Where Do I BEGIN? Lots of New Patients, Pileated Woodpecker, 15 More Wood Ducklings, Barred Owl Babes, Red-tailed Hawks, Pine Siskin Update

( Photo: Barred Owl Owlets lost their home when a tree was felled. The landowner was not aware the tree was a home for the owl family.)

It has been a very busy time at REGI. It didn't help that I was called away to two funerals, one out of state during the past five days. This time of the year, if you take the luxury of sleeping an extra hour one day, you find yourself still behind in August. Let me try to catch you up.



( Photo: This male Pileated Woodpecker was hit by a car near Wisconsin Rapids. He has a broken left leg, internal injuries and a bad headache.)

Nicki Christianson is a wildlife rehabilitator from Wisconsin Rapids, WI. I have talked about Nicki before in this blog. You can bet you will see her name many more times. Nicki works with mammals however, has been gracious to help us with our avian patients more times over the years than I can recall. The Pileated Woodpecker in the photo above was rescued by Nicki.



( Photo: The male Pileated Woodpecker is resting comfortably but is still in critical condition. he is eating well and that is a terrific improvement.Sadly this Pileated Woodpecker has young in the nest. We hope his mate can manage to care for them on her own. )

Last night a gentleman from Mosinee called. It was nearly 10 P.M.when the call came in. He found a nestling baby American Robin on the sidewalk. One of a downed nest was still alive. He took it home not knowing what to do, but knowing that he could not leave it on that sidewalk without any help. After talking with me, he drove the little one to me at REGI arriving a little after 11 P.M.
It is thriving and joined a nest of four other American Robin nestlings just his age. Some people are just nice.



( Photo: American Robin nestling was found on a sidewalk by a caring individual and brought to REGI late at night. This is the only photo I have but it is the important part of him, his wide open mouth.)



( Photo: Nestling American Robins are eager eaters. They open their mouth so wide you there is no mistaking what their intent is. )

Our baby nursery is brimming with mouths gaping open to be fed constantly. It is comic relief to see the many different species and how varied the behavior is. American Robins open their mouths so wide you can almost do a class on their anatomy. Check out the photo above.



( Photo: Nestling Eastern Bluebirds tend to be quiet and shy, but are showing their soon to be gorgeous blue feathers even at this age.)



( Photo: Remember the Pine Siskin nestling that arrived in late March? He will be released soon. In this photo he is in an outdoor aviary set up as a woodland complete with a variety of insects. Here he has a fat worm in his mouth.



( Photo: Our American Woodcock chicks are grown. They are preparing for release to the wild in the woodland aviary as well. This is a close up photo of the oldest chick and one of the younger ones probing the earth for worms.)



( Photo: Fifteen more Wood Duck ducklings were added to our group. The ducklings are divided into a few different brooders to keep them safe and healthy.)



( Photo: Two very tiny House Finches were admitted today. They are doing well and will eat every twenty minutes for the nest several days.)

Speaking of those little ones I must sign off and get back to them. More catching up tomorrow! Interns arrive! YEA!!!!
Have a great tomorrow.

Marge Gibson © 2010

American Woodcock Family Tragic Beginning, Dorf Kapelle Fundraiser Saturday

( Photo: "Hello world!", this tiny American Woodcock had a traumatic first morning of life.)

This has been a Woodcock kind of day here at REGI. We've spent an inordinate amount of time digging, stunning and feeding earthworms to our growing brood of American Woodcock chicks. Who said wildlife rehabilitation wasn't fun and exciting!



( Photo: Hatchling American Woodcocks are tiny fluff balls. In this photo the four newly admitted chicks, fit easily in one hand.)

On Wednesday Ben Antoniewicz and his friend Luke, were out turkey hunting near Wausau. They saw something so rare few, even those of us that live in the northwoods of WI, have the opportunity to witness. A female American Woodcock was crossing a road with her newly hatched brood following close behind. Ben and Luke were amazed to see this shy bird, especially with a young family. They stopped to watch. The sight seemed more like a National Geographic movie than an actual occurrence. The scene took a tragic turn however, as a passing semi-truck hit and killed the mother bird. The chicks scattered. The hunters knew the little ones had no chance of survival alone at this tender age. So, our everyday heroes gathered the chicks up and called REGI to tell us they were on their way.



( Photo: This clever cooler shaped like a fishing bobber contained the rescued woodcock chicks.)

The trip to REGI took about 45 minutes. That gave us time to prepare a brooder and materials to stabilize the chicks on arrival. When wildlife chicks of any species are stressed, they die very quickly. The "flight or fright" reaction that gives wild creatures fast reactions, works against more vulnerable individuals. Our job is to prevent that



( Photo: Four tiny American Woodcock chicks were inside the unique travel container. The open wings position on the chicks is a stress reaction. )

The best way to prevent stress is to make the chicks secure. The best news is we admitted an American Woodcock chick just ten days before. he has done very well. Blog readers will be amazed to hear that he has most of his feathers now and is flying. To say woodcock chicks grow fast is an understatement. They eat SO much it is hard to describe. If there is anyone out there that wants to dig earthworms ( that is their diet) PLEASE do and bring them. We are going through 20 dozen large sized earthworms a day now and the chicks are still tiny.



( Photo: Blog readers will remember this little American Woodcock admitted just 10 days ago. This photo was taken when he was admitted.)



( Photo: This is the American Woodcock chick admitted just 10 days ago. He can fly now. This photo is taken yesterday with his wing extended. They grow FAST!)

The really excellent news in this story is our older chick has played a major role in helping the new babies adapt and recover from their trauma. In the photo below, you can see the older chick with the four new chicks surrounding him. He even kills worms for the little ones! The blended "family" has been a miracle to watch unfold and definitely one of those moments we at REGI treasure.

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( Photo: Taken from above, you can see the older chick, now looking mostly grown, surrounded by 4 little puff balls. They are all well camouflaged so look carefully.)

The woodcocks story hasn't ended yet, but it is looking like a great ending to a day that started pretty awful for the chicks.

Don't forget we have a fundraiser this weekend. We sure could use your support. It is the Antigo Spring Fest . A renown polka band Dorf Kapelle, is playing 2 performances at the North Star Lanes in Antigo. The afternoon performance is at 1:30 pm and the evening starts at 7:00 pm. You can purchase tickets at the door. Afternoon is $12.00 and evening is $15.00. A German buffet is also available. There will be a raffle and silent auction with some terrific items including a Packer football. Please bring you mom, have a great time and help REGI too. Call 627-0120for more information .

Hope to see you there!

Marge Gibson © 2010

ANOTHER Bald Eagle Hit by Car, Field Trip for Hortonville Zoology Class, Patient Updates

(Photo: This photo was taken as I removed an adult female Bald Eagle from the transport carrier. She was hit by a car near Ladysmith, WI. and has a fractured left wing, facial bruises and scrapes and internal injuries.)

A friend emailed today and noted that when I don't have a new blog up in the morning she assumes it is a very busy day. That is an excellent point. I try to get it done, but there are times when the need for sleep takes precedence.

I drove to Medford, WI, to meet a DNR employee with an adult Bald Eagle. She was hit by a car near Ladysmith, WI. The eagle had been sitting on a deer which had been hit by a car, when she too became a victim of a speeding auto. Sometimes animals in the roadway cannot be avoided, but as a reminder, please drive carefully and try to avoid these situations. We have admitted two Bald Eagles in as many days, both hit by cars. This adult female has brood patch. That is a sure sign she has young in the nest. Without mom around the male will have to care for the young. He can do that, but not as successfully as with both parents present.



(Photo: Feeling pretty miserable after being hit by a car which broke her wing, this female Bald Eagle is now resting at the REGI clinic.)



( Photo: The Hortonville High School Zoology Class took a field trip to REGI this morning.)

The sky was gray this morning and threatening rain as the bus from Hortonville High School pulled up for a field trip. Like a miracle the clouds moved away and the zoology class was able to spend the entire hour dry and enjoying the many education birds and learning about the multi-faceted world of wildlife rehabilitation. It was good to be able to meet such terrific young people and their teacher.



( Photo: Alberta with our delightful Saw-whet Owl, Little Bit, during the Hortonville school tour. Little Bit is twelve years old. That is elderly for a Saw-whet Owl. He gets more time off programs these days but enjoys "people watching" from his habitat perch as much as he ever did.)



( Photo: The American Woodcock chick is growing rapidly. In this photo he is gobbling earthworms, which is his favorite activity. He eats about twice his own weight in earthworms each day at his age.)



( Photo: The nestling Mourning Dove admitted several days ago is growing and beginning to eat on her own. )



( Photo: Today was Education Director Steve Fisher's birthday! I love this "action shot" of him blowing out the MANY MANY candles on the cake, as Don, Katie and Alberta watch. I am comfortable in commenting on the copious number of candles because I am the same age.:)

The REGI family loves to celebrate special days or even regular days. Celebration days means we get to share food and especially cake. Today was Steve Fisher's birthday. We had pizza for lunch and a four layer, super chocolate cake. Happy birthday Steve and thank you for working on your birthday!

As a reminder we are selling tickets to our Springfest Fundraiser. If you love polka music or ethnic, Czech, German or Polish music, the widely renowned Dorf Kapelle Band is a must see. We do have tickets available. The performances are Saturday May 8th at 1:30-3:30 and 7:00-9:30 Pm in Antigo. Tickets are $12. for the afternoon performance and $15. for the evening performance. A German theme buffet meal can be purchased separately.

For more information or tickets call John Jacobs at 715-627-0120. This is the biggest fundraiser of the year. We hope you can all make it.

Have a great weekend.

Marge Gibson © 2010

Migration, Bald Eagle Released and More Admitted, Fall Releases

( Photo: I am preparing to release this beautiful Adult Bald Eagle. She came in with two broken wings and internal injuries after having hit a semi. She flew so strong and soared until she was out of sight. She was an incredible case. Watching her fly away after caring for her when she was so critical was like watching a miracle. We hope she is back home in Shawano now and has an uneventful remainder of her life.)




( Photos: Katie and Alberta prepare to release this American Woodcock after successful rehabilitation. I can never get enough of photos of that amazing face with huge eyes and long flexible beak.)
To say this has been a busy week is an understatement. I have tried to get to the blog but am exhausted by the time night comes. I will share some of our recent releases with you today. The best part of doing wildlife rehabilitation is the release of a bird that is 100% ready to take his place in his own world again. Sometimes we are asked if it is hard to let them go... We sure think about them after they are released but not in the longing way of wanting them with us. We are just grateful to have had the opportunity to give them a second chance at being wild birds again.



( Photos: A young Cedar Waxwing and a young Barn Swallow while they were still in a small aviary. They have since been releases along with other swallows, swifts and countless other patients from woodpeckers to and through Bald eagles and many species of ducks.)

Migration time is always busy for us. Birds coming through Northern WI from more northern regions including Canada and Upper Michigan can end up in our clinic with a variety of reasons. Last time we went over some things that happen to the Common Nighthawk. However the boreal forest to our north is home to some of the most sensitive and secretive birds on wings. Warblers are now making their way to the tropics and come grace us with their presence on their way. Many times warblers hit radio or TV towers or even tall buildings and come in with everything from slight headaches to broken wings or serious head injuries. These birds migrate at night and do not see the guide wires that hold up the very high towers. Just as if we were to run head on into a wire stretched across our path, wires pose a serious threat to migrating birds. Most are killed rather than injured. It is the lucky ones that end up in rehabilitation facilities.


(Photo: This female Bald Eagle was hit by a car near Ladysmith, WI. She has a wing fracture and internal injuries. )

The Bald Eagle in the photo above just admitted this week. She was hit by a car near Ladysmith, WI. We can expect that more eagles will be hit by cars as our deer season opens soon. Eagles do like carrion and make use of animals that are killed by cars or the die near roads and highways. If they have a full crop of food they do not fly away as quickly as they could without that extra weight on board. Kind of like after a Thanksgiving dinner. If you are driving please be aware of the extra danger to wildlife during the fall and winter seasons.

This patient is doing well and for the most part eating on her own now. She loves fish. Interestingly most bald eagles when admitted with medical problems prefer meat such as venison or beef heart as a first food.

I am off to do more releases. I promise to update the lead poisoned Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon soon.

Have a great weekend.
Marge Gibson ©2009

American Woodcock Chick Growing, Many New Patients-Mergansers

( Photo: American Woodcock with a pan of his natural habitat complete with earthworms.)

I hardly know where to begin this morning. We have been having some Internet connection problems. Every time I sat to write the blog last week it seems I was unable to log on. Living in a remote area has wonderful benefits such as being close to the many often fragile species we care for, but the negatives are things such as Internet connection is spotty at times.

Our woodcock chick is growing well. He came in on May 23rd, and was just a few days old. He was grabbed by a cat near Tomahawk. Woodcocks fly by the time they are 14 days old. He is well on his way to that milestone.

On Friday our intern Lance was changing his bedding and was shocked to find how well he could already use those wings. It is fun to watch the birds teach the students the secrets to their natural history. They may well forget things that I say, but when a tiny woodcock takes to the air when it still looks for all the world like a fuzzy chick, that will remain a part of their memory. When the interns arrive we talk about the importance of observation. I tell them they will learn far more from the birds than they will from me. They may not believe me at the time but within a few weeks they understand entirely.

( Photo: The beak of the American Woodcock is flexible to "grab" earthworms as they probe the soil.)

In the photo of the woodcock you will notice he is on a pan of soil and leaves. That is what his natural habitat looks like. While he is still in a brooder we provide a natural area for him. He already feels most comfortable on the pan of soil and leaves. That is as it should be. Rehabiliation is so much more than just feeding little ones and having them grow well. It is also important to allow them to learn life skills and introducing them to their own habitats early on.

Woodcocks have the most interesting flexible beak that probes below the soil and grabs earthworms.



( Photo: Imperfect photo taken from above shows woodcock chick slurping earthworms as only woodcocks can.)

Woodcocks eat their weight in earthworms daily. Therefore if there is someone out there that loves digging worms or has access, we could sure use them for our patients.

The Passerine building is a busy place with incubators running and mouths to feed.
The great news is most youngsters are now older than a week so their feedings are no longer on the every 20 minutes schedule. I find myself wishing that those the bring the babes to us particularly for reasons less than necessary could spend a day with us. One recent story went like this...the nest was on their porch and Aunt Mabel was coming to visit. She is afraid of birds so they took the nest filled with tiny babes and brought it here. UGH! SCREAM! It is of course illegal to destroy a nest of federally protected birds and that means taking a nest down purposely. At least they had a conscience to not kill the chicks, but looking after Aunt Mabel's feelings translates into long labor intensive days for us at REGI. I say let Aunt Mabel use the back door! But I am all about common sense.



(Photo: Our incubators are filled with baby passerines.)


Our days are filled not only with feeding and caring for our avian patients, but with end of school field trips to REGI and classroom presentations. I will write a separate blog on some of the field trips so the children involved can see themselves on the blog. On Friday we had two classroom presentations in Stevens Point and then a rush back to REGI for a field trip here. Our education birds and our educators Nicole and Steve are all working overtime these days. They are all terrific. We are lucky to have such enthusistic and hard working teachers on the REGI team.



(Photo: Merganser ducklings are high strung and come many at a time.)

Merganser ducklings come from large families. When something happens to mom the tykes are up a creek so to speak and face certain death without intervention. I was doing a program myself this weekend so my dear husband and staff including the interns got busy saving a family of Merganser ducklings that were in trouble near Council Grounds State Park. The youngsters were huddled on the ground likely under their nest. There were in critical condition when found with one already dead at the site. Mergansers are hard to raise as they eat only insects their first month of life.


(Photo: Merganser duckling eating killed meal worm even at a day old. His siblings preen inder a heat lamp after bathing)

Taking photos of Merganser ducklings in not an easy process. They are very high strung. A quick shot with a camera will be the best photos I can share with sensitive species such as these day old ducklings. All 12 are doing well. Much appreciation to my crew for doing such a great job in my absence, to my husband for making a long drive twice to transport them, and to my grandson for doing the emergency set up for the hypothermic babes.

I am off to feed babes, wrap a wing and walk crane colts.

Have a great day everyone.

Marge Gibson © 2009