Saw-whet Owl, Ruffed Grouse, Dark-eyed Junco, Patient Updates, and Fun Spring Ideas

Good Thursday afternoon everyone!

We have been thoroughly enjoying this beautiful atypical March weather. The bird migrations are a bit ahead of schedule and that means it is very likely we will be seeing lots of baby songbirds soon. While we don't have any babies to introduce you to quite yet, we do have a few other new patients and some updates for you.

Photo above: This beautiful male Northern Saw-whet Owl was rescued after being hit by a vehicle. This little male has us feeling a case of deja vu because only a few months ago we admitted another male Northern Saw-whet in the same condition, from a similar incident, but it was his opposite eye which was damaged. He has since become an education bird in training. This handsome little guy may follow a similar path if his eye doesn't heal properly.

Photo above: This male Roughed Grouse was admitted with a broken leg. These lovely birds get their name from the black "ruff" the males possess. His is neatly tucked away at the moment, but you can still see some signs of it. The black feathers that are poking out from his other neck feathers are his ruff. When displaying for females, the males raise these black feathers into a stunning ruffle of feathers around their neck as well as fan their impressive tail feathers; undoubtedly hard to resist for a female.

Photo above: This sweet little American Tree Sparrow was found along with a Dark-eyed Junco (not pictured) covered in unidentified "sticky stuff." The rehabbers turned to Dawn soap to try to remove some of the gooey material from their feathers, but with little success. These tiny birds will need to stay with us until they molt and grow new feathers.

Photo above: Sparrows are some of the trickiest birds to identify because many look similarly to each other. I'll try to point out some of the "field marks" which may help you identify this type of sparrow in the future. This is the same American Tree Sparrow from above (you can see the sticky material pulled out most of his tail feathers). Our rehabilitator, Katie Farvour, held him in such a way so you could see one of his identifying characteristics; these little sparrows have a black spot of feathers on their otherwise spotless breasts. They also have bicolored beaks; black on top and yellow on the bottom, and a rusty crown of feathers on their head as well as a rusty line of feathers coming from their eyes. These characteristics, along with knowing that they spend winters here in the United States and summers in far northern Canada, should help you distinguish these sparrows from their look-alikes.

I'd like to update you on a few of the patients we've mentioned in recent blog posts. The large number of eagles we have are still doing well. All are in the flight building reconditioning their muscles.

The Snowy Owl is getting us all really excited. Our amazing rehabbers examined her a few days ago to see how her Trichomonas gallinae infection is healing (To read more about Trichomonas please see previous blogs). They were shocked to see that most of her lesions are gone! She still has a long road to recovery, but this was very encouraging to see.

Photo above: The Snowy Owl is doing very well. She has found her way to one of the high perches in her mew. Her breathing becomes raspy when we approach her so to keep her calm I snapped a photo through the slats of her mew.

Spring is a time of constant change and it can be really fun to watch and keep track of. I become terribly excited in the spring and I have a hard time not sharing my joy with everyone. I find it extremely fulfilling to observe nature and help children observe it too and I want to tell you about a few of the really fun things you can do and see in the spring.

If you're looking for something new to try with the children in your life, you can explore phenology. Phenology is the study of the timing of changes in nature, such as the arrival of robins in the spring, the changing of leaf color in the fall, and the first snowfall of winter. You can choose an area like your yard or city park and keep a journal of all the changes you see throughout the year. Keep track of which birds you see; what day they leave in the fall and come back in the spring. Look to the sky for flocks of migrating ducks, swans, geese, and cranes. Listen for the sounds of frogs and toads calling. Watch for butterflies and moths. When did your lake, pond or river freeze over and when did it thaw? What was the last day snow was on the ground? I could go on and on. There are limitless things to look at in nature and you and your children will become more observant over time. You can keep these journals for years and look back at how the dates compare and how your area has changed over time. Someday your children's grandchildren may read those journals and if we work hard enough to instill conservation values and a love for nature in our young ones now, their descendants will still have wilderness to enjoy.

Photo above: American Woodcocks, like the bird above, become very vocally active in the spring. While normally living in forested areas, they choose more open areas for their courtship displays. You and your children can be lucky enough to see this display if you head outside near open marshes, meadows or boggy areas at dusk during the spring. Listen for the male to make his "peent" and watch the area above where the sound is coming from (Please do not approach these birds as you will interrupt their courtship and scare them away). If you're near the area at the right time you may see the male shoot himself high in the sky, spiraling up as he goes. He makes a lovely twittering noise created by the feathers of his wings as he's spiraling in the sky. It's an experience you'll never forget! Follow this link to learn more about American Woodcocks and hear what their peent sounds like.

The last fun idea I'll tell you about today is already a pretty hot trend. Live nest cameras are rapidly gaining popularity, and if you haven't already jumped on the bandwagon, hop on now! Nest cams are a wonderful way to introduce your children to nature, family, and the lives of birds. These cameras provide an intimate and unobtrusive view into the lives of these otherwise secretive animals. You can watch from the time the nests are fixed up to the time the young leave the nest. There are cameras watching everything from hummingbirds to Bald Eagles, and so many species in between. My favorite ones right now are the Red-tailed Hawk nest in New York through the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Bald Eagle nest in Blair, Wisconsin, and of course the Bald Eagles from Decorah, Iowa, whose eggs are expected to hatch in the next few days. If you look around you can find many, many more.

There are so many more things that you can do to enjoy nature with your children, so get out there and have some fun!

Thanks everyone!

Karissa Mohr
Wildlife Educator

Busy Day with Six Admissions, Saw-whet Owl, Broad-winged hawk, Coopers Hawk, American Goldfinch, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Mourning Dove

( Photo: This adult male Coopers Hawk was admitted from the Mosinee area. He has stunning red eyes. He was shot illegally and has a wing fracture. )



(Photo: This Saw-whet Owl weighed only 54 grams when admitted.He has a broken wing. His prognosis is very good for a full recovery. )

We are often asked to describe a typical day here at REGI. The thing is, we don't have a "typical" day ever. Each day is new and different with both challenges and joys. A few days ago we took several more calls than usual after our normal hours. By morning we had five patients waiting for transport from the Wausau area. Oddly each patient has a broken wing.

The Saw-whet Owl above was likely hit by a car near Hatley, WI. He was in the middle of a highway when spotted by an alert driver. He has a wing fracture but has a great prognosis for a full recovery. That would not have been the case had he not been removed from the road. The tiny owl is also low in weight. Migration exhaustion could be the cause of his low nutrition. When birds migrate they lose weight. If the little one landed in another Saw-whet Owls territory ( breeding has started for this species) he would be chased out. Finding a comfortable place to hunt and relax is not as easy when resident birds are breeding.



( Photo: A cat got this male American Goldfinch. Cats mouths harbor deadly bacteria. Birds injured by cats need immediate antibiotic treatment if they are to survive.)

American Goldfinches are lovely little members of the finch family. Our most recent American Goldfinch is a brightly colored male. In the spring and summer we admit hundreds of cat caught passerines. This tragedy has an easy "fix" if only cat owners understood the importance of keeping their pet indoors, especially during this sensitive season. Adult birds are often killed while defending their nests or young. In the end it is not one bird killed by a cat, but the entire family if the parent is not longer there to feed babies.



( Photo: Lance Holm examines a Broad-winged Hawk with a wing fracture. )

Broad-winged Hawks travel as far as Argentine for the winter. We admitted an adult male with a broken wing. Broad-winged Hawks are fascinating. They are demure and chunky looking members of the buteo family just as Red-tailed Hawks. This patient likely just arrived from his winter migration when he was hit by a car.



( Photo: This male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker broke his wing, but is comfortable in captivity as he heals. He loves the hang out on a vertical perch and eats tons of waxworms. If you look close you can see a waxworm in his mouth. )

As always it is the public that finds these birds and brings them to us so they can have a second chance at life. Thanks everyone for stepping up and helping the wild ones when they are injured.

I have been occupied with the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill. I will post news articles that ran during the past few days. I am on call to go to help out, but no one knows where the oil will come ashore or when. There are many more unknowns than solid facts at this point. We are organizing to respond when needed.

Going along with that thought. A friend, Ed Clark, posted the warning below on his blog. I will use it because he said it well.

"Many groups are soliciting fund to help oiled wildlife in the Gulf. WATCH OUT! The only group working this spill is Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research. They are being paid by BP! Others claiming to be caring for oiled wildlife are either not telling the truth, or doing something other than removing crude oil from ...feathers! Watch out for predatory fundraisers capitalizing on your compassion!"

Have a great day everyone.

Marge Gibson 2010

Saw-whet Owl and Ruffed Grouse Released Today, Tundra Swans on their Way North

There are not many things cuter than a Saw-whet Owl. They weigh just about 80-100 grams and are pure owl. The small stature is a poor indicator of the strong personality of this diminutive owl. Can you belive this tyke can eat up to two mice a night! He was released this evening in perfect health after his harrowing experience a few weeks ago. See the photos below for his story.



( Photo: This Saw-whet Owl was admitted after being hit by a car near Wausau. He was lucky someone saw him on the median, rescued him and got him to REGI for care. He looked a lot better today than in the photo below taken when he was admitted.)



( Photo: This photo taken the March 16, the day the Saw-whet Owl was admitted with an eye and internal injuries. )



( Photo: Alberta, Katie and Molly spend a minute getting photos and biding the Saw-whet Owl adieu before he is released to continue his migration.)



( Photo: The Saw-whet Owl flew to a tree in the middle of the woods and quickly disappeared thanks to his cryptic coloration. Can you see him? Hint, look at the largest tree and move your eye to the left.)



( Photo: Katie Farvour releases a male Ruffed Grouse that went through a window a few weeks ago. We hope he pays better attention to where he is going in the future. Breeding season can be hard on birds since their mind may be on things other than survival.)



( Photo: The beautiful Tundra Swans are migrating through Langlade County on their way to the tundra to nest. They have a long trip ahead of them. )

Migration is an amazing thing. Spring migration is extra exciting. It brings with it many birds that nest in our area. It is thrilling when a bird that nested on our property shows up the following spring. That happened today at REGI. Today the Eastern Phoebes returned to our deck. Yea! They are such bright and energetic birds. they also eat tons of mosquitoes and other insects.

Have a great tomorrow everyone.

Marge Gibson 2010

Patient Updates, Former Intern Updates,

( Photo: Peli, our education White Pelican, makes us smile even on difficult days.)

Things got better after the last blog entry. Wildlife rehabilitation is a constant roller coaster of emotions. The kind words of support from blog readers were appreciated so much.

For those of you that wonder how or why we keep doing this work, I can only say we keep on going trying to make a difference for wild ones, educate those who are unaware, and bring situations to the attention of the public that may otherwise be perceived as a fluke or rare happening. People need to know what is illegal or even abnormal behavior in folks they may know. Years ago it was all left to a state agency to intervene on the behalf of wildlife. Those days are fading as state and federal funding for wildlife issues is cut. Wildlife belongs to all of us. It is up to the collective "us" to have a responsible role in protecting it. I am in no way suggesting you take up weapons and patrol, but being aware and proactive is important.

When I left you last the condition of the Rough-legged Hawk was grave. We pulled out all the stops in hopes this gentle bird would survive. I have good news. While very fragile and in critical condition, he is still with us. He has actually has eaten a few pieces on his own. We are a long way from celebrating, but things are looking up. I wish I could share this bird with everyone. His gentle nature is touching. As birds of the far north, these hawks have often never seen a human. They are curious and unafraid of people, which is not to their benefit around those that are unethical.



( Photo: The Rough-legged Hawk that was shot in Taylor County has begun to eat a few pieces of meat on his own. )

We have more good patient news. The Saw-whet Owl hit by a car west of Wausau a week ago has been in an outdoor flight. He is self sufficient in the flight, eating and flying and gaining strength and has maintained his weight. We hope for a release early next week.



( Photo: Saw-whet Owl hit by a car near Wausau is nearing release to the wild.)

The male Ruffed Grouse ( x2) are well and nearing release. We have had a bit of a run on male Ruffed Grouse as the mating season begins in earnest. The males in particular seem to have much on their mind and are not paying attention to things like walls or windows.

The female Ring-necked Pheasant from Wausau is using the leg that was broken when she arrived and is eating on her own. Her internal injuries are resolving well.

We have some great news from some former interns as well. Jamie Klemish, a REGI summer intern in 2008, is now a Fulbright Scholar!
Way to go, Jamie!



(Photo: Jamie Klemish holds a Belted Kingfisher raised at REGI before its release. This photo was taken while Jamie was a REGI Intern in 2008. Jamie has just been named a Fulbright Scholar!)

Liz Ferderbar , a student at University of Minnesota, just wrote to say she was accepted to Veterinary School in CA. Liz spent an abbreviated summer internship in 2009.



( Photo: Liz Ferderbar holds a Bald Eagle before surgery at the Antigo Veterinary Clinic in July of 2009. Liz was just notified she has been accepted to Vet School in Pomona CA.)

Congratulations ladies! I brag that REGI interns are the absolute best. I'm not kidding. I have proof!

Have a great day everyone,

Marge Gibson © 2010

Summer Intern Interviews Completed, Qushquluk Lays Eggs, Update on Weekend Patients

( Photo: REGI's static display Bald Eagle, Qushquluk, laid two eggs this week.)

What an eventful day. Molly and I interviewed summer intern applicants. We have so many wonderful applicants. This is the final interview before we make a choice. I wish we could have them all, but because our housing space is limited, we have to chose just three.

Our static display Bald Eagle, Qushquluk surprised us by laying an egg a few days ago. It is not fertile. We were going to remove the egg and move Qush to her summer enclosure when we noticed she had TWO eggs in the makeshift straw nest. Since it is early spring and tours have not begun for the season, we will let her have peace with the eggs. In about a month she will realize they are not fertile and give them up by herself.

Lest you think I am just being "nice" by letting Qush have the eggs for awhile, this is the photo I took after I suggested to her that I was going to take them. Gentle blog readers, if you can read Bald Eagle lips...err beaks, skip the next photo. To say she was clear about what she wanted is an understatement. It is never a good thing to cross any hormonal female, especially one "of a certain age". Qushquluk has been with me for over 20 years but was an older adult when I captured her in Alaska. We were both involved in the Valdez Oil Spill in Alaska in 1989. She was a victim and I was a Bald Eagle researcher studying the effects of the oil spill on Bald Eagles in Prince William Sound. Since we have been together so long, we understand each other. She is not shy about making her wishes known, and I respect them. She does the same for me when I am having a "moment":).



( Photo: Qushquluk was unhappy when I suggested taking her infertile eggs from her.)

We had many patients admitted this weekend. One was a beautiful female Ring-necked Pheasant. Pheasants are not indigenous species. Caring for them in an emergency is a humane choice we make.




( Photo: This female Ring-necked Pheasant was likely hit by a car near Wausau. She was very cooperative during her physical.)



( Photo: Say Ahh-- Notice the pheasant's pale mouth. She also had a hard abdomen which indicates internal bleeding.)

Some terrific people watched this pheasant at their bird feeder all winter. They were horrified to find she was injured. They were able to capture her without incident and a REGI volunteer transported her for care.

The pheasant has a broken leg and internal bleeding. I am happy to report she is improving. I am confident she will be fine again in a month or so.
She has begun to eat on her own. Regular blog readers may recall a male pheasant admitted in December. He is perfect now and we hope these two can be friends as soon as her leg is healed.



( Photo: The Ring-necked Pheasant a few hours ago when I last checked her.)

We have great news on the Saw-whet Owl hit by a car near Wausau.
His eyes are back to normal. The soft tissue swelling was down by this afternoon. He has begun flying. He ate an entire mouse last night. We are supplementing with oral fluids and emaciation diet to assure he continues doing well. Saw-whet Owls are tiny. He weighs just 80 grams. Missing just one meal has a big impact on them.



( Photo: Eye-drops for the Saw-whet Owl,.)



( Photo: Saw-whet Owl hit by a car on Sunday near Wausau has done very well. Both eyes are open and his vision is normal.)

We have another busy day tomorrow with programs in Wausau and more "de-winterizing".

Have a great day everyone.

Marge Gibson © 2010

Saw-whet Owls and Other Patients Pour Though the Door Today, Mild Temperatures

( Photo: A Saw-whet Owl shortly after being admitted after being hit by a car in Marathon County. He has a soft tissue injury around his right eye and internal injuries, but his prognosis is very good for a full recovery. )

We are back on-line today. I hope it is permanent, but living in a remote area that is a lot to ask for. Thanks everyone for your patience while we work to resolve our Internet connection problems.

The day hit with a bang today as several patients were admitted throughout the day. We can always tell what birds are migrating through WI, because those species began showing up at patients at REGI.



( Photo: Saw-whet Owl receives some liquid food and fluids after he was admitted.)

We had two Saw-whet Owl calls today with one admission. The little guys are often hit by cars as they move through the state and into their breeding territory. Some of the Saw-whets moving now are from Canada and will be nesting there shortly. It is great when the birds are banded with federal bands. In that way we can tell where they were banded and a little about them. For those that were banded in the nest we can learn even more about their life.

The Saw-whet Owl in the photos is from Marathon County. He was hit by a car but escaped serious injury. The man that found the little guy originally saw him early in the morning on a median strip of a busy highway. What a miracle it was when he saw him again, in the same place later in the afternoon and called REGI for advice.

The main advice was, " Get him off the HIGHWAY!" We are so grateful that this fine person was willing to do just that.



( Photo: Saw-whet Owl during his physical. He does not have any broken bones and should do well after a bit of cage rest.)



( Photo: Katie moves a Trumpeter Swan from winter quarters back to the Swan compound. )

It was a busy day in many regards. Steve, Molly and Evie were out of town this past weekend with many of our education birds doing a weekend program in Minnesota. The first day back means the birds are checked out for any travel fatigue and travel boxes are cleaned.



( Photo: Environmental Education Coordinator, Molly McKay cleans travel boxes that held our education birds during a trip to MN.)



( Photo: The plastic sheeting that served as a wind barrier during the winter on some of the outside enclosures, is coming down!)


Temperatures have been very mild this week. We could hardly believe it was in the 60's F. today. We realize the calendar says it is March. In Wisconsin that means we will have more snow and cold weather, but we WANT to assume Spring is on its way. We begin the long process of "de-winterizing" REGI today.

We are looking for volunteers that can help with spring cage repair, cleaning including power-washing. If you are interested please call Molly at 715-623-2563.
Have a great day everyone.

Marge Gibson © 2010