has been. I can fashion my medicine knowing these feathers have found their right place in a right way. Thanks to everyone whose efforts made this possible.

To All My Relations,

This note from another “customer” shows us that our efforts are worth it all…enough said! Oh, and Happy Valentine’s Day

This Week at Liberty 02/14/2011

2011-02-13T10:41:00.000-08:00

The intake total for the year is now at 102

We'll see some general updates this week involving new patients as well as some previous intakes. We're also beginning to gear up for the upcoming orphan care season and we'll show you what's on that horizon in the weeks to come. The condor is still in our care and will be for some time yet, and the osprey is making progress toward eventual release.

Let's see what's up this week...

Jan assembles a tail.

In our role as one of the two Non-Eagle Feather Repositories, we respond to requests by native Americans for both feathers and bird parts to be used in religious and cultural ceremonies. Often, whole tails are requested and when this happens, the feathers must sometimes be assembled by our staff prior to shipment. Artistic aptitude and knowledge of bird anatomy and structure is required. Luckily, Jan and Nina have these skills.

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Twice a day, every day...

Access to the crop.

Condor 122 is still in our care. The effects of lead contamination is devastating and often takes several months of careful therapy to overcome. In this case, the muscles of the bird's crop are not working so food must be pumped into his stomach, effectively by-passing the crop. The crop itself has been left open for cleaning and periodic testing for proper function. Twice a day, the bird must be manually held (especially the beak!) while the crop is examined, cleaned, and food is injected to maintain the bird's strength and weight. It promises to be a long process.

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Jan examines an injured GHO wing.

A kestrel is evaluated.

A red-tail gets to go outside.

A lively discussion.

Joining the team outside.

It's a major step when a bird has progressed enough to move from e brooder/cage in the ICU to an outside enclosure. This is usually one of the indications that the bird is getting better and is now expected to begin flying again, at least short distances. They get to acclimate to ambient conditions and associate with others of their species prior to being released outright. This week two birds made the grade by being transferred outside. One, an RTH, and the other a little harris' hawk. The HaHa held his own in the 30ft enclosure with several other harris' hawks and is now able to regain his flying skills. Next step: RELEASE!

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The cooper's wrap is checked.

A cooper's gets a tail guard.

Making progress.

The big young cooper's hawk is making progress in recovery. The wrap was checked last week and since it is still a good candidate for eventual release, a guard was installed to protect it's tail feathers. A broken/damaged tail often leads to leads a prolonged stay as the bird needs to molt in new feathers prior to release.

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Feeding the osprey.

He'll be flying soon...

The osprey from down south is making a slow recovery and is now outside in a flight enclosure. The biggest problem with rehabbing ospreys is their reluctance to eat in captivity. This means that more often than not, they must be force-fed while during the recovery process.

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Peek-a-boo!

The male harrier is making slow progress and got wrapped in a "bird-burrito" in order to get weighed last week. The all seeing eye was the only indication that the towel held precious cargo...

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Visiting neighbors.

Sitting on the wires over the north side enclosures, these two local harris' hawks watch the activity at the facility. The whole family is constantly flying back and forth over the Liberty grounds, sometimes worrying the patients and the full-time residents.

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"I said, LEFT face!"

These starlings were seen on the raptor perch behind Liberty last week. There's always one in every crowd who follows the beat of his own drummer...!

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Veto shows he has "heart"!

OK, this photo has run before, but since it's Valentine's Day, here is another look at Veto, our official Valentine Heart bird! Wishing all the TW@L followers and supporters a warm and heartfelt HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 02/07/2011

2011-02-07T13:19:00.001-08:00

Photo on Wednesday afternoon

Despite the photo this will be an upbeat blog…stay with me. The story begins on a very cold and windy day last week. A wind chill factor of 24 is brutal for a southwestern desert. The place is Gila Bend, Arizona which is about 75 miles from Phoenix. A call comes in from an alarmed worker at the Solana Generating Station and Tierra Construction Site where Liberty Wildlife has been doing some burrowing owl work. A large white bird has been found clinging for life on the side of a running irrigation ditch. Keep in mind that it is cold, windy and the bird is now very wet. The caller thinks that it is possibly a bald eagle, but isn’t sure. A call had been placed to a closer agency but no reply had come for three hours so in desperation they called Liberty Wildlife despite the distance.

Jan Miller took the call and when the photo was electronically sent to her she quickly identified the bird as an adult osprey. Her quick response instructed the workers to get the bird out of the water as it was getting hypothermic. They were to wrap it in something warm and move it into the security trailer. Finding an empty plastic tub and placing the bird in the workers’ jackets, they propped lamps up around the outside of the tub and quickly began the warming process…clever and innovative techniques….making do with what was available!

Jan then started the rescue and transport arm of Liberty Wildlife. On a first call Dave Kendall answered and was willing to drop what he was doing to make the over 75 mile journey (one way) to transport the bird to Liberty Wildlife’s intensive care. As a backup, Tony Sola stood ready to drive the distance if Dave hadn’t been available….what a crew! Cudos to the Rescue and Transport Team for rising to the occasion….this trip was at least 75 miles to the rescue, on to Liberty Wildlife and then back home for the R and T volunteer…..an impressive donation of time for one suffering animal in need….and with others waiting in the wings if needed!

Dave arrived at Liberty in the early evening with the bird. Jan and staff waited to make sure it was stable and comfortable after the ordeal of the day with no real idea of how long the bird had been clinging to the bank. Fellow ospreys had been seen in the area, possibly a mate observing the happenings. This always makes expediency an issue.

Fast forward to a day and a half later…..here’s the happy part. Osprey number 11-0078 is standing and feisty for freedom. If there is a mate waiting, there will soon be a reunion. Whatever the events were that caused this bird to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, the quick action by the folks at the Solana Generating Station and Tierra Construction, the office at Liberty Wildlife, and the dedication of the Rescue and Transport team, the reunion will occur with the distinct possibility of future offspring this year.

I love a success story.

Photo on Thursday afternoon

This Week at Liberty 02/07/2011

2011-02-07T13:13:00.000-08:00

The intake total for the year is now at 93 (I just guessed last week and was a little high...my bad.)

Seems like lots of birds had foot problems this week so we have several photos of "orthopedic sneakers" as they are applied to raptors of various sizes. Sometimes it works, sometimes not, but it's almost always worth the effort. A couple of interesting birds came in and some new pictures of old patients cap off this week's update...

Yellow-rumped warbler with a broken leg.

When you're a tiny bird, you get specialized care, just as when you're huge (see Condor article last week!) This little yellow-rumped warbler had a broken leg, which got a masking tape splint applied to hold the bone in place for healing!

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Cooper's hawk has a sad looking tail.

Accipiters have a well deserved reputation for being wound very tight. This causes them to thrash when in a confined space, which is how they are housed during rehab. Their tails often suffer as a result which is why we apply tail guards as soon as possible when they are taken in. This little guy couldn't wait for his protective "snood" and thoroughly trashed his tail feathers before we were able to get his guard in place. Sigh, a few more weeks waiting for the next molt...!

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Kelly and Arlene discover this guy is just a little kid!

Not fully grown, he's still a big bird!

I brought a fledgling great blue heron in last week - yes, a fledgling - in February!! What were his parents thinking...?! He fell out of his nest and sustained some wing damage in the fall, but hopefully he will heal quickly and get back where he belongs soon!

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Jan checks on some earlier treatment.

A patient patient as stitches are removed.

The young RTH that broke his beak (and tore his crop!) by flying into a window a few weeks ago is doing better by the day. Almost good enough to be released soon, Jan removed some sutures she had placed in his torn crop when he arrived. He was a good patient and hopefully he will soon be back out with the other yearlings, learning how to survive - and not chase reflexions in windows!

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Admiring his shoe...

"Can I please take this off now?"

Toba examines the foot.

He's standing!

We have been treating a little harris' hawk with a bad foot for a couple of weeks. He had an orthopedic shoe installed to keep his toes from curling as he tried to stand and this was removed last week. To the delight of the "vet night" crew, after some massaging and physical therapy on the foot, he was able to stand in almost no time. See? Those orthotic shoe inserts can work!

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Another shoe on another bird.

This cooper's hawk didn't do as well.

Jan looks on as Toba and Sharon check a kestrel's foot.

Joanie examines little talons.

Some other birds also had foot problems to deal with. Another cooper's hawk also had a shoe placed on his injured foot, but his response was not as good. Then a little kestrel presented a foot problem and was also treated to some new shoes to correct some talon problems. No matter how big or small, raptor feet are essential for survival in the wild and must be treated with skill and ingenuity by the Med Services team.

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The male harrier is a beautiful bird.

Toba checks his tail guard.

The center of attention.

Little hearts - for Valentine's Day!

The beautiful male harrier is still in our care. His wing seems to be healing, but slowly. Since he is a good candidate for release, he also got a tail guard so when he is ready, he can be set free and not have to grow in new tail feathers. While working on him last week, someone noticed the somewhat unique pattern of his markings: a bunch of little hearts on his chest and abdomen - making him the perfect Valentine's Day bird for this year!

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Lilly and Stevie feed the osprey.

Looking better each day.

Just to supplement Megan's blog above, I included two shots from today of Lilly and Stevie feeding the osprey as he grows stronger. We're hoping to release him very soon so he can go back to doing what he does best: hunt for fish in the canals near the solar plant site near Gila Bend.

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 01/31/2011

2011-01-31T19:28:00.000-08:00

There is no better way to re-enthuse my passion for the desert than taking a novice out for a hike. To see things through fresh eyes awakens awareness that sometimes seems to be put in a holding pattern. For example, I walk the same neighborhood twice a day and could probably do it blindfolded. All of the sudden the normal configuration blinks differently, and I look to see what is missing…sometimes it is as big as a home taken down in a matter of hours to make way for “progress”. Or, it may be the addition of a tall and perfect saguaro which on closer examination turns out to be a cell phone tower. They are cropping up all over my neighborhood and while a little off putting, at least they aren’t metal towers….I am growing a sort of fond of them and will really accept them when the Gila woodpecker finds a way to move in. But, it is this moving by rote that needs to get jostled up every once in a while.

This sameness holds for desert hikes. Recently I had the opportunity to hike in the Preserve with a friend from Northern California who had never experienced the desert before. He lives in an area where meandering from his back door was a trail into the mountains and that was the hiking experience he was used to. How fun to introduce someone to cactus, especially as grand as the real saguaro….gigantic, imperfect in symmetry, housing a number of critters, and providing nutrition for others. Or how about a tree with green trunks and limbs…the palo verde is unique vegetation, and its success story makes for great hiking conversation. Add to that the variety of other cactus and desert plants that blanket the desert floor quietly waiting to be noticed.

While I have hiked the same trail for many years, I find myself looking for things in a new way, in order to share my passion with this newbie. You know you have a special opportunity when the first question asked is “How come these parks don’t have any grass?” Ah, perfect! Look closely at how it all works together. Observe the lower branches of the palo verde, and believe it or not that is a fox resting in the limbs. Or, the red tail hawk soaring overhead displaying with a mate….readying things for this year’s breeding season. The stand of cholla that looks forbidding and spiteful will be the home of a road runner family who takes advantage of the protection provided by snarls of spines, stickers, snags. A chuckwalla commonly suns on the rocks just on the other side of the trail and a rattlesnake has been seen crossing the trail in front of me….warning me of its presence with the alarming sound or rattles (what a cool adaptation!). And, listen for the howls of the coyotes as they yip, yip, yip at the setting sun...no doubt about that sound….a sentinel of the desert.

There may not be green grass, but in the desert everything is green, be it subtle, all year long and if you are lucky enough to be present during the resplendent spring with bright yellow adorned trees and vibrant cactus flowers….you know it would rival any landscape. You may have to work at appreciating the desert and her glories, but let there be no doubt about how glorious they are! Wake up your awareness and smell the subtleties.

This Week at Liberty 01/31/2011

2011-01-31T17:31:00.000-08:00

The intake total for the year is now at 90 (est.)
The work gets back to a fairly normal ebb and flow this week, working around the condor and his special needs, and admitting some new animals for treatment. As always, some survive and flourish, others, sadly, do not. But the care is always the same high level, professional work done with care and love. Even the unfortunate animals that don't survive deserve to have their stories told with compassion and respect.
Lori and Beth assess an intake GHO. (photo by Nancy Lescault)
On certain evenings, the Med Services staff is one person and they can impress other volunteers into service when the need arises. Here is Lori Reger getting help from Beth, one of the night owl team, to hold a great horned owl that came in late in the day.
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More discarded fishing gear. (photo by Allen Spencer)

A little pied-billed grebe gets untangled. (photo by Allen Spencer)
A young pied-billed grebe came in last week with lots of fishing line and a multi-hook lure impaling his feet. Luckily he was found early in his predicament and the offending line and hooks were removed. He is expected to make a full recovery. Cleaning up after ourselves in the outdoors is as important as it is when we are home.
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Sharon checks a wing as Lesley holds. (photo by Allen Spencer)
A striking young male northern harrier. (photo by Allen Spencer)
For some reason, we don't get a lot of male harriers in at Liberty, but last week a particularly striking example showed up. Because they fly low and hunt on the wing, they are susceptible to collision damage from ground objects, as this bird seemed to be.
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An older cooper's hawk comes in.

Toba wraps an injured wing.
Several accipiters have come in recently and last week was no exception. This cooper's hawk arrived with some wing damage most likely sustained in a collision suffered while chasing some smaller bird from a local feeder. Eye color is indicative of age in accipiters and in this case, shows this bird has been around a long time. We need to get this bird back into the gene pool!
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A very pretty young GHO has a terrible wing injury.

Looking for hope - where there is none.

Dr. Wyman assists the vet night crew with a young RTH.

Looking for some response...

The look on both faces tells the story.
Two of the most common birds of prey that we see are GHOs and RTHs. They are found everywhere in North America. The downside to being this ubiquitous is that if your injuries are severe enough to preclude release, there is nothing that can be done for most of them. Two birds came in last week, a little great horned owl with a catastrophically broken shoulder, and a pretty red-tailed hawk who received a mangled hip/leg injury in a car collision. We are not permitted to amputate wings above the elbow and one-legged hawks cannot survive in the wild. Sadly, this meant they both had to be euthanized. No smiles in the ICU last Tuesday...
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A little female coyote arrives. (photo by Allen Spencer)
"Do I have to come out?" (photo by Allen Spencer)
Dr. Orr examines a broken leg. (photo by Allen Spencer)
Jan helps me hold as Dr. Orr checks the extent of the injury. (photo by Allen Spencer)
A muzzle is required. (photo by Allen Spencer)

The muzzle comes off as she goes back into the carrier. (photo by Allen Spencer)

Resting on the way to the clinic.
Last week Sharon Sneva and I went on a coyote rescue call. The little female had been hit by a car and her back two legs were injured. We got her into the carrier and took her back to Liberty for triage as Dr. Orr was there that morning. Getting her out of the carrier and muzzled was not easy, but after we did, Dr. Orr and Jan confirmed that a leg was broken but that the back was not involved. This was good news so we put her back into the carrier and took her to the clinic near PV Mall who does work for us and Southwest Wildlife. They x-rayed her and decided that she was a good candidate for reconstructive surgery. I left her there in good hands with high hopes for an eventual recovery and release.

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 01/24/2011

2011-01-24T19:50:00.000-08:00

I have written several times about the many positive things that come from volunteering….the feel good you get from helping a cause you believe in, the feel good from giving back, the feel good from making a difference. Those of you who already do volunteer know what I am talking about. But there are secondary benefits that come from volunteering, and they are many and varied.

At Liberty Wildlife I started volunteering more than 27 years ago, and as you can imagine I have met and made some pretty wonderful friends over the years. We have all come together because we share a love of nature and wildlife…the common bond that cements this group together. In those 27+ years some have moved on for different reasons. But, many have stayed.

Here’s what is so fun about it. Many in this group who have come together through a nature and wildlife bond have become like extended family….folks you can depend on in times of need. Those you know well, will always be there. I won’t name names but you know who you are. You might share a love of writing and reading great books…Willa Cather’s, My Antonia….and a love of nature. You share the joy of hiking and biking…the Preserve and the canals….and a love of wildlife watching. You share a passion for kayaking local rivers…. a respect for natural wildness. You share an eclectic taste in music…Rocking Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Blues… a wide respect for living things. You share an incredible work ethic...that makes raising money for our cause “fun?” You share your families with me, as I am far from home….and a desire to be out in nature helping to make things better for us all—wildlife and people.

None of you would have been in my life, or filled those potentially empty spaces, had I not taken the initiative to volunteer in a place of kindred spirits. Maybe you are my BFF and that would be because we had a blending zone that allowed time and space to really get to know one another. How lucky I am!

This Week at Liberty 01/24/2011

2011-01-24T08:36:00.001-08:00

The intake total for 2011 is now at 56.

This week we had the usual suspects - a couple of owls, some kestrels, another merlin - oh, and a California Condor. This update will center largely on the big guy as he is the talk of the facility. But the rest of the patients still get all the same care so we'll show the range in size of the current birds in our care, starting with...

A little hummingbird gets some food.

An injured wing needs time to heal.

As the temperature drops, we seem to get more hummers brought to our window. When the thermometer goes below a certain threshold, humming birds tend to go into a torpid state where they appear almost dead. This conserves critical energy used for thermoregulation. Unfortunately, sometimes when they are in torpor, they fall victim to things that they are able to evade when they are mobile. This little guy needed some safe time to heal a damaged wing.

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Lilly checks for a break.

Stevie holds as Lilly gives fluids.

"I am NOT happy right now!"

More falcons arrived, including this little male kestrel with a wing injury. Again, these birds all become tunnel-visioned when they are in pursuit of their prey and sometimes collide with things in their way. This small bird was struck by a car as he was chasing something for dinner.

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On the way to surgery. (photo by Allen Spencer)

This guy needs a BIG mask! (photo by Allen Spencer)

The anesthesia record tells the short, grim story. (photo by Allen Spencer)

Jan listens to a big heart. (photo by Allen Spencer)

Dr. Orr begins to operate. (photo by Allen Spencer)

The crop is opened for draining and cleaning. (photo by Allen Spencer)

Sharon supports his large head. (photo by Allen Spencer)

Sutures are carefully placed. (photo by Allen Spencer)

Ready for the recovery... (photo by Allen Spencer)

His weight is checked - 18 lbs. (photo by Allen Spencer)

The next day, fluids are again given.

The open crop is irrigated.

On Monday, he gets to eat some liver.

Up on the perch in recovery.

122 is a very handsome bird!

Last week, another of the Arizona flock of California Condors was brought in with a familiar problem: crop stasis due to high lead levels. Dr. Orr operated on the big bird last week and opened the distressed crop, cleaned it, and left it open for a slightly different form of therapy. Instead of a tube bypassing the crop, a tube is placed through it when the bird needs food until he is eating on his own. In the meantime, the open crop is easier to clean and monitor for healthy activity and this procedure doesn't seem as stressful to the bird. He seems to be doing nicely at this point.

Hopefully he will be healthy soon and travel back north to be released. We'll keep you posted.

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Our hearts go out to our staffer, R&C Lead Biologist, and friend, Nina Grimaldi, who lost her mother this week. She and her family are in our hearts and thoughts.

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 01/17/2011

2011-01-17T11:23:00.000-08:00

Things have been so busy both at Liberty Wildlife and in my own life…just lots going on. It made me start thinking about busy-ness in general. We all set goals…in physical training, in a professional direction, in personal relationships. All of these goals require reaching milestones to move in a positive direction….bottom line is we are always on the “go”…..moving and striving relentlessly…afraid to stop for fear we’ll never get going again. It becomes in vogue to be the busiest person you know. And, then it becomes a habit. Then it becomes deadly. Does this sound familiar?

I do know some people who are just pros at separating the rewards of accomplishments with the more subtle rewards of being still. It is those rewards that I want to learn to concentrate on. I am best at being still when I am in nature….not competing, not adding to my list, not doing anything…just being. It is in those rare moments that I notice the flitter of a tiny gray bird, then another. If I am really still I can pick up the sounds they make, the patterns of their feathers, their interactions, their ways of moving. It is as if nothing separates me from the experience…there is no gauze between me and them…crystal clear and inspiring……..

In moments of stillness the “nature spirits” speak to me…ok, that sounds weird, but if you have been there you know what I am talking about. Those unseen spirits move your eyes to catch a change of light or the absence of it that indicates a silent movement…a bobcat negotiating through the bush, a coyote paralleling you along the trail, a spotted owl, observing you from a hidden perch, one eye opening at a time. These are examples of magical moments, all of them, that would have been wasted if I had been too busy to allow myself to be moved by the “nature spirits”, my muses of sorts. How much do I miss when I am busy?

I think it is moments of stillness that inspire a poem or a painting, light the fire under a budding novel, give birth to a brilliant idea, solve an annoying problem. I would like to invite you, if you don’t already do this, to find a space in your life to be still and to learn to reap the rewards. They can be valuable beyond your wildest dreams.

This Week at Liberty 01/17/2011

2011-01-16T11:33:00.001-08:00

The intake total for the year is now at 33.

Still a bit slow on the arrival rate, but things are slowly building. We got in several accipiters this week along with a couple of birds from the Kingman area again. The weather was a little better (temperature-wise) and several outside educational programs went forward in beautiful springtime conditions...

A local inca dove gets injured at the facility.

Last week one of the Medical Services volunteers went outside to do some work and found a little inca dove that had gotten himself trapped between some of the structure of the enclosure. The injury wasn't serious, but a rescue was effected and the little bird was brought in to the ICU for some treatment before being released back to the "wild" of the Liberty compound.

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Kristine works on a sharp-shinned hawk as Carol holds.

A preliminary wing wrap is accomplished.

Our Volunteer Coordinator Carol Suits was on hand to help out in the ICU last week when another sharp-shinned hawk was brought in. The intake of these and other accipiters sometimes comes in groups, usually due to migration times. This little bird suffered a collision injury as is often the cxase with birds who chase other birds.

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The "black merlin" is still in the ICU area.

The right wing has an unusual "angle of incidence."

The pretty little bird has been judged to be "non-releasable."

The little black merlin that arrived a few weeks ago was taken for X-rays last week (see TW@L 1/10/2011) and unfortunately, the images indicated that the break has caused a twist in his right wing. For all you pilots out there, this "washout" on only one side means that his ability to fly has been compromised and he is now officially "non-releasable." After the injury heals well enough, he will be evaluated for possible entry into the education collection where he would certainly be an important addition to the team.

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Toba and Sharon evaluate another sharpie.

Toba shows Jan where the damage is located.

A tail in good condition!

A handsome bird - unless you're a sparrow!

A red wrap on a splinted wing.

Two more sharpies were in for treatment this week. After colliding with more immoveable objects, two birds are now in the ICU with broken wings wrapped and splinted by the Med Services team. Being notoriously high strung, seeing an undamaged tail on one was worthy of a photo as these little guys are apt to trash their tail feathers while in captivity.

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Jessica and Peggy show Elliot and Lance to some people on the west side.

Doug explains about Ivan.

Gayle does some educating with Acoma.

Peggy takes a turn with Phoenix.

A group of us traveled more than 50 miles out to the Estrella Park area last Saturday to do an educational show at a new development in the area. We feel it's important to let the public know who's backyard they're living in and what their natural neighbors look like so a peaceful co-existance can be maintained. The weather was perfect and all the volunteers and birds seemed to have a great day in the sun.

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GHO muffle feather with an interesting pattern.

As an injured great horned owl was being examined last week, someone pointed out an interesting color pattern on one of his primary feathers. This, along with the owl-specific leading edge structure (the curvy comb-like arrangement) made this a picture I thought worth posting.

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If you're not on the Education Team but you still would like to see some of our Ed Birds at a program, you can now check out a calendar of public events. Just go to the Liberty website www.libertywildlife.org and on the Events page, click on the tab that says "to see a calendar of event open to the public."

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 01/10/2011

2011-01-10T17:25:00.000-08:00

With the start of the New Year we begin to rev up the engines that produce our major fund raiser, Wishes for Wildlife. The event, brought to you by the Wildlife Guardians, traditionally focuses on all of our programs. This year, however, we want to shine a laser light on our education programs. This is the perfect opportunity to introduce our Junior Wildlife Guardian Club. We are most fortunate to have a Junior Guardian as one of our Honorary Benefit Chairs. Together with her grandmother, Ms. Sue Glawe, we will be introducing Miss Phoebe Glawe. Phoebe has helped us by releasing a rehabilitated Harris’ Hawk this past year and has been a featured contributor to our KidStuff page in our monthly e newsletter, Nature News. We look forward to the energy and freshness this addition will bring to our event.

Phoebe will be helping us with the Junior Wildlife Guardian Club. This group will be charged with assisting the Wildlife Guardians in supporting the work we do every day of the year, year after year. Perhaps you or someone that you know would be interested in joining a group like this. Follow this blog to learn more about the Club in the future.

With this in mind, it is never too early to learn the lesson of helping our fellow creatures, large or small, human or animal. It is never too early to get involved in something that you care about. It is never too early to experience the fulfillment of making a difference in the lives of those ill, injured, orphaned or just less fortunate.

It is clear that we need to stress the teaching of compassion and tolerance which is best done by mentoring compassion and tolerance. Let me reiterate; it is never too early and it is never too late to start…start now!

This Week at Liberty 01/10/2011

2011-01-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

The intake total for this year now stands at 18.

A smattering of rehab treatments are highlighted this week, some are previous patients, some are new. A couple of interesting shots round out the weekly posting. As Rod Serling would say, "Submitted for your approval..."

Phoenix (upper right) is Liberty's own "War Eagle!" (photo by unidentified guest)

Phoenix attended two educational events today, both populated by ardent Auburn fans. This one was just below Camelback Mountain at the home of Liberty supporter Jamie Lendrum who had over fifty guests in attendance. Phoenix then went to a program near Scottsdale Fashion Mall for over 1,000 more people headed to the BCS game tonight in Glendale.

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An unfortunate inca dove is impaled by a blow dart. (photo by Leslie Guenther)

Jan removes the offending missile. (photo by Lesley Guenther)

Recently, some one brought in a little inca dove with a blow dart through her body. Actually, this is not an uncommon problem, especially right after Christmas. Luckily Jan was able to extract the wire dart and apparently since it was so thin and didn't hit anything vital, the bird will soon recover fully. Blow darts (in fact weapons of any sort) are a questionable gift for children since the temptation to aim at things apart from targets is quite high.

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Cactus wren with a broken beak.

This little cactus wren somehow broke the upper portion of his beak but was lucky enough to find his way to Liberty. While he was in the ICU, he got free of his handlers and got into the office. I spent a couple of hours tracking him behind the many desks and cabinets until he got back out into the ICU area and was finally apprehended and placed in a brooder to heal his injury.

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A little harris' hawk has a wing injury.

Denise holds and Anita feeds.

A young HaHa came in recently with a wing injury and a dislocated leg. The bird is young and is improving slowly as he gets the best care possible from the Med Services team.

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Maureen helps Arlene treat the GBH.

The great blue heron is doing better as he responds to treatment for an injured wing. As he is in his breeding plumage, we want to get him back in shape to be released as soon as possible. The updates will continue...

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The golden eagle gets some new foot wraps.

The bumble foot is greatly improved.

Some antibiotics are administered.

The big bird has some sporty new shoes!

The golden eagle that developed bumble foot recently is getting better. His wraps were removed and changed last week (a three person job!) and it looks like the lesions are shrinking quickly. Hopefully, he'll be fully recovered soon.

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Denise and Cheyenne work on a cooper's hawk Jerry brought in.

Apparently shot, the little bird's world is turned upside-down.

Another apparent gun-shot wound showed up last week in the form of a wounded cooper's hawk. It's hard to imagine what people are thinking when they shoot at birds like this. Some folks don't like accipiters since they prey mainly on other birds, sometimes those that populate bird-feeders. You just need to realize that's how nature works and be glad you can witness it happening.

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Tony brings in a pretty little sharp-shinned hawk.

Katrina works on the sharpie as D.C. holds.

The wound is cleaned.

Katrina makes a splint.

The splint is wrapped to the broken wing.

Some birds seem more fragile than others, even if they make their living killing others of their kind. This little sharp-shinned hawk collided with some rafters in a barn and broke a wing. Katrina washed the wound and made a beautiful splint from a padded tongue-depressor which she then wrapped to the broken appendage. Daniel (D.C.) helped her in one of his last volunteer days for a while. He is going to basic training at Ft. Benning soon but promised to return when he gets out of BT.

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Yes, this really IS Arizona!

Just to confirm that we truly are going through a cold winter here in the southwest, this shot of bundled up volunteers last week should be proof. On some days, the water in the hoses used to clean cages and fill water dishes was frozen in the morning. But no one calls in "too cold" and the work still gets done, cheerfully, in the "layered look" that is so in vogue!

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 01/03/2011

2011-01-02T11:33:00.001-08:00

The New Year always reminds me of my first day of school in the elementary grades. Now I’ll eagerly admit that those years were some time ago so my memories might not ring true to most of you…but, some of you’ll know what I am talking about. It was all about new classrooms, new desks, new teacher, new classmates. Each desk had new books, newly sharpened pencils, and sparkling clean tablets (not a laptop to be found). Can any of you remember the smell of a brand new box of Crayolas? I looked forward to the experience of learning, playing, and exploring. I remember being so excited that I couldn’t sleep the night before. Every day was something new and exciting.

With this New Year there are many similarities to my old experience of opening day at school (except for the sleeping part). At Liberty Wildlife January 1^st brings pristine forms to fill out accounting for the many activities that take place at the facility through the following twelve months. This year’s Intake log book starts with a blank page and the initial number, 11-0001, a verdin, then 11-0002, a woodpecker, 11-0003, a hummingbird, 11-0004, a Mexican jay. With 126 species and a total intake of around 3300 animals in 2010 we are well on our way to reaching the same diversity and number in 2011.

We know that there will be many new friends to welcome in terms of dedicated volunteers, supporters and learners. Our education calendar for last year (as yet not totally tallied) reflects between 370-420 educational programs for the public….schools, community events, scout troops, nursing and retirement homes, etc. That is quite an accomplishment for our education group and our cadre of educational ambassadors. Our calendar is already filling up for the spring semester, but not to fear, there is always room for more educational opportunities for eager learners.

As we embark into our 30^th year of providing rehabilitation, education, research and conservation services and now our non-eagle feather distribution to Native Americans, we eagerly look forward to filling the books again with more animals cared for, more educational programs provided, assisting with more nest moves and conservation projects, and a helping more Native Americans to fully and legally practice their cultural and religious practices.

Here’s to the next 30 years! Just imagine what we can accomplish. Like every other new year, a clean slate backed by a lot of prior successes and accomplishments. Let’s come together and make it all happen again.

Happy New Year to all of the readers of Hoots, Howls, and Hollers, and This Week at Liberty.

This Week at Liberty 01/03/2011

2011-01-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

The intake for the new year is now at... 4!

OK, back on schedule with TW@L for 2011! A couple of new intakes from various places around the area and the state made the update this week, and a couple of previous patients are still in our care. We did some X-ray work on Thursday - and saw some SNOW! (I was in Anchorage last night and it was warmer than Phoenix!)

Let's start the year off...

A GBH in breeding plumage is a guest in the heron enclosure.

Arlene and Sharon help as Jan examines...

Tony brought in a great blue heron from the west side last week. He had to wade out into the lake to get the big guy who had been dragging a wing for a day or two. Normally we don't attempt to get water fowl out of the water, but Tony is a hard-core dedicated rescuer and was not to be denied! The beautiful bird is now recovering outside in the heron "run" on the north side.

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A black-crowned night heron - also in breeding plumage.

A Schroeder-Thomas splint is used.

Attachment is the tricky part.

The final protective wrap.

An unfortunate BCNH came in last week in terrible condition. He has a broken wing and a broken leg. The wing was a fairly straight forward, but a long-legged wading bird like the heron is in particularly bad shape when their legs are structurally damaged. We fashioned a special splint called a "Schroeder-Thomas" that fits around the leg and transfers the weight and stress from the foot up to the body, allowing the broken limb to mend. The poor bird has a lot of healing to do and the prognosis is still not great, but he has a chance, thanks to the Med Services team!

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A young RTH learns about glass - the hard way!

Now he joins the rest of the Red-Tail rehab club outside!

A young red-tailed hawk was brought in recently with a damaged beak after reportedly flying directly into a window! Audubon estimates that a billion (that's with a "b"!) birds fly into windows each year. They usually see a reflexion of blue sky or possibly themselves and think they are driving off an intruder or just flying toward the open sky. The unfortunate lesson learned is that glass doesn't yield to feathers and bone and in this case, the young bird's beak was broken at the tip. If he hadn't been rescued, he would certainly have died, being unable to eat on his own until the tip grew back. Being kept safe and well fed at Liberty, he is now joining the rest of our rehabbing RTH's to recover his flying skills and will be released in the near future, having learned a valuable, though painful lesson.

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Another electrical injury from down south.

Checking for burn marks on her toes.

Now we wait to see how deep the current went.

The hotline got a call from someone in Douglas last week about an injured great horned owl. Our good friend Christie van Cleve who now lives near Sierra Vista took the time to go down and retrieve the bird, gave it a quick exam and some food, and then drove up to the north side of Tucson where I met her and took the bird on the last leg of the relay to Liberty. It appears that her left wing has a probable electrical burn and is quite swollen and discolored. Some soothing ointment was applied and the wing wrapped after a complete exam was performed to look for other indications of electrical intrusion. Now all we can do now is wait to see how deep the current went and how much damage was done. Fingers crossed, please! (Thank you Christie!)

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The first RTH is readied for X-ray.

Now we know what caused the break: a 22 cal.pellet!

Dr.Wyman applies some sutures.

"But I don't WANNA get my picture taken!"

Dr.Wyman and Jan study the X-ray.

Jan holds the black merlin as Dr.Wyman palpates the injury.

Yes, this IS Arizona on December 30th!

Last Thursday was X-ray day so we took five birds up to Cave Creek for a photo session! One big RTH that has been with us for a week or so (and has been featured in previous TW@L updates) had a badly broken wing of unknown origin. The break was finally shown to have been caused by a 22 cal. pellet that severely damaged the humerus above the elbow. It's amazing how well lead shows up in X-rays... We also got diagnostic shots of the prairie falcon that Tim McAdam flew in from Ft. Mohave and the little black merlin that has been our patient recently. The P.falcon should be able to fly again, though how soon is a guess. Unfortunately, the merlin does not appear to be a candidate for release at this point. We'll keep you posted.

While we were at the Animal Health Services facility, a rare event occurred: snow began falling - enough to get the staff to come outside and take pictures of this oddity in the Arizona desert! (Thank you AHS, for allowing us the use of your X-ray unit!)

This Year at Liberty 2010

2010-12-30T22:48:00.000-08:00

As the year 2010 comes to an end, the intake total is 3244 (as of 9am, 12/31)

Just as it happens every year, we had some stunning successes as well as some heartbreaking losses. But in the almost thirty years Liberty has been in the picture, helping Arizona's wildlife, that is just the way it works. We relish the times we get to put one in the win column, and try to move as stoically as possible passed the times we're unable to undo the damage wrought on these wonderful animals who are just trying to live to see another sunrise. And in all this, the wonderful volunteers go on, doing their jobs day after day, with only one thought: Make the lives of these creatures better.

It's become some kind of a small tradition that each Dec 31, I sort through all the photos I used in the TW@L updates each week and randomly select a few to produce a slide show that covers the previous year. So here, in no particular order or ranking, are some of he shots that made TW@L what it was in 2010...

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Happy New Year to everyone from This Week at Liberty!

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 12/27/2010

2010-12-26T20:39:00.000-08:00

Photo by Deb Vath

I gave up on making New Year’s resolutions years ago. It just didn’t work out too well for me. Instead I look for things to give me hope in the coming year. This is one that I found recently. First of all, it is one of my favorite photos of the year. It kind of says it all. Pictured above are Liberty Wildlife Educator Anne Peyton and Libby, our educational bald eagle who are shown with Arianna Martinez of Tucson’s Sunnyside-Audubon Student Urban Naturalist Club and her brother, Angel. Doesn’t it look like everyone is having fun, even Libby? Here’s the scoop.

Anne Peyton and Craig Fischer of our Education group drove down to Tucson to provide a program for the Tucson Audubon Society in November. We make this trip at least once a year, and it is always a big hit. But this year we learned something too. Prior to the Liberty Wildlife presentation Arianna Martinez gave a power point report on what the Sunnyside-Audubon Urban Naturalist Club was all about. This poised, intelligent young lady speaking to a group of adults wowed the assemblage with information about some of the Club’s activities. According to Arianna, it is a group of middle school students who explore birds, habitat and the local environment. Their sponsor, Deborah Vath, says that they meet once a week after school to bird, participate in hands on nature activities and share their knowledge with the youth in their community. They have created the Sweetwater Wetlands Family Outings where families are encouraged to bring children, check out binoculars, local field guides and backpacks full of fun birding activities. How much easier does it get? How great for a family outing!

These students also mentor younger students with age appropriate displays and activities, have planted demonstration bird and butterfly gardens, helped a local rehabilitation group, will host a National Day of Service on Martin Luther King Day, educate the community about environmental issues in the area and work to clean up environmentally challenged areas.

They have won awards, been awarded well deserved grants, and best of all have made enjoying the out of doors, learning about their surroundings and having a positive impact on it…a cool thing to do! Look at the smiling, energetic faces. It makes me want to go along. This is our future and that gives me great hope.

Happy New Year to all of you, and I wish each of you many reasons to find hope.

This Week at Liberty 12/27/2010

2010-12-26T20:15:00.001-08:00

The intake total for the year is now at 3236.

This update will actually cover most of two weeks (since I did the Christmas video last week!) We did some work on the rehabbing golden eagle, and we took in several accipiters, and a number of falcons. All this on the week before Christmas which led Claudia to bring out a picnic for the volunteers.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

Intensity...

Joe holds a hooded golden eagle.

The golden eagle that has been with us for some time has suddenly developed a foot problem called "bumble foot." This infection is not uncommon in birds of prey, especially the larger, heavier ones like eagles. The onset in this case was somewhat sudden and is being treated aggressively. However, any time we work on the business end of an eagle, care must be taken and it was a three-person job to treat the big girl.

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A beautiful young peregrine comes in from south Phoenix.

The injury could be a gunshot wound.

Yes, falcons do bite.

It's a young bird who deserves a chance.

A recent call brought me to south Phoenix to rescue a "hawk" that had been shot. When I got to the site, I found a very handsome peregrine falcon in a dog carrier. The wound seems to indicate the involvement of firearms, but X-rays will confirm this. This is a young bird who hopefully will be able to regain enough flight to be released. We'll keep you posted...

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Kurt looks on as Rebecca assesses his first rescue.

A pretty little female kestrel.

Kurt License just got his Liberty badge on the 15th, the same day he brought in his first rescue. The little female kestrel was called in from the far southeast valley and has a wing injury of unknown cause. In any case, the bird was lucky Kurt was on the job. Rebecca performed the initial assessment of the break/dislocation.

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A strikingly dark merlin.

A black merlin, according to Craig.

We got in a very dark merlin with a wing injury a few days ago. Unlike the 'prairie' merlins we usually see here (like our own Galahad) this little bird is very dark in color and according to Craig Fischer, is a black merlin, usually found more commonly in the Pacific northwest area.

Treatment continues...

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An older sharp-shinned hawk.

Everyone wants to see the chart.

A young cooper's hawk is also under care.

Alison and Donna wrap an older cooper's hawk.

A splint will hold until further treatment during 'vet night.'

Later on that very same day...

Several accipiters are now in our care. An older sharp-shinned hawk was brought in a couple weeks ago with an apparent head injury. Next was a couple of cooper's hawks of varying age with wing injuries. Accipiters are notorious for suffering collision injuries and these birds are no different. Especially when migrating, these avian specialists are usually chasing other birds and become single-minded in their pursuit. When traversing unfamiliar territory, they all-too frequently collide with objects like trees, wires and windows causing often serious damage.

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Claudia's spread for the Tuesday crew et al.

Note the labels: "Carnivore - Vegetarian - Vegan"

The Tuesday team leader, Claudia, brought out a feast for her team to be shared by all volunteers working Christmas week. Something for everyone, the dishes were labeled Carnivore, Vegetarian, or Vegan as appropriate. Only at Liberty would a crew of volunteers work gladly on Christmas week, and only at Liberty would they chow down on sandwiches, shrimp, and other picnic fare while dishing out mice, fish, and quail to hungry raptors.

Thank you, Claudia!

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Another year passes by and as we approach 2011, I'd like to thank all those who follow TW@L each week. Your comments and readership are appreciated more than you know.

Happy New Year to all!

2010-12-20T19:19:00.000-08:00

I released our last baby great horned owl (no longer a baby, trust me) last night at a public event. It is always a joyous thing and at this time of year it seemed even more joyful. The setting was lovely…trees surrounded an open area, perfect for roosting, resting and raiding the fridge, so to speak. When I retrieved the feisty great horned owl from the box, it was heartening for me to see what a great job we had done….this baby was ready to go and didn’t try to pretend anything else. Tufts back, eyes orb-like, talons flexed…..

I always make this kind of event an opportunity to educate, and it never ceases to amaze me how receptive a group can be. The questions are almost always the same….what kind of owl is it; how did you get it; what was wrong with it; how long have you had it; how do you know it is ready for release, etc? It is the perfect springboard for talking about the adaptations of the species, about the part they play in the greater scheme of things, about why we should care, and what we can do to make things better for them.

This time was a little different. There were the usual question, but there was also hue and cry from the mostly female group concerned about more intimate kinds of things like….does she know how to get food, find a mate, know where to sleep tonight, and is she scared? I assured them that we had done everything possible to prepare this orphan for the hard and cruel world….She was with foster parents of her same species from the moment she was brought in to us. She was with others of her own species all of the time. She was in with foster parents who were flighted so that she could learn as much about flying as she could in a flight cage. Eventually she was allowed to take live prey similar to her needs in the wild, and to prove that she could be successful on her own…no one to help her. And, she was allowed to be as wild as is possible with the cards dealt to her.

When I took her from the box, I had no doubt that she had passed all of the tests. Even under the ideal scenario of being raised in the wild by wild parents, things are tough on first year birds. So, with wishes from the group for a long life and many babies, she was released into a full moon night…..free at last, and if beaks could smile I am sure she was grinning ear-to-ear. And that would be a very big grin!

I was and always am impressed by the amount of compassion people ooze when they have participated in this once in a life time experience. I am pretty sure no one at this event will ever look at a great horned owl in the same way, and I am definitely sure that they will act on the behalf of wildlife if ever given an opportunity!

I want to take this moment to wish all of you and your families the very best holiday season yet…..and to thank each of you for your compassion on behalf of our wildlife neighbors. It is you who give me hope and make me joyous.

This Week at Liberty 12/20/2010

2010-12-20T18:33:00.000-08:00

The intake total for the year is now at 3219.

This being the holiday season, and this in particular being Christmas week, I wanted to do something a little special. I put together a short video slide show pairing some of my favorite music (from George winston) and pictures of some of the little birds and animals that find their way to Liberty each year. I've always felt that kids have a special bond with animals, especially baby animals. And as Christmas seems to get more commercial every year, it's still largely about the children, no matter what species they may be...

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 12/14/2010

2010-12-14T17:22:00.000-08:00

Here’s a bit of good news…in fact it’s a lot of cool news. Our Education volunteer, Craig Fischer has recently been selected to receive the Paul L. Singer Award from Banner Health. Each year Banner Health honors employees who make an extraordinary contribution to the community by volunteering. Dr. Paul L. Singer was a chief-of-staff at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, an Arizona State Senator, and a member of the Board of Regents. The award recognizes and applauds his longtime commitment to the community.

And, what could be a better way to honor his service than picking someone like Craig Fischer to carry the award away this year? Craig and three others were selected for the coveted award. Craig’s own words best describe to you one of the amazing successes he has experienced with his educational endeavors as a Liberty Wildlife educator. Says Craig,

“I was speaking at an event and a young girl came out or the audience and started asking us all sorts of questions about the birds—and kept on asking. Then I noticed there was this woman crying so I excused myself and asked her if there was anything I could do. She said, ‘No, but I’ve never seen anything like this before! My daughter is severely autistic and she never speaks in public.’ That’s when I realized that the bird was her bridge in making a connection from her world to a greater world. The girl is now finishing up her schooling, planning to attend a community college to be out there with people. She wants to become a veterinarian. It was absolutely astounding. She went from being closed-in to being a vibrant person all because the bird was that bridge to a wider world for her.

Wow! What a wonderful story told by a wonderful volunteer. Not only does Craig carry off this honor but Banner has donated to Liberty Wildlife and to Craig to help us continue our impactful work. This is meaningful on so many levels. A huge entity like Banner not only encourages and honors its employees to give back to the community, but it also rewards and recognizes achievement with a monetary extra.

I applaud Craig and his generous donation of time and money to Liberty Wildlife and the animal community that we care for, but also for his generosity of spirit to the community of people with whom we are intricately entwined.

Thanks Craig, for all that you do.

This Week at Liberty 12/14/2010

2010-12-14T15:52:00.001-08:00

The intake total for the year is now at 3200.

Sorry this is a day late. I had some yard work done this weekend and my cable got cut!

OK, we had a couple of nice releases this week, a ceremony for feathers, an eagle project, and the usual birds in trouble! Plus, the important role X-rays play in proper diagnosis. Let's get to it!

Ready for the release.

On to a new life!

Back in Mat of this year, I brought in an orphan GHO who joined the growing list at Liberty. He was raised by our foster parents and grew fast and strong. Now ready to take his place in the Arizona night, he was released last week by some wonderful people in the Paradise Valley area. They have lots of wildlife in their back yard and provided a great place for this little guy to start his new life!

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The distribution ceremony principles...

The agents and staff received a special blessing.

As always, the Ed birds were a hit for the impressive crowd!

Libby is always a star.

A ceremony commemorating the initial distribution of feathers by Liberty to individuals in the Native American community was held last week. Representatives from local tribes, Liberty Wildlife, and the US Fish and Wildlife Dept. were on hand as were several Education birds and their handlers. The ceremony was held at the Native American Connection facility down town and an official from there offered prayers and a special blessing for the recipients and for all who worked to make this program a reality. Joe and Lady Liberty, as well as Jan and Phoenix, were available for photos before and after the event.

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Joe does some preliminary clean-up work.

The new storage area looks great!

Another eagle scout project was completed last week as Eagle candidate Nick Sterner headed a team of scouts who poured concrete and rebuilt shelves at the corner of our facility to store carriers and other equipment. Nick saw Libby at a show a couple of years ago and decided to do his project for us when the time came. This kind of work is a welcome supplement to what the regular volunteers do and allows the scouts to complete their eagle projects in a worthwhile manner.

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The Liberty Air-Evac service comes through again!

A pretty barn owl - with an ugly break.

Not a pretty picture.

OK, that's NOT a red-tail!

"I just don't feel like flying!"

Who would do that to a beautiful bird like this?

Liberty got back into the air again this week as Tim McAdam flew his personal helicopter up to Kingman and Fort Mohave to retrieve two injured birds. One was a very pretty barn owl who has a badly broken wing. The bird even showed up with his own X-rays! The other one was supposed to be a red-tailed hawk, but when we opened the carrier, inside was this gorgeous prairie falcon! Jan and her Vet-night team couldn't find any obvious injury but she seemed reluctant to fly so we called the North Valley Animal Clinic in Ft. Mohave to inquire as to the bird's story. It seems she was found on the ground at a local park, surrounded by kids who were pelting her head with rocks. We're still evaluating the extent of her damage...sigh.

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A great looking HaHa - with some not-so-great problems.

The left side (arrow) should look like the right side (circle).

We currently have a great looking harris' hawk that can't fly. The X-rays showed us why: she has a badly damaged coracoid bone in her right shoulder. This bone, connected to the upper end of the humerus, the scapula, and the furcula (wishbone), provides support and motion stabilization for the wing as it moves, thus is crucial for flight. Although the bird appears totally normal from the outside, her skeleton in this region is a mess. This is why our ability to obtain quality X-rays is critical.

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Lead pellets show up disturbingly well in X-rays.

This one was hidden, but explained why the bird was having troubles with motor skills.

Not only can X-rays indicate bone damage, they are particularly useful for detecting and locating bullets and other gun-propelled projectiles in the birds we take in. One hawk that had been shot appeared mostly healed but was having a difficult time moving normally. Jan suspected another pellet in or near her head and this was confirmed by further X-rays.

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Nina's holiday desk.

Everyone else is too busy to decorate, but Nina, even though she is also swamped with projects and work, always takes time to get into the spirit of whatever holiday is coming around. Last week she strung some Christmas lights at her desk, showing she has the right attitude - and spirit - for the holiday season!

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If you want to have a great experience and wish to help Liberty at the same time, think about the Verde Canyon Rail Road for a cool Arizona adventure! While partnering with Liberty Wildlife, they are holding a raffle for our benefit. A sculpture done by Greg Woodard is the prize ands all proceeds go to Liberty Wildlife! (See last week's TW@L)

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 12/06/2010

2010-12-05T08:51:00.000-08:00

Today I will be playing with your emotions. I don’t mean to but sometimes it just happens that way. It was a week full of extremes…ups and downs…a roller coaster ride.

This past Friday at the Valley Forward Annual Luncheon Joel Sartore, a National Geographic journalist put us on notice. His topic was endangered species and his stunning photography made even a Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly charismatic. The message was basically, “How many species do we have to lose before we humans as a species begin to get uncomfortable? When do we figure out that every species has a reason for being—every one of them?” He was charismatic and also reasonable. He left us with reason to hope—only if we hear a call to action and begin to act responsibly. His new book, Rare, Portraits of America’s Endangered Species, might make a great holiday gift.

Saturday and Sunday saw Liberty Wildlife’s staff and volunteers at the Verde Canyon Railroad helping them celebrate 20 years of sharing one of Arizona’s beautiful places with the rest of the world. Education volunteers and wildlife ambassadors greeted the riders of the train with our message of respect and awe for our native birds. At all times there were 5-6 people deep vying for an opportunity to be up front and eye to eye with eagles, owls, falcons, and hawks that might be seen in the wild in the canyon. On Sunday several of us rode the train….three purposes in mind—to celebrate the anniversary, to release two rehabilitated red tailed hawks, and to introduce Sonora to the crowd.

The celebration was delightful….too many stories to share at this point. The release was breath-taking. Owner of the Railroad, Dave, and his daughter were selected to let the red tails go. It was one of those very high moments. The train stopped at a spot where both ends of the train curved gently on the track allowing each rider filled open air car to see the middle car where the release was staged. All of the onlookers and well wishers counted to three, sent a silent wish on the strong wings of the hawks, and with a burst of eager energy—exhilarating freedom. The beauty of the canyon was enhanced by our addition and from where I was, I couldn’t see a dry eye.

And then, the murmur rose as we tramped back through the cars to our seats in the very front of the train…”Sonora is coming. Sonora will be here in a few minutes. Are we really going to be seeing a bald eagle?” Enter Jan, Joe and Sonora….what a rock star! She rides the train in the same way that she’d take to the air if she could. What hams, Joe and Sonora! Much the crowd pleasers…..

But from that high note, the rollercoaster takes a dive. We say goodbye to Mike Doran…a friend and long time volunteer at Liberty Wildlife—a consummate lover of birds. As an incredibly responsible medical services volunteer, his big, gnarled hands could oh so tenderly wrap the tinniest bird’s wing, infusing the bandage with his encouragements for healing which many absorbed and many were healed. He has finally shed his own pain and suffering like old molted feathers, no longer of any use, and with a new buoyancy, we hope, he is now keeping company with the birds he so cherished. So long, Mike. You will be missed by all of us.

This Week at Liberty 12/06/2010

2010-12-05T08:47:00.000-08:00

The intake total for the year is now at...? (I don't know, I had to fly out of town today. Look for the update next week!)

A short week but some interesting updates none-the-less. Also some pics of a program at the Verde Canyon Rail Road, plus a totally awesome donation from one of our volunteers. Here we go...

A pasta-eating gila woodpecker.

A very nice lady brought this little bird in last week, explaining that she had him since October 1st! He had been in her backyard (along with her other pets) and had been injured somehow. She was keeping him in a cage and feeding him spaghetti, noodles, and some other pasta. She said the bird didn't seem to like the pasta but did like the ants that would crawl on the food! I told here that was because gila's eat insects so, in fact, she was feeding him a passable diet.

Whether or not he can be released is still up in the air...

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The little owl with the big ear tufts looks to be an electrical injury.

Toba and Sharon wrap a burned wing.

The small GHO with the large ear tufts now looks to be an electrical burn victim. Many times these types of injuries don't become evident until time passes and the damage from an internal burn shows up. The tip of his left wing is involved and Jan wasn't sure how bad it was yet. Only time will tell.

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A sad harlan's red-tailed hawk.

The tail is gorgeous - as is the rest of the bird.

A fairly uncommon red-tailed hawk showed up last week. At first it was thought to be a Krider's hawk, but now the prevalent thinking is that it might be a light morph harlan's.

The bird has some serious head trauma and is still on the "very critical" list. We are all hoping this beautiful bird will pull through and get released to spread it's genetic message around to other RTH's.

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Art checks in a cooper's hawk.

A dose of medicine is indicated and administered.

Not a youngster.

He has a beautiful set of feathers!

Most accipiters that show up at our door are collision injuries, and most of these are young birds who have yet to learn that windows are not traversable. In this case, the bird is an adult as evidenced by the red eyes (young cooper's and sharpies have light yellow eyes.) Art did the intake exam and give the initial treatment so now we'll keep the bird under close observation to judge the extent of it's injuries.

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Digger gets to stay home.

The "four amigos" get a trip south!

Four little burrowing owls that have been raised at Liberty by foster parent "Digger" were ready to go last week. Holly Hicks, one of our volunteers, took them down to the La Cienegas National Conservation Area south of Tucson to be released. There is a large colony of black-tailed prairie dogs there that are part of an effort to repopulate this species and since BuOw's and the BtPd's are one of the great symbiotic relationships in nature, the match up was obvious. The burrowing owls inhabit unused prairie dog burrows and the two species get along famously. These four little guys will join some others that arrived naturally.

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Greg Woodard gets to meet Libby.

"Looking West" by Greg Woodard. (Life-size bronze)

Liberty did a program at the Verde Canyon Rail Road last Saturday to help commemorate their 20th anniversary. On hand with several Liberty Education birds was Greg Woodard, a well known champion wildlife sculptor. One of his works is now on display at the train depot, and another of his pieces is being raffled off with proceeds going to Liberty Wildlife! Visit their website at http://verdecanyonrr.com/ for more pictures and information.

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OK, why is this picture in TW@L?

It might not seem like a big thing, but Liberty volunteer Susie Vaught donated a new "fixture" to the facility last week. If you've ever had to use the previous "equipment," you'll know why everyone thought this was a truly wonderful gift! Thank you, Susie!! You've secured a seat in our hearts!

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 11/29/2010

2010-11-29T16:32:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving may be behind us, but its essence isn’t over yet. That being said…...Feel the Spirit!

We are looking for partners. You could be one….sign up for partnerships designed to catapult our mission to “new heights”. Partners can volunteer to help—hands on. Or, partners can help supply the resources that it takes to send our mission soaring to “new heights”. “New heights” translates into helping more animals, providing more education, assisting our community with more wildlife issues.

You might be asking “Why me as a partner?” The answer is because you clearly care or you wouldn’t be following our blogs. You (1) care about our wildlife neighbors. (2) know that not a single animal we see comes in with an insurance card. (3) understand that tests must be paid for, x-rays, and medications have a cost attached to them, and groceries aren’t free. (4) and, over 3600 animals so far this year have needed our help/your help.

We need you as a partner because you recognize the value of education. You care because (1) you know that most schools today have no money for extra programming. (2) you know that most young people today don’t have an opportunity to interact with the natural world. (3) you know that innately they crave this connection and need it for their overall well-being….on a regular basis, letters from students backup this partnership need. (4) you know that taking our educational ambassadors to schools across the state requires gasoline, insurance, and upkeep.

Become a partner in our mission. Give your time, give at your workplace (www.EFAZ.org ), shop on line at our store (www.libertywildlife.net), or take advantage of tax deductions by end-of-the-year giving. Remember us in your planned giving. Leave a legacy.

Partner with us; join our work; support our mission….Happy Thanks-4-Giving! Pass it on and Feel the Spirit!

This Week at Liberty 11/29/2010

2010-11-29T14:40:00.001-08:00

The intake total for the year is now at 3161.

As you can see from the slowly climbing numbers, the intakes are now dribbling in quite slowly. The holiday is probably affecting the number as well as people weren't spending as much time outside this week. Still, a few animals showed up and a few even got released, which is always a good thing! Let's see what's going on...

Alpo is in for the "night."

The resident desert tortoises at Liberty are now quietly beginning their long winter naps. Alpo and Grandpa are both bundled up in their enclosures, stuffed with fresh hay to keep them warm, safe, and quiet for the duration of the winter. The two baby tortoises are not allowed to "hibernate" this early in life as it is dangerous for them to remain unattended and unfed during their first year or so.

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A very cute "kid."

The juvenile swainson's hawk that came in a few weeks ago is getting along fine with his foster parents. This little bird is totally cute and will be kept safely with us until the spring migration returns and he is allowed to rejoin the flock of swainson's on their journey back north for the summer.

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"My, what big... er, feather tufts you have!"

Fluid injection forms a perfect "bolus."

A nice looking GHO arrived last week and after showing off his rather large feather tufts (no, they're not ears or horns!), his wing was wrapped and he was given some fluids before getting some rest and quiet needed for recuperation from a wing injury.

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Not all rabbit's feet are lucky.

A bunny came in last week with a broken foot. All rabbit foot jokes aside, we hope he's gong to heal well enough to be released eventually.

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A very pretty yellow bellied slider.

A broken jaw is not a good thing - especially when you're that close to the ground.

OK, Liberty doesn't release non-native species back to the wild, but when one comes in that's been injured, we don't turn them away, we try to stabilize them and then transfer them to facilities that handle that type of animal. Last week, somebody found this pretty yellow bellied slider turtle near the Phoenix Zoo and saw that he was injured. They picked him up and brought him to us. Our staff did what they could and then got him to Rebecca who does our bat and reptile outsource treatment. He will most likely end up living with some one who knows how to treat him like the pet he obviously was.

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The big young RTH is ready to go outside.

Toba makes the ID band.

The beautiful big red tailed hawk that has been with us for a couple of weeks is not well enough to leave the inside cage and go to an outside enclosure to acclimate to the ambient climate and to try some short flights. After the transfer evaluation, he was given a new ID band and taken to the 30' RTH enclosure to join Jack and then other outside rehab RTH's.

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A HaHa in fairly good shape.

Sharon gives her a "flight check."

A short visit and back to her family!

A nice looking harris' hawk arrived last week and after a thorough evaluation, was deemed OK to fly. She was trhen taken to the flight enclosure and test flown where she passed her "check ride" with flying colors (chestnut, black, and white!) Sharon then took her back to her own territory just north of Liberty and released her to rejoin her family! It's good to be home for the holidays!

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A big crowd for Liberty at the Arizona Country Club.

Dr. Beischel checks out Libby.

Megan explains the procedure.

Dr. Beischel holds "his" owl.

A perfect release!

Two very special owl lovers.

Late last spring, Dr. Doug Beischel was golfing at the Arizona Country Club when he heard a snapping sound at his feet. Looking down, he found a baby great horned owl at his feet clicking his beak. After a call to the Liberty hotline, the owl was rescued and then raised by one of our foster parent owls until last week. A large crowd of members with their children arrived at the club last Wednesday evening to witness the release. Liberty had several education birds on hand before Dr. Beischel gave one the best pre-release stories ever told, and made a perfect launch of this young bird to begin his new life. Also on hand were two young ladies, each with a small barn owl puppet in honor of their favorite owl. They got to meet Henri, Liberty's wonderful barn owl, and told volunteer John Glitsos what they knew about raptors. What a great way to prelude Thanksgiving Day!

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 11/22/2010

2010-11-22T17:35:00.001-08:00

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, like many of the rest of you I have been thinking about all of the things that I am thankful for…and there are many. How about I tell you what some of them are?

I am thankful for all of the things that most of you are…the obvious things like family and friends, my pets, my health and the health of others. I am thankful that I live in a free country. I am thankful for the many experiences, some good and some maybe not so good, that have made me who I am.

But there are other things, relative to my work with Liberty Wildlife and my own preferences that might not be so similar. I am so grateful for the staff and volunteers at Liberty also for the obvious reasons…they make the place what it is. I am forever thankful for the donors and supporters of our mission…they make it possible for us to do what we do. I am thankful for the opportunities that I have had to interact with some of the most charismatic creatures on the planet and with those that might seem “everyday” but are unique and spectacular in their own ways. They make our everyday enriched.

Gratitude goes to living in a place that is so beautiful and friendly to interacting with nature (although summer sometimes stretches this notion). Consider one beautiful vista after another, one memorable sunrise or sunset following another, one exciting outdoor adventure topped by another.

I am thankful for curiosity that is renewed daily, for moments of joy given and received, for well-written prose, for millions of good memories, for your trust in what we do, and particularly for the loyalty of the readers of both Hoots, Howls, and Hollers and This Week at Liberty.

And lastly, I am thankful for all of the things that I will undoubtedly think of as soon as I post this blog. Know that there are more things to be thankful for than not.

With that in mind I wish all of you a fulfilling Thanksgiving Day with time for each of you to tally up all of the things that you are thankful for. I hope we are one of them!

This Week at Liberty 11/22/2010

2010-11-22T16:10:00.000-08:00

The intake total for the year is now up to 3149.

Things are really kind of slow right now, which is normal for this time of year. There are still birds and animals arriving, but the pace is manageable. This gives us time for other duties such as training new volunteers and wellness checks for our resident birds and long term rehabs.

Plus, this week, the "Case of the changing specie"...!

The head trauma RTH is getting better.

Last week, I reported on a red tailed hawk with a broken wing. His surgery was delayed because he also had a significant head injury resulting in blood in his eye and a swollen face. Dr. Orr thought it would be better if we waited to see how his head recovered as he might have been a poor candidate for surgery due to possible complications from anesthesia. Well, his head seems much better this week, the swelling has gone down (compare this picture with last week's blog)and the blood in his eye is diminished. Hopefully his surgery will be scheduled soon.

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Jan demonstrates what to look for in a wing injury.

Sharon and Joanie take over.

Juvie talons are checked for use.

Notes are important for follow up and as a permanent medical record.

Two adult tail feathers are growing in!

A couple of young RTH's and HaHas are currently in our care with various injuries. It's important to do all possible to successfully rehab these guys as if they are not fully releasable, they are nearly impossible to place since they are so common across most of the country. Harris' hawks can even be purchased on the web by falconers! One of our little HaHa's is getting his first adult feathers as seen in his new tail growing in.

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A pretty little prairie falcon arrives and is checked.

A sharp-shinned hawk gets a warm bath.

This green heron has a lot of "heart!"

Handsome young RTH.

Among the new arrivals for the week are a pretty prairie falcon and a cute little sharpie (the accipiters are still coming in!) A little green heron is wearing his "heart" on his sleeve, er...wing, due to a decorative wrap from Joanie and Toba last week, and a very handsome young RTH rounds out the photogenic arrivals now in our care.

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The initial trim on a beak...

...followed by some skillful grinding...

...and a final polishing and shaping by hand.

Periodic wellness checks are performed by the Medical Services staff, time permitting. Since the intake rate is now slow enough to allow it, the checks were done last week with Jan demonstrating some tips to the rest of the volunteers. Usually talons and beaks are worn down naturally by the normal activity of wild birds. In captivity, since a lot of their normal work is done for them, these appendages sometimes get overgrown and need to be trimmed. The first rough cut is from a cutting tool, followed by some artful grinding with a Dremmel rotary file, and completed with an emory board. This is all more art than science, but the end results are good for the birds as overly long talons and beaks can be problematic.

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Melissa demonstrates proper assessment for Amy and Marta.

Melissa joined Jan as teacher for new Med Services (and one Rescue and Transport) volunteers. Marta was working Med Services today when "Ranger Amy" brought in an injured GHO. Missi guided the assessment of the new bird and the two volunteers got some hands-on experience in the process.

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Speaking of GHO's, check the shading difference!

OK, just an interesting photo op: One of the rehabbing GHO's (probably a non-releasable) has been noted as a very dark little guy. In contrast, we posed him with especially light Hedwig this week to demonstrate the morphological difference between the two birds.

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"Look! It's a crane! No...it's a duck! No... it's a..."

Last Saturday night, Jo on the hotline took a call about what was reported to be a baby sandhill crane near the town of Gisela, just south of Payson. It seemed highly unlikely that it would actually be a sandhill, but supposedly the ID was confirmed by a local vet. The next morning, our R&T volunteer in Payson, Mary Williams, was sent to the site to retrieve the bird, whatever is was. At first we were told it was actually a duck of some sort. Whatever it was, it didn't seem injured, just unable to fly. When Mary got the bird home, she searched the internet and some of her bird books as she is a fairly accomplished birder. I asked for a photo for a positive ID and this picture arrived entitled "COOT." This was very close as they are both small water fowl with lobate feet. The picture confirmed that the little guy was in fact a juvenile pied-billed grebe. This also confirmed that he was actually not injured, just out of his element. Grebes can't take-off from land but must have a long water "runway" from which to launch. Mary took him to a good sized lake at the Green Valley Park in Payson and released him. It seems he's doing fine and is enjoying his new surroundings (and is probably telling his story to all his new friends!)

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Thank you all for your readership loyalty!! Especially thanks to all who made last week's blog the "Most commented on" since we started. All were wonderful and touching.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from TW@L!!!!!!!!

Hoots, Howls, and Hollers 11/15/2010

2010-11-15T13:06:00.001-08:00

By now you might have heard the sad news of “the Big Girl’s” death…death undoubtedly by lead poisoning…stupid, senseless, stinking mean. We will never know for sure where she got into trouble, but all signs point to lead shot. Our best guess is that it probably wasn’t deer hunters as there isn’t much of that in her “hood”. Chance of a lead sinker entering into her digestive system isn’t very likely. Most likely she fell prey to the wicked remains of a “varmint” that had been shot, left to die, and then silently to take another life with it. It is pretty clear that there are people who shoot coyotes, jackrabbits, skunks, squirrels and other small animals for reasons other than fur or food. It seems that many of them don’t bother to remove the carcasses or gut piles and that is where the trouble begins. Studies show that 75 terrestrial species of birds (non waterfowl) have been shown to be poisoned by spent lead. The agencies offer non led ammunition and encourage hunters to turn in their gut piles…but some people don’t want to chase after a wounded animal, and these wounded ones go off and die only to be found by predators who are hard wired to take carrion or weakened prey. Our Big Girl could have been the unintentional secondary “target” of these injured mammals.

I wonder how the shooters would feel if they watched her die, like we did, if they knew how many people prayed for her recovery, if they watched her mate wait for her return. Will this wasted life result in a failed territory this year? If those careless shooters cared to multiply her potential productivity over a long life, would they mourn the loss of those precious off spring? Was it worth the fun of plinking away at a small mammal as it went about its way?

In the greater scheme of things, this is one of the things I just don’t get. If I sound vitriolic, it is because it seems to me to fit right now.

The bald eagle, known briefly as “the Big Girl”, had a momentary rally. We’ve seen it before…the last adrenaline rush before the vital organs begin to shut down one by one, and there is nothing that can be done. First you notice the light to start to seep out of the eyes; it is slow, painful to watch, and in the end, while it is inevitable, it is still devastating.

I’ll repeat what I said many blogs before. If you do hunt, bring in what you shoot and better yet, make the responsible move to non-lead shot. Don’t let her life be totally wasted…..make the change right now.