If nothing else, 2015 was a busy year, with 219 intakes as of Dec. 30—that figure could change between this post and midnight, however. I have had critters come in late on New Year’s Eve!
Certainly one of the biggest stories of 2015 was the construction of the new songbird and raptor flight pens, after several years of delays. Both flights served LWR well in their maiden year and I’m eternally grateful to Cody Rogers and the team of Georgia Southern volunteers and friends he assembled to build these structures from the ground up—and my family members and their friends who pitched in, as well.
Certainly one of the biggest stories of 2015 was the construction of the new songbird and raptor flight pens, after several years of delays. Both flights served LWR well in their maiden year and I’m eternally grateful to Cody Rogers and the team of Georgia Southern volunteers and friends he assembled to build these structures from the ground up—and my family members and their friends who pitched in, as well.
It was definitely the year of the woodpecker at LWR, with downy, red-bellied, redheaded and pileated woodpeckers as “guests”—three separate clutches of red-bellies, in fact! I have to confess a slight favoritism toward the pileated; he just oozed personality.
And a definite highlight of the year was the two sandhill cranes who were released, came back, and spent another month freely roaming the farm before deciding to be on their way.
Of course LWR had its fair share of raptor guests, as well, like the two red-shouldered hawks, a juvie and a first-year, who wasted no time leaving Dodge when the opportunity presented itself.
By far my favorite red tailed hawk was this lady who made no bones about not liking humans and gave me the evil eye even at her release.
This barred owl from early in the year had loads of attitude and was definitely ready to go when released.
And of course, no rehab year would be complete without a great horned owl or two.
The fledgling green heron who hadn’t quite figured out the whole fishing thing when he fledged was a delight to watch as he learned what he needed to do to survive, and seeing him sporadically for months afterward at his release site was extremely satisfying.
Robins, brown thrashers, blue jays, cardinals, killdeer and such are always welcome guests at LWR, and during baby season we see quite a few various species of songbirds.
We also had a flying squirrel and a few possums as guests.
In a nothing short of miraculous occurrence, this black vulture survived being shot with an arrow and, as his wounds were much less serious than they initially appeared, was released after he’d had time to heal.
And certainly the longest guests at LWR for 2015 were the screech owl trio, one of whom came in as an eyes-closed recent hatchling, another as a brancher, and the third as an almost ready for release older juvy. If nothing else, their photos certainly amused us all as they matured into capable predators and finally gained their release.
Obviously much has been omitted in this "short" year-end review, but when I started pulling it together, I ended up with close to 160 photos and almost 40 videos—and that was after sifting through about three times that many of each!
Thanks to all of you who support LWR through your financial contributions, critter transportation, and encouragement when things get crazy. And a huge thanks to the wonderful vets and staff at Smalley’s Animal Hospital, without whom I’d be a much less effective rehabber.
Now let’s see what 2016 brings…
Happy New Year!
Thanks to all of you who support LWR through your financial contributions, critter transportation, and encouragement when things get crazy. And a huge thanks to the wonderful vets and staff at Smalley’s Animal Hospital, without whom I’d be a much less effective rehabber.
Now let’s see what 2016 brings…
Happy New Year!
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