Page 1 Spring, 2015 Volume XXXII, Issue 1 The Falcon A Quarterly Newsletter for Our Supporters Our Mission To rehabilitate and release injured, sick, and orphaned birds of prey while inspiring environmental awareness through education for the benefit of all living things INSIDE THIS ISSUE Raptor Rehabilitation 1 Kid s Corner 2 Rodents 3 If They Have Wings 4 Nature s Corner 4 Whoo s on Perch 5 Rehabilitation Report 6 Adopt-A-Bird 7 Looking for Volunteers 7 Membership Form 8 WVRRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS Michael S. Book, Chairman Liz Snyder, Operations Thaner Cox, Education Marilyn Bowman Robert Boyle Sheila Mackey Raptor Rehabilitation: Why Bother? by: Mike Book, Director The phone rings at 7:00am on a frigid January morning. Icicles hang from the gutters. Your car finally starts, and you pull away from your house to begin the forty-five minute drive to pick up an injured redtailed hawk. You don t know if the hawk will be releasable you aren t sure what kind of injuries it has suffered. Statistically, there s a good change the bird won t even survive, but you go anyway. Some people might ask, why bother? The reasons we dedicate ourselves to raptor rehabilitation are varied and not always obvious. On the surface, it seems like we re probably just a group of people who really like birds. While this is true, of course, the reasons we try to nurse these birds back to health go deeper than that, and are, in some ways, selfish. Think, for a moment, about what you re doing right now. Maybe you re reading this while you re eating lunch or dinner. Maybe you have a tall glass of cold water next to you. Regardless of what you are or what you re doing, you re definitely breathing. Think about that; food, water, and air. You trust that it s clean, pure, and won t make you sick. But how do you know? Part of the responsibility for public health lies with the government. But what if the government doesn t know? Think about the situation with the pesticide DDT. Sixty years ago, birders and scientists started to notice that populations of birds like bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and osprey were declining. When they researched the phenomenon further, they discovered that DDT was to blame for the decline. Further studies revealed DDT was also (continued on page 3)
Page 2 Kid s Corner (and for the parents as well) by: Mike Book, Director What should you do if you re outside playing with your friends this spring, and you find a baby bird on the ground? Leave it alone! Chances are, the bird is supposed to be there, and its parents are watching from a nearby tree. When baby birds begin to grow feathers and they get too big for their nests, their parents encourage them to try to fly, even if their first attempts fail. This process of learning how to fly and leaving the nest is called fledgling, and the partially-feathered baby birds you see hopping around on the ground are fledglings. This is a critical time in a bird s life. Not only is it learning how to fly, its parent are helping it discover what s good to eat. The bird is learning the skills to help it survive into adulthood. What if a cat is nearby? In this situation, it is better to remove the cat than the fledgling bird. If that is not possible place the baby bird on a tree branch or in a shrub where it is safe from the cat. And contrary to popular believe, a parent bird will not abandon its baby just because a human touched it. Sure, a cat will kill the mice in your barn, but a cat will also kill native birds and other wildlife. If you can, keep your cat inside this spring. What if the baby bird has NO feathers, is alive, but isn t moving? In this case, the best thing to do is leave the bird where it is, then find and tell and adult. It is better to bring the adult to the bird, NOT bring the bird to the adult. When the parent or adult arrives on the scene, they should pick up the nestling to help keep it warm. Then you should listen for the parents while trying to locate the nest. A baby this small couldn t get far on its own so the nest must be nearby. If you can t locate the nest or can t get the baby back in the nest you can simply make another nest in the closest tree. How you ask? Very simple. Get a gallon milk jug that is empty and clean and then cut a baseball sized hole in the side of it a couple inches from the bottom. Punch some small holes in the bottom of the jug so water can drain out of it. Put a rag or other soft nesting material in the bottom of the jug and stable or wire the jug to the tree. Now simply place the baby bird in its new home. Move a good distance from the next and wait. In a matter of minutes the parents will be in the new nest caring for its baby. If the adult isn t sure what to do at this point he or she can call the Raptor Center. Most baby birds we treat at the WVRRC are fledglings (NOT orphans). Before rescuing a baby bird, call the WVRRC and ask us! It may not need rescued...304-366-2867
Page 3 (continued from Front Page) linked to cancer in humans. In 1972, the pesticide s use was banned in the United States. In this situation, birds of prey alerted us to a contaminant in our ecosystem. Like the canaries that once alerted miners of methane gas, birds of prey helped show that we were being poisoned by DDT. Their importance as an indicator of environmental health is reason enough to strive to return injured raptors to the wild. But wait - there are more reasons. Have you ever had a mouse take up residence in your house? Most of us may have. Think about the unsanitary droppings they leave everywhere, the holes they chew in cereal boxes, the nests they make in your sock drawers. Now, think of a world where there are no predators to cull small rodent populations. What to mice eat beside cheese? They eat grains, wheat, corn, and other crops that humans eat. Not only do humans make bread and pasta from these crops, but we feed them to our livestock. Many raptor species eat rodents. Birds of prey play an essential role in keeping the ecosystem balanced. It might not be too much of a stretch to thank a hawk, at least in part, for that hamburger you re eating. Raptor rehabilitation is important for many reasons, as well. And since most of the injuries we treat at the Center are related to human activities, like automobile collisions, building window strikes, some illegal shooting and trapping, and entanglement in barbed wire fences, we feel it s in part our responsibility to help set it right. And since you ve read this far, it s important to you, too. Thank you very much for your support and remember that MAN IS A PART OF NATURE, NOT APART FROM NATURE. Rodents by: Liz Snyder, Director of Operations Happy Spring Everyone! As we look forward to warmer temperatures and new life after a really harsh winter, we would ask that you keep us in mind as we approach our busy season. Birds are out choosing mates, build nests, and raising their your. We often have an influx of birds during the spring and summer mostly due to vehicle strikes as the birds are working hard to keep their bottomless pits, known as nestlings, fed and thriving. The WVRRC has been very lucky over the past four yeas to acquire food for our raptors from laboratories in the Virginia and Maryland area who humanely euthanize control animals who are free of disease and bacteria; permitting us to use them to feed our birds when they otherwise would go to waste. We are able to travel to the Blacksburg, VA area and pick up the food from a distributor free of charge, several times per year. We have saved thousands of dollars due to the generosity of these folds. This year, however, it became necessary for us to purchase rodent from our old supplier as the labs are not able to provide us with the quantities we were receiving in the years past due to resurgence of research demands. The average laboratory rat weighs around seven ounces and will be a meal for a red-tailed hawk for one day. This rat costs us around $3.00. Multiply that out by roughly 20 large birds on hand at any given time at the center but the surge of rehab patients during the spring and summer, which last year was approximately 100 birds, and the expense can be daunting. Our income is derived solely from donations, and we are staffed exclusively by volunteers. Please think of us if you are looking for a worthy cause and have a nice tax refund this year. We will put the money directly toward the care and feeding of our birds. Every last penny of it. So thank you for your support!
Page 4 If They Have Wings by: Michael S. Book, Director In all my years of working with or observing and photographing birds, all kids of birds, I have heard time and time again, that bird isn t around here, you must be mistaken. My response has always been, with few exceptions, like dodo birds and ostriches, birds with wings fly and can potentially be found anywhere. So how about the Arctic providing Snowy Owls where in WV the past two winters? They have been seen and photographed by many, including myself. This one was photographed in Taylor County just east of Bridgeport along Meadland Road off of US Rt. 50. I got a lucky photo of this magnificent bird with my cell phone. Truly Luck. This is a large bird and my best guess, it is an adult female. Nature s Corner Navigation: Man vs. Nature Some commercial airliners have computerized autopilot systems that can not only guide a plane from one country to another but also land the plane. The computer used in one experimental autopilot system is about the size of a credit card. Using a brain the size of the tip of a ball point pen, the Monarch Butterfly migrates up to 1,800 miles from Canada to a small patch of forest in Mexico. The butterfly relies on the sun to help it navigate, and it has the ability to compensate for the movement of the sun across the sky. Lenses: Man vs. Nature Engineers have developed an artificial compound eye that fits 8,500 lenses into a space the size of a pinhead. Such lens could be used in high-speed motion detectors and ultra thin multidirectional cameras. Each eye of a Dragonfly is made up of some 30,000 lenses. These lenses produce images that combine to create a wide mosaic view. The compound eyes of the Dragonfly are superb at detecting movement. This definitely aides them in finding food as well as avoiding potential predators. FURTHER EVIDENCE: Man is A Part of Nature, Not Apart from Nature
Page 5 Whoo s on Perch A spotlight on our volunteers. Name: Susanne Coulson How did you get involved with the WVRRC: A little over 3 years ago, the center came to Dominion, where my husband works. He asked me to come and watch. I fell in love with Annie and Owlice, so I applied. When I was about to give up Liz called and I became a volunteer. Favorite Raptor and Why: I like the big hawks in general. I love to watch them fly and the intelligence behind their eyes, just amazes me. But you can t deny how cute the screeches are. And there is Neo s dance and the majesty of the great horned owl. I supposed I like them all but my favorite resident bird would be Millie (peregrine falcon). She is so beautiful and powerful. Favorite raptor activities: I like the small group programs like our open house. I prefer one on one talking or maybe a few more, than trying to talk to a huge group. Least favorite activities: It would have to be lopping rats. I d much rather use the knife to cut them up when they are half-thawed than to try to get enough leverage to halve them when they are frozen. (I bet you thought it would be something with summertime leftovers.) Want To Leave A Legacy For The WVRRC??? With our relocation and new building being constructed on Bunner Ridge the WVRRC has taken one BIG step forward. Now, we all need to look to the future; where will we be in another 25 or 50 years? For pennies a day, you will be leaving a legacy with the WVRRC and assuring our future. Your legacy will not only help in the future but will help TODAY, with potential grants for the Center. In addition, all Legacy Members will have their name on the plaque displayed at the new Center, along with your own personal plaque. Call Bob or Jessica at 304-366-2200 to find out what YOU can do to help preserve your legacy with the WVRRC. Thunder, the American Bald Eagle, and Mike Book, Chairman, in Charleston at an education presentation for the WV Trophy Hunters Association. Most memorable raptor experience: raising the red shouldered hawk chick a couple of summers ago. I was able to raise him and he was returned to the wild. That was an awesome experience. I was so afraid he would get used to us despite everything I did to not let that happen. Personal goals as a volunteer: I am going to tell on myself, but I am terrified of parrots any size. When I was little (4 yrs), I nearly lost my finger to a macaw at Sea World, this was when you could get real close. So I wasn t sure if I d be able to volunteer, but thankfully, it s never been an issue. I d love to work with Easton. I have handled all of the other hawks, owls, falcons, vultures but never the eagles. That is my goal. Susanne and Latte (red shouldered hawk she trained for education). Organization goals: I would love to see us have regular open hours, especially in the spring, summer, and fall. Staffed by two of us volunteers. I have been asked by several of my husbands coworkers if we have weekend hours just a thought.
Page 6 Rehabilitation Report Raptor Disposition January 1 December 31, 2014 SPECIES RELEASED DIED or PENDING TRANS- TOTAL EUTHANIZED FERRED American 11 0 1 0 12 Kestrel Bald Eagle 0 0 1 0 1 Barred Owl 5 10 2 0 17 Vulture: Black/ 0 7 0 0 7 Turkey Broad Wing 2 2 0 0 4 Cooper s 6 5 0 0 11 Eastern Screech Owl 22 10 6 0 38 Osprey 0 1 0 0 1 Red-Shouldered 6 5 1 1 13 Red Tailed 19 17 6 3 45 Sharp Shinned 3 6 0 0 9 Swallow Tail Kite 0 0 1 0 1 TOTAL 74 63 18 4 159 Education Report So far there have been 2,850 kids/ adults who have been to one of our 5 programs this year, to see the WVRRC Raptors. Our volunteers have driven over 1,000 miles and given over 95 hours of their time to get these feathered beauties to their destinations safely. Wish list Disposable Gloves (100 to a box) Sizes Medium and Large Disinfecting Wipes Terrycloth Towels Gallon and Quart Size Zip-Lock Freezer Bags Low Thread Count King or Queen Sheets Sisal (Natural) Rope 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch Paper Towels Paper Towels Paper Towels We are really in need for disposable gloves.
Page 7 Yes! I would like to adopt a at the level of. My check for $ is enclosed. Your Name: Address: Is this a gift? Yes No If yes, name for Adoption Certificate: Species Caretaker Steward Parent Bald Eagle $250 $100 $30 Vulture/Great Horned Owl/ $200 $90 $25 Screech-owl/American Kestrel $150 $80 $20 Looking for a great cause? The WVRRC rehabilitates sick, orphaned or injured birds of prey for release back into the wild. We recently moved to our new location on Bunner Ridge near Fairmont and are looking for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to join our team. Check out these opportunities: Rehabilitating raptors in our facility to prepare them for release to the wild. Presenting environmental educational programs at schools, events, at our center. Transporting injured birds to our center, and our veterinarian s office in Bridgeport. We need folks willing to assist in the relay injured birds from all parts of the state of West Virginia. Other opportunities include: Designing and maintaining nature trails Constructing flight cages for eagles, owls, and hawks Organizing fund-raising activities We are looking for volunteers. Could you be the next Raptor Wrangler? Writing and submitting grant applications to state, local, and private charitable trusts Public relations, working with local media, organizing events at the center Visit our Facebook page, website at www.wvrrc.org, or email raptor@wvrrc.org
Page 8 WEST VIRGINIA RAPTOR REHABILITATION CENTER 2290 Bunner Ridge Road Fairmont, WV 26554 Phone: (304) 366-2867 Fax: (304) 592-1482 Email: raptor@wvrrc.org Facebook: facebook.com/wvrrc Non-Profit Org U.S. Postage PAID Permit #87 Clarksburg, WV 26301 Return Service Requested Please visit our website WWW.WVRRC.ORG Working to improve the environment for ALL living things. WVRRC MEMBERSHIP FORM Membership in the WVRRC is open to anyone who shares an interest in our mission. Annual memberships are available in the following categories: Student / Senior $7 Supporting $35 Individual $10 Donor $50 Family $17 Sponsor $100 Patron $500 NAME: ADDRESS: MEMEBERSHIP LEVEL: Would you like your newsletter emailed? Email Address: Phone Number: To Join: Please complete this form, enclose a check or money order made payable to WVRRC and send to: WVRRC 2290 Bunner Ridge Rd. Fairmont, WV 26554 OR Join online@ www.wvrrc.org