Working against a (migration) deadline

Normally, rehabbers aim at keeping their charges as long as needed to ensure their chances of survival are high. Sometimes that means overwintering one or more rehabs—keeping them through the winter to release the following spring. LWR has done this on numerous occasions. However, there are times we rehabbers HAVE to work against a tight migration deadline. Such is the case currently, with the MIKI.

MIKIs overwinter in South America. We’re approaching the deadline for migration. And LWR has a MIKI that needs to be on his way SOON—like within the next two weeks. He’s been moved to the mini-pen for flight conditioning, in hopes that we can get him ready for his journey ASAP.  He was NOT a happy camper at the move… Y’all make sure your volume isn’t blaring; he’s loud!

Y’all pray this feisty little fellow fully figures out what his wings are for soon, so he can join all the other MIKIs headed to South America for the winter.

The older male red tail is in the main flight and should be good to go within the week. He’s eating and flying well. As you can see, he’s also going through a molt. I’ve always found it neat how they molt symmetrically on their wings, losing the same feathers on each side simultaneously. Birds are amazing!

 The younger red tail is increasingly antsy as his wing heals, and he should be ready to move into the main flight once it’s vacant. He hates the camera; can you tell?

The starvation-thin red shoulder decided free food was a good deal and started eating with gusto, so once he’s got some weight back on him, he’ll be good to go into whichever flight is currently empty, but he’s got a couple of weeks before that happens.

Y’all enjoy your Labor Day tomorrow!