YES! After two months of weather delays, we finally had a window of opportunity, and the screeches seized it with both taloned feet!
Because they were downy nestlings/fledglings when they came in back during the summer, I opted for a soft release near the flight pen, in case they needed supplemental food for a few days. I’m happy to report, however, that for three consecutive nights the supplemental mice left out for them were untouched.
Because of the soft release—opening the flight pen door and walking away to let them decide when to leave—there are no release videos. Two left the first night the door was open; the third left the second night. And after the third night of the mice left outside the flight remaining untouched, I finally began to breathe easier, sure that they’re faring well on their own.
Below are some of the last photos taken before their release.
Because they were downy nestlings/fledglings when they came in back during the summer, I opted for a soft release near the flight pen, in case they needed supplemental food for a few days. I’m happy to report, however, that for three consecutive nights the supplemental mice left out for them were untouched.
Because of the soft release—opening the flight pen door and walking away to let them decide when to leave—there are no release videos. Two left the first night the door was open; the third left the second night. And after the third night of the mice left outside the flight remaining untouched, I finally began to breathe easier, sure that they’re faring well on their own.
Below are some of the last photos taken before their release.
The only new intake last week was an adult great blue heron found by the side of the road in Peach County. This poor fellow’s been through the wringer in his lifetime. He’s an old bird, missing a toe on his left foot, probably snapped off years ago by a turtle. He’s also missing his left eye, another old injury, and the “scalped” spot on the left side of his head also appears to be an old injury, based on the scar tissue. He eats very little and spits back about half of that. Basically, he’s at the end of his lifespan. To be honest, I came *thisclose* to euthanizing him the evening he came in, but then he stood up and spread his wings, as if he wasn’t quite ready to give up yet. So he’s still making a royal mess in the rehab bathroom (I will NEVER get all the hawk and heron poop off the floor and walls) and eating what little bit I can get him to keep down. He may need euthanasia soon; he may check out on his own. But for whatever time he has left, he’s warm, safe and fed. Sometimes that’s all we can offer.
Just a reminder, those of you who’re interested in a 2016 LWR calendar need to make a firm commitment to purchase by Dec. 4. The calendars will sell for $20 plus shipping, with purchasers able to order directly through Lulu.com, as in previous years. LWR will receive $8 for each calendar sold, per Lulu’s terms. If I don’t have firm commitments from 25 people by Dec. 4, there will be no 2016 LWR calendar. You can post or PM on Facebook or email me or leave a comment on this post.
RSS Feed
