(cue Monty Python theme music)… No, really, LWR is trying something new—we’re offering a 2012 calendar for sale through Café Press, with 12 full-color photos of some of our rehabs. All proceeds over the Café Press printing costs and fees will help fund our rehab efforts next year, so stock up on these calendars as Christmas gifts, stocking stuffers, etc. Here’s the direct link to the calendar page: http://www.cafepress.com/LaurensWildlifeRescue .
In rehab news, the runt possum finally grew enough for me to feel comfortable releasing her. All six possums are now enjoying the freedom they were meant to have.
This barred owl from Houston County, however, wasn’t as lucky. He came in with a leg injury. From just a physical exam, I couldn’t tell if it was broken or dislocated, and neither could vet Peggy Hobby when I took him to Smalley’s Animal Hospital.
When we x-rayed, though, the break was quite obvious, and too close to the joint to be stabilized, so we had to euthanize. (X-ray photo courtesy of Smalley’s Animal Hospital)
Sadly, this great blue heron from Bulloch County had an infected open fracture on his right wing and was so malnourished he could barely stand, so vet Shelley Baumann at Smalley’s euthanized him.
And rounding out the sad news (there IS happy news; keep reading!), this poor American coot from here in Laurens County apparently clipped someone’s side-view mirror.
Both legs were broken at approximately the same place, both open fractures. Again, there was nothing to be done but to end his suffering.
On a happier note, this cat-attacked flying squirrel from Coffee County suffered only a small abrasion to his head and apparently some minor nerve damage; he lists to the left.
This may or may not resolve itself over time—we’ll just have to wait and see. In the meantime, the sweet little fellow is making himself at home in a smallish cage where he has room to climb and play but not enough room for his balance issues to cause further injury.
He’s a cutie and may overwinter with me, depending on how quickly/whether his list to the left clears up.
And the pièce de résistance for this update is this adorable pied grebe—first time I’ve had one in rehab!
They’re tiny little waterfowl with fairly docile demeanors. Look at those funky feet!
This fellow was found by the side of the road in Dodge County and spent several days happily tanking up on fish in my spare tub before being released on a small pond at the River Bend Wildlife Management Area. Thanks to state wildlife biologist Chris Baumann for suggesting the safe release site. Our little grebe was delighted to be free: he swam completely across the pond, ruffled his feathers vigorously and began preening energetically.
And finally, just FYI: the website will be updated just once per month for November and December.
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