Mark Your Calendars!

One of the joys of the winter is that the education team has the chance to travel to festivities around the state. Throughout most of the year our programs are at schools or for private groups. Traveling to festivals give the public the chance to see our birds. And we love when we have the opportunity to share them with you!Photo above: Little Bit is one of our long standing partners in education. This little Saw-whet owl often joins us in his favorite tree stump at festivals and programs.

So now is the time to get out your calendars!
Here are some upcoming events:

CWEStival
http://www.uwsp.edu/cnr/cwes/cwestival11.aspx
Central Wisconsin Environmental Station (CWES)
Amherst Junction, WI
Saturday, February 12th, 2011
2:00pm - 5:00pm
(REGI programs at 3pm and 3:45pm)
CWEStival is a winter family festival. Enjoy snowshoeing, sleigh rides, crafts, and more along with our program.

Klondike Days
www.klondikedays.org
March 5 & 6, 2011
Eagle River, WI
Klondike Days is "a family-oriented gala event featuring a variety of turn-of-the-century activities". REGI will be set up at a booth with educating the public both Saturday and Sunday.
Photo above: Steve Fisher talks with a couple of young visitors at Klondike Days in 2010.

Science Extravaganza
March 12, 2011
Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH)
REGI program from 1-2
This is a student driven, hands on science fair with fun for the entire family. REGI's afternoon performance will be just one of many highlights throughout the day.
Photo above: Ishmael, our beautiful Peregrine Falcon, is another of our education birds who often accompanies us to festivities. He is an old pro with lots of fun personality. If you have met him at past programs you are sure to remember him. If you have yet to meet him, you won't want to miss the opportunity.

We hope to see you this winter!

~Molly McKay
Environmental Education Coordinator

Saw-whet Owl Admitted, Migration Exhaustion, Loon X2 Update, Volunteers UWSP Environmental Education Club

( Photo: This Saw-whet Owl , admitted with starvation and migration exhaustion was weak and near death when she was admitted this weekend.)

The female Saw-whet Owl in the photo above, was admitted in critical condition. The weekend was rocky for this tiny owl, but she is doing much better this morning. We are optimistic for a full recovery. Readers ask what causes an otherwise healthy owl to starve when there are plenty of mice around to eat. The answer in many cases is many of the birds migrating through the State Of Wisconsin are from Canada. By the time they reach Wisconsin they have already had a long journey. Many have used up their fat stores. Storms and strong winds complicate migration causing the birds to use more calories to survive extreme weather. It is harder to find food during difficult weather conditions as well. Our Saw-whet patient likely came through Hawk Ridge located in Duluth, MN. It is on one of the major flyways from Canada and a stellar place to watch the migration. Many thanks to Dave and Judy Marshall from transporting the little tyke to REGI from WI Rapids.



( Photo: This Common Loon and a second loon not picture are both doing well. They will soon be taking a private jet to the warm waters of Florida!)

We have exciting news on the Common Loon patients that have been with us for several weeks. They are both doing well. Both are gaining weight and while they continue to be tube fed to augment the calorie intake they are ready to be fishing on their own again. Their stories are in the blog a few weeks ago, but the loon with the fish hook is doing spectacularly! No one could have predicted this case would end up so wonderfully. She is having another x-ray this afternoon. That will be her last check before she sees the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico. The other loon that came in with poisoning continues to improve daily and is also making great strides. Now we just hope the Gulf of Mexico is healthy for them. A generous company from Wausau, WI has offered to transport the loons for us to Florida. We are so grateful!

It was a beautiful weekend. The sun was shining and weather was warm at least in terms of what we in Northern WI are accustom to in November. We were able to continue winterizing cages, transfer more fragile species to heated areas and prepare the natural areas with wind protection. At any given time we can have up to 100 patients in the winter season as well as our education birds. There is a lot of preparation to be done. Careful attention is give to each bird, taking into consideration its disability or condition. The UWSP Environmental Education Club volunteered on Sunday. A big thank you to Marie Fargo, Meaghen Leatherbury, Jenn Lempa and Brandon Carmichael for their help.



( Photo: The UWSP Environmental Education Club members Marie Fargo, Meaghen Leatherbury, and Jenn Lempa along with super volunteer Brandon Carmichael and REGI staffers, Molly McKay, Rob Prinsen and Katie Farvour enjoy swapping stories at lunch. )

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Crestwood Elementry School Visits Raptor Education Group, Inc.

End of the school year field trips are fun for everyone including staff at REGI. We are honored to be able to tour thousands of youngsters around the REGI compound each year. Here, they visit up-close and personal with our educational raptors, as well as talk about wildlife conservation ideas they can use for their future.

Today Crestwood Elementary School,located in Antigo, WI, came to visit.
This is Mrs Brokovec's Second Grade Class. They were an energetic group with lots of questions and good ideas. We all had a great time. The photos below tell the story.



( Photo: Education Coordinator Molly McKay explains the Peregrine Falcon to Mrs Borkovec's 2nd grade class. )



( Photo: Education Director Steve Fisher, with Tess, REGI's Bald Eagle. Tess impressed the class with her size and strength.)



( Photo: How many times in life can you have a ringside seat for a chat with a Bald Eagle? The kids enjoyed the opportunity and were perfect using their "wildlife manners".)




( Photo: Time to try some wings on for size!)



( Photo: Molly explains the special wildlife project the children were about to participate in. Hint: It involved a hammer and nails. )



( Photo: Intern Karrisa M. led one of the "teams" building an Eastern Bluebird house.)



( Photo: Getting some help with holding the nails.)



( Photo: Intern Katie R. has a great group of 2nd graders. They were all eager to help.)



( Photo: Karrisa's group is the first to finish! They did a fantastic job under her leadership!)



( Photo: Intern Robert P. has a group determined to do a perfect job!)



( Photo: Molly wants to make sure everyone knows how to be safe with that hammer.)



( Photo: Molly's group is finished in good style.)



( Photo: Robert's team is done, and there are the plans to prove they did a good job!)



( Photo: A little goofing around is always needed just to prove you are having fun! Note: Everyone signed their special bird houses.) )



(Photo: The end product. The Bluebird houses will be used for years to come on the REGI compound.)



( Photo: Time for some well deserved treats to top off the afternoon!)



( Photo: One last class photo on the "Wall of Wings" just as the rain begins to fall.)



( Photo: A few more quick chances at the wall before heading back to the bus.)



( Photo: The timing was perfect to get back on the bus bound for Crestwood School again. Just as the last child entered, the rain got serious.)

Thank you, everyone. It was fun to have you here at Raptor Education Group, Inc.. It is always exciting for us to be able to share our education birds and tips on living with nature with you.

We hope you have a wonderful summer. Come back to see us as Third Graders!

Marge Gibson © 2010

American Kestrel with a Wing Fracture Admitted, Lots of Patient Updates, UWSP Continuing Education LIFE Tour,

It has been another busy day. I have a feeling that will be our daily mantra until fall.



( Photo: This adult male American Kestrel was admitted from Mead Wildlife Area with a wing fracture.)

We admitted a beautiful American Kestrel with a wing fracture. He was also very low in weight. That usually means he broke his wing at least a few days before he was rescued. He'd been without food for that period of time. Wildlife lives on a narrow margin. Everything has to be perfect for them to survive. The good news is that since he was admitted, he has gained 20 grams. We expect he will make a full recovery and be able to get back home and back to the business of having a family.



( Photo: Our passerine ( songbird) incubators now contain 22 babies. Gratefully, all continue to thrive and grow including the tiny robins from a few days ago.)



( Photo: Some of our newest patients sharing a common nursery bowl in the incubator. they are House Finches and American Robins.)

Passerine nestlings continue to come in. I wish they had all been discovered in an accident or storm which took their nest down. I say I wish, because sadly this week we have had many come into rehab by landowners or renters who found the nest annoying and just HAD to take it down. It was only later they found themselves with nests of needy baby birds. All of these birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is against federal law to tamper with or destroy a nest, eggs or young of native wild birds. Many people seem unaware all indigenous birds, with the exception of House Sparrows and European Starlings (both are from Europe), are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This might be a good topic for a blog someday when I have time.



( Photo: Alberta examines the Broad-winged Hawk admitted two weeks ago with a wing fracture.)

The Broad-winged Hawk admitted two weeks ago has healed beautifully. Birds' bones are hollow and therefore heal more quickly than those of mammals. Today his wrap came off, and he was put into a small flight to begin his physical therapy looking toward release. Patients are first put in small flights and then in a few days he will go to a larger flight where he will be able to fully regain his muscle strength. Broad-winged Hawks are all business and have zero sense of humor. You can see from his expression he wishes he was anywhere but in rehab.



( Photo: The Broad-winged Hawk as Alberta released him to the recovery flight.)



( Photo: The UWSP LIFE Group ( Learning is Forever) toured REGI with plenty of umbrellas and enthusiasm during a heavy rainstorm. Notice our smiling albeit wet staff and birds (rt.) were excited with this terrific group as well. )

We had a wonderful tour the other day with the LIFE group from Stevens Point. The group is a UWSP Continuing Education Program, UWSP LIFE (Learning Is ForEver).
The day was less than perfect for a tour, but the hardy souls decided to brave the rain to see the birds and REGI. What troupers! The weather was nothing a bevy of bumbershoots couldn't fix. Thanks, everyone, for your patience and enthusiasm even on a wet day.



( Photo: Education Director Steve Fisher, with our Golden Eagle, braves the rain. )

Off to feed nestling passerine babies again. It is a full-time-job-plus. We are in serious need of volunteers to help with repairs on the facility and SO many other things. Please call if you have some time to offer. 715-623-4015 (clinic)

Have a wonderful tomorrow everyone.

Marge Gibson © 2010

Education Team Presents Raptor Programs for Keweenaw Migratory Bird Festival, Copper Harbor,MI

( Photo: Steve and Evie Fisher discuss the differences between tufted and non-tufted owls with our Barred Owl and Screech Owl.) ( Photos: Meg North)

Recently The REGI Education Team had the opportunity to travel to Copper Harbor, located at the tip of Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, to present two raptor programs in connection with the Keweenaw Migratory Bird Festival. My wife Evie and I arrived at the Brockway Inn in Copper Harbor on Thursday evening, May 8, where we were greeted by Karen Karl, who owns the motel and is one of the festival organizers. We got settled in and checked on our REGI education birds along for the trip: a Red-tailed Hawk, Great-horned Owl, Barred Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, and Peregrine Falcon. Later, we stopped at the Visitor Center to check on the set-up for our Saturday festival presentation, and we met Hannah Rooks, another festival organizer, who was very friendly and helpful (as were all the people we met there) during our whole Copper Harbor stay. We headed back to the motel and we and the birds got some rest in preparation for upcoming programs, as the cool winds whipped up waves on nearby Lake Superior.



( Photo: Director of Education Steve Fisher with our Great-horned Owl during a program at Horizons Alternative High School in Mohawk, MI)

Friday morning, May 9, we packed the REGI van and drove a short way back down the peninsula to Horizons Alternative High School in Mohawk, Michigan, where we met science teacher Meg North before I presented the first of our programs to an attentive group of about fifty students. They asked many good questions and were able to see our education birds up close, and we enjoyed interacting with this great group. Also present for the program was Buck Lavasseur, host of Upper Michigan's long-running outdoor television program "Discovering." Buck filmed portions of our program, and I did an interview following the presentation, which he included in his May 10 broadcast.
Discovering Program

Later Evie and I further explored the Keweenaw region, including a stop up at Brockway Mountain, located above Copper Harbor, where the Migratory Bird Survey has been taking place. In the spring, when the winds blow from the south, many raptors head up the peninsula, often passing by the overlook at close to eye level. Friday evening we attended a presentation by Vic Berardi, a board member of the Hawk Migration Association of North America (HMANA), who talked about and showed some wonderful photographs of migrating raptors, focusing on the peninsula.



( Photo: Steve Fisher with a Red-tailed Hawk and Evie Fisher demonstrates the vision of a a hawk.)

On Saturday, May 10, with the brisk winds still whipping the waves along Lake Superior, we spent some more time exploring the beautiful Copper Harbor area; then it was time for our bird festival program, located in the town hall, connected to the visitor center. The program was well-attended, with a wonderful group who also asked many great questions and had lots of close-up looks at our raptors. The birds were comfortable and at their best, acting as both our educational partners and as effective ambassadors for their species and the issues surrounding them.

We packed up and headed back to REGI later Saturday, driving through the remnants of the May snowstorm that had hit parts of Michigan and northern Wisconsin. We realized that we ironically missed the storm by being too far north! We had great time up at the tip of Keweenaw Peninsula, and we thank everyone who made our stay there memorable and enjoyable.

Steve Fisher
REGI Education Director



( Photo: Evie Fisher shows the audience how the hearing of an owl works with this display skull.)





Copper Harbor Bird Festival

REGI Education Team Working Hard at Winter Festivals. Klondike Days, The International Festival of Owls and National Eagle Center

( Photo: Steve and Evie Fisher with REGI Screech Owls walk through the crowd in Houston. MN at the International Festival of Owls. )



( Photo: A large crowd milled about at Klondike Days in Eagle River, WI . Education Director Steve Fisher is shown teaching with Fonzie our Great-horned Owl. Fonzie is a hometown boy, as he was hatched in this area of the northwoods. He was injured when he fell from his nest. His injuries were too severe for him to ever be released to the wild. He loves his position as an educator. )

During late February and early March, REGI's educators have been busy attending and presenting at several festivals. On February 20-21 Education Director Steve Fisher and Environmental Education Coordinator Molly Mckay staffed a REGI display at Klondike Days in Eagle River, WI, featuring some of our education birds, or, as we often refer to them, our educational "partners." Helping Steve and Molly educate interested members of the public at the two-day festival were our twenty-year-old "veteran" Red-tailed Hawk, our young Great-Horned Owl, a Peregrine Falcon, two Eastern Screech Owl, a Barred Owl (who is also a fantastic foster parent), and our Barn Owl, who helped demonstrate habitat as he perched comfortably in his tree cavity display.



( Photo: Steve Fisher with Juliet, our twenty-year-old Western Red-tailed Hawk. Notice the stump on the right with a Screech Owl perched inside. Using habitat perches, we can educate the public in a passive way about the importance of leaving trees important for nesting. )

There was a steady stream of people who stopped by the REGI booth, asking lots of good questions, as well as discussing serious issues like lead poisoning and other problems for raptors and all birds of prey. Steve and Molly (and the birds!) were very busy each day but were happy to interact with so many supportive festival visitors.


On March 6-7 Marge, Steve, and his wife Evie headed to the International Festival of Owls in Houston, MN, where REGI presented a program to several hundred people about native owls.


( Photo: Executive Director Marge Gibson with our Barn Owl, as they demonstrate how an owl turns its head for three dimensional hearing.)

Marge shared lots of fascinating owl information with the audience, as Steve and Evie walked the owls through the auditorium, giving everyone a close look at our beautiful Great-Horned Owl, Barred Owl, and Eastern Screech Owls and our famous Saw-whet Owl. After the program, audience members headed up front for more close looks and chances to ask questions.
That evening Marge was the keynote speaker at the Owl Festival banquet, giving a talk entitled "Owls: Personal Stories of Wonder and Inspiration." Using both projected images and personal stories from different times in her life, Marge captivated the audience by sharing her knowledge and passion for birds, with special emphasis on owls.



( Photo: Steve and Marge discuss owls and their specialized hearing. )




( Photo: A crowd of several hundred people filled the gym in Wabasha, MN for two days of presentations on Birds of Prey with the REGI education team. Steve and Juliet, Red- Tailed Hawk delight the crowd. )

The following weekend, March 13-14, Steve, Evie and Molly were back in Minnesota, this time at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN, as part of a special eagle weekend at the center. Steve and Molly presented hour-long programs each day to large audiences and also brought out the education birds for photography sessions, both inside and outside in the sunshine along the bank of the Mississippi River, as wild Bald Eagles soared and danced in the sky above them.



( Photo: Environmental Education Coordinator Molly McKay with our Broad-winged Hawk during a presentation.)

At each of these festivals and special occasions, we met wonderful people who showed genuine interest and concern for birds and the many important issues that affect them. It is gratifying to know that our education raptors, who can't be out in the wild, live worthwhile lives and are such magnificent and effective teachers. It's so good to see them help in a unique, up-close way to show how and why protecting them and solving the problems that affect them matter to all of us.



( Photo: Steve and Evie Fisher with our gracious hosts in Houston, MN, Royce and Dorothy Bergsgaard. They made us a great omelet breakfast. Thanks Royce and Dorothy!)

Steve Fisher
REGI Education Director