Day 95 - Rehabilitation

So this is it folks. Unless something interesting happens during my drive to Michigan tomorrow this will be my last blog post.  I want to say thank you to all my followers who have stuck with my posts since Day 1. It was sometimes tedious to stick to these posts but in the end it has been worth it and overall you guys helped me keep going. I thank anyone who just started reading and hasn't stopped since too.

Overall this experience has been spectacular, amazing, and I feel like a brand new person because of it. I am not longer afraid to be outgoing and try talking to people, I have a better idea of what it takes to do wildlife rehabilitation, what it is like to take part in education - or teaching people, and overall have made amazing friends that I now consider family (whether they are intern or staff).

There's a loss of words for how much I have loved being here despite the occasional bad days. A very memorable experience that I hope to and probably will never ever forget and overall a place I recommend any one interested in wildlife, vet, or education to volunteer or intern for. You will learn a lot and make amazing friends along the way :)

Now as for my day... it went very well for a last day and we finished everything pretty quickly. In the morning I fed mice just to get them out of the way then started to work on raccoons, inside and outside, and upgraded their diets since they have grown since they have been outside. The rehabber informed to add more fish/venison and other stuff to help beef them up more. We hope to open up the door to their outdoor pen that's connected to their house so that they can start exploring outdoors more.

After this feeding and washing their dishes I brought the rest of the dishes inside and then did some dishes inside. We then grabbed the Snowy Owl and worked on her bandages. We gave her new bandages, some meds to help continue her ongoing healing process, then once her enclosure was cleaned up we put her back. I did the chart while someone gave her new water and food. Then the other intern moved on to her 10am squirrel feeding while I left to talk to the executive director about receiving my check tomorrow. Some checks have been mailed but I want to get home so I need some cash to do so; it will be worked out of course.

We took lunch at 11:30am and with the other intern and the assisstant education director we head across the street to Subway. We picked up a sub for the intern at the front desk and then after we ate at Subway we head back to work and gave him his sub. The assistant education director had to leave shortly afterwards in order to take an intern to the airport today so she could fly back to Washington DC. Three interns down, I am leaving tomorrow so four, and two more left. The last two leave the 17th and then the 24th. A new intern for fall arrives the 17th as well - her name is Kelsey Greathouse and guess where she is from as well... OHIO! Her name sounds really familiar honestly but I can't quite put my finger on it. She's from Wooster though if that helps any of my readers know because I feel like she's like a friend of a friend or something.

Anyway, after lunch we did the 12pm feeding then started catching birds. I learned how to cope a bird's beak (file it down) and trim talons. First time doing it which proves you learn something every day (I literally have since I have been here, even on my last day!). The bird I trimmed and coped happened to be Errol the Great Horned Owl that I had mentioned previously.

Later on I did the 2pm feeding and Marty the Coopers Hawk was grabbed by the other intern and the rehabber. The two coped and trimmed his talons, weighed too, then he was taken back outside. I cannot recall what all I did between lunch and two besides what was mentioned above and sweeping/ taking trash out but after this I grabbed Hortense the Turkey Vulture and took her to the exam room to do her monthly exam. Can I ever forget this particular experience? No. Why? Because she threw up all over the floor and then later defecated. Thankfully she never got any of her mess on me and also I can say I officially was never bitten by Hortense - Woohoo!!! I survived the Turkey Vulture!! haha. She is a vulture with an attitude and if she doesn't like you she seems to make it known.

She is honestly my overall favorite because of her attitude and the fact she throws up is kind of cool though I feel bad because it's a way of self defense so she may feel attacked. She's in good hands, in this moment they were my hands, but this doesn't stop her from still doing it. She's my favorite because she's also from 1988 too so she's older then me!!!

After her monthly exam and putting her back I then mopped all the rooms, especially the throw up room, and then started my 4pm feedings. Raccoons inside and outside were fed, bowls and dishes were clean, then I did their charts. I cleaned inside kitchen dishes then the day basically ended with the rehabber taking out compost. We finished everything up and now I do not have to feed until 8pm so I am actually going to do a bit of packing before heading out to do laundry. Once laundry is taken care of I can finish off all packing, do the 8pm feeding, and then...well....prepare to leave tomorrow.

Goodbye Northwoods Wildlife Center; staff, interns, residents, and patients. 

It has truly been an amazing experience I will never ever forget!!!!!

Day 94 - Rehabilitation

Today I was back on rehab and my last day here is actually a rehab day too. It was my choice to not do education and it actually helped the schedule by not doing rehab too.

Since I fed squirrels yesterday I decided to take raccoons. I was also still very enraged this morning from last night so I wanted to avoid squirrels completely. I fed them at 8am this morning, four formula but one with solids too, and then was told I was no longer able to feed squirrels for the rest of the internship. Yes its only one day left but this more or less sucks worse then anything and I feel like I kissed my possibility of ever having a job here in the future (if it ever became available anyway...) down the drop. I'm probably over exaggerating but overall I am still highly irate about the situation. After feeding I moved my car to the back parking lot since I am scared to walk to and from the parking lots at night anymore --- This is a story I will have to tell you in person if you are interested; not a story for public blog.

Due to this event I avoided the inside and team work related tasks as much as possible. So I picked solo tasks starting with emptying the water out of Eddie (Bald Eagle) pond, scrubbing off all the green algae from the sides, then refilling it with fresh water. I took some pictures of him while filling the pond - since it took a good 30 minutes or better just to fill it. I think I was out there for an hour at least working on it but at least it was finished. Anyway, I cannot resist taking pictures of this goon anyway. One day everyone needs to meet Eddie, he is just awesome and funny when he makes his "huh huh huh" sound. He's starting to sound like a legit eagle now, slowly but surely, but he's still growing so it makes since that he cannot 100% make the call yet.

He will always be my favorite Bald Eagle.

After this I head back inside and searched for my next task. I intended on cleaning the back room up, since there was stuff everyone and it needed a good sweeping, but a volunteer took care of that already so I just grabbed some bowls and set them on the counter to by washed later. I then decided to grab the bunny green container, now washed, and go outside to pick bunny greens (mainly red clover - I say this since practically everyone wildlife related knows) and then head back inside for a new task again. I think I picked up a tick along the way that's not living in my hair somewhere but not 100% sure if its true or if I am paranoid.

Since my next feeding wasn't until 12pm and it was only about 11am at this time I decided to do some dishes. This carried on for a bit and I ended up feeding at 11:40am rather then 12pm so it was done and out of the way. We took lunch afterwards until 1am. After lunch we grabbed our Snowy Owl and Ethyl the Great Horned Owl and head next door to the vet so that they could look them both over. Snowy's feet have greatly improved to the point she may get moved outside tomorrow!!!! Ethyl's injuries were on the wings and it was mentioned they were bumper injuries; meaning she was recently knocking in the walls. Its a very common injury for birds all together, especially in the wrist joint area, and so it should heal up soon and she should be just fine. We medicated her to help the healing process and will continue to monitor of course. Good news from both, nothing serious.

After appointment I did my 2pm raccoon feeding, giving the one his/her solids, then made more solids afterwards just so I had them. After this I went outside and fed raccoons since the rehabber made their bowls and despite it being almost 3pm. I also spot cleaned their cage while I was out there and filled their water; this and cleaning their bowls took a good half hour. Spot cleaning basically means cleaning up any leftover food and any and all stool that could be found. The raccoons are showing more fear towards humans which is great. Imprint still needs work but even he isn't coming directly to the door as much and is starting to act more like a wild raccoon should so that's progress.

Once they were all cleaned, including the bowls, and I charted everything I discovered there wasn't anything left on the list to do and most of the end of the day cleaning tasks were finished but mopping. So I mopped and then once feedings were finished we were finished until 4pm feeding. So half hour break gave me some time to start working on packing and figuring out what I was going to do tomorrow to make sure I am 100% packed and ready to go home but still had stuff for when I stay at the hotel I am booked with and with Josh's family for fair. I then did 4pm feeding and then later a eastern cottontail came in. He was heavily emaciated though, covered in ticks, and had spinal trauma. We tried to do what we could for the guy - Sub Q (direct fluids to rehydrate) and medication - but sadly it was not able to help him.

Eventually I went out to Hoggie Doggies for the last time with the assistant education director and two interns, one of which is leaving tomorrow, and then we came back just in time for 8pm feeding. After this was over I started working on blog posts and here I am since.

Day 93 - Rehabilitation

Today is my third to last day and a rehab day. I always said 3 was my lucky number but apparently not since today honestly ended horridly and overall I just wanted to go home more then ever.

I fed squirrels at all times but one which off the top of my head is like 8am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 5pm, and 8pm. I think that's all the times but this is me trying to remember off the top of my head. Needless to say there's a lot of feedings. Its not everyone every time but some get fed at 8, 11, 2, 5, 8 and others are like 8, 4, 8 and so on. Seems random but they are each on their own schedule truly and its matter of fitting the schedule.

I was able to do all the feedings at the correct time except the 5pm one, which is explained directly below. Anything in between these feedings were cleaning tasks such as doing all the tub dishes (including two of three eagle boxes and various buckets), taking out trash and compost, sweeping, mopping, cleaning the squirrels cages of course, making more formula, making sure previous days formula isn't bad, filling out charts, tending to the Snowy owls bandages, talking about job possibilities for the future, helping with raccoons (taking out bowls and filling water), finding food from the walk-in freezer (made attempts three times and failed), but otherwise nothing much out of the ordinary.

I ended up going to REGI as soon as a Ruby-throated Hummingbird entered our doors once we finished our cleaning tasks and 4pm feeding. We made copies and off I went; hoping to make it back in time for the 8pm feeding since there's a lot of squirrels and raccoons. Sadly I did not make it back in time and to make matters worse; I returned to dead squirrel that pretty much ruined the rest of this internship for me. Just being straight up, it did. I didn't realize what time it was when I left for REGI and it turned out, when I checked back, being shortly after 5pm so I missed feeding the squirrel. The likelihood of it dying in a matter of hours doesn't seem possible, in fact it was lethargic like all day and barely ate. I assumed it was due to the meds we were putting on an open wound it had from genital nursing but it doesn't matter what I assumed the only thing is that I missed a feed and most of all the squirrel died. After practically being angrily told to not feed anything at 8pm by another intern I returned upstairs in a fury and shortly went to bed. I grabbed phones later on beforehand and after an hour of angrily tossing and turning was finally able to sleep.

Day 92 - Education

One of the last education days, one more to come, and of course it started off with sweeping and general cleaning. I swept, helped take of bathrooms, cleaned the windows, filled soap in the bathrooms, then went in back to help out rehab. I helped feed squirrels with the squirrel intern then headed back up front to tell the other education intern that I was heading outside to help clean Fritz and DC's enclosure. It needed some work so of course, with trash bag and soap bucket in hand, I picked up any feathers, feces, and food remains then cleaned off any perches. Of course I had to take a few pictures of the two goof balls.

DC (top) and Fritz (bottom) are both Eastern Screech Owls. They are not siblings. Fritz arrived first and has nerve damage which causes him to struggle when flying. DC arrived after with an eye injury that deemed her unreleasable as well since she now lacks the depth perception necessary for hunting. Fritz cannot fly so he is unreleasable as well since flying is a birds most important ability.

After cleaning I head inside and prepared to give my first tour; which was only a few minutes after washing my hands and heading back up front. Once my first tour, and the first of the day, was finished then I recall mainly sitting, answering phones, helping rehab, or waiting to give more tours later. Not much happened during the day and since it's been a few days I honestly cannot remember everything we did 100%. This is why I should have worked on this more after work but was fairly tired I believe.

I ended up cleaning out Sierra and Race's enclosure of all the feathers and some feces. They are both Red-tailed Hawks; you have seen a picture of me with Sierra in the past. I need to take more pictures of everyone before I leave for sure.

In the meantime I do have some.

Walking Sticks

I opened my eyes while Kelcie was feeding me!!!!

It was the most adorable thing to watch this Gray Squirrel open her eyes after I finished feeding her. It sounds like I was trying to imprint this squirrel but she does not truly show signs of imprinting and feeding was actually over with when she did so I was able to put her back into her baby box. She was later moved into a cage so she can climb and hide in a den box. She climbs all over the place now, hides in her den box, and is starting to eat solids as well! Growing up FAST!

Other stuff I did was work on the gift shop a bit more but overall it was mainly tours, few phone calls, cleaning enclosures (biggest), or helped rehab feed / prepare food for patients. I think I mopped for rehab too but cannot 100% remember.

Day 91 - Rehabilitation

Today was rehabilitation day. Rather then starting off the day with feedings I actually spent a good 10-20 minutes before 8am to help our executive director load up the canoe and various other canoe raffle supplies so she could set up everything at the farmers market. After this I head upstairs and got ready for the day before returning back down to start my rehabilitation stuff.

I got to feed squirrels today which meant feeding them formula and giving them food trays. Either squirrels later (3 Gray, 5 Red) and they all had clean cages, new food, and were formula fed. I then moved on to mice and cleaned/fed them. Some had little babies! Of course I snapped a picture.

I watched our three new resident snapping turtles also get fed minnows. It's kind of fun watching them go after the minnow because they move so slow then suddenly the minnow is gone in one quick gulp. The two little snapping turtles were just too cute to watch because of how small they were; they ate the minnows in bits and pieces.

Once mice were finished I moved on to other tasks like dishes and going outside to collect pinecones, branches, and berries for our squirrels. I only got so far when an intern came out saying that we had a mountain lion cub rescue. I knew mountain lion cubs were so rare so of course I was excited but it ended up being a prank. This is what us interns do best; particularly the one!!!!! Pranking people!!!

I forget what else happened before lunch besides 11am and 12pm squirrel feedings. For lunch we went across the street as a rehab team (two interns, two rehabbers) and go chinese! Tasted AMAZING and once again I left with a food coma. Chinese is too good to not eat. My weakness.

We then returned to work after, threw in some shenaningans involving clothes, and then did 2pm feedings before grabbing our snowy and great horned owl for their vet appointment next door. The vet was too busy so we simply put them back afterwards and ended up cleaning or feeding when necessary. We actually started closing tasks early because everyone wanted to be finished early so once these were done, 4pm feedings were taken care of, snowys bandages were taken care of, and 5pm feeding was finished we finally called the day to an end.

The other rehab intern took phone for the night (YAY!) and so all that's left is 8pm feedings and letting a rehabbers dogs out via request. As for the rest of the night I am thinking relaxing and maybe heading to bed early again to catch up on any possible lost sleep and to hopefully sleep off this back pain that has been bothering me the last three days.

Day 89 - OFF / Day 90 - Canoe Raffle

DAY 89

I was off today so I decided to finish watching the remaining episodes of New Girl. Now I will just have to wait for the next season to start playing on TV. If I miss any I can watch them on Fox's website. Love the series!!! Later this night I went out with all the interns, except one, and a rehabber to a mexican restaurant. It was our last dinner together as a group before everyone left. Funny thing was when there was a random Bald Eagle sitting on a building's roof next door. Random eagle just relaxing on a roof; normally in Ohio it's random crow or something but never an Eagle. Needless to say I was rather excited! Besides this nothing else really happened besides me being lazy.

DAY 90

Today was a canoe raffle day at Torpy Park; a park in "downtown" Minocqua. I went with a volunteer and together we sold roughly 70 raffle tickets which isn't bad! A rehabber showed up and we ventured around the park to look at all the booths. This event was a craft show which made me very excited! I LOVE craft shows around here because they are all northwoodys-like stuff or forest/animal/wildlife related which is nice! I bought some silver Common Loon earrings. I wanted to buy some pine cone earrings and a pine cone charm bracelet too but I didn't have the money. The loon earrings are enough to sum up and remind me of my whole Northwoods adventure here in all honesty. Loons are what made me fall in love with this, is something everyone here loves, and overall represents everything to me. I kind of wish our logo animal was a Loon. Still, more loon stuff will probably be purchased for me or for others as gifts before I leave (and if I have the cash). Im trying to save up what money I can for gifts and travel expenses back to Ohio.

Overall it was a nice breezy day and we enjoyed the relaxing time selling tickets and exploring. I did laundry today and was going to hang out with interns afterwards but thanks to a head pounding migraine I ended up going to bed a half hour earlier then usually. I slept it off and felt better the following morning but sadly did not get to hang out as said! Thankfully we went to dinner the night before.

Day 88 - Education

Today was an education day which meant starting off with cleaning tasks. The other intern swept and cleaned windows while I used the vacuum to sweep rugs and mopped. After that I honestly sat down because I felt both sick and very tired so my energy was gone. I later realized I forgot to take my iron pill and did so. I also drank some Advocare Spark (Cherry) so by combining spark and advocare's Coreplex with iron I was able to get the energy I needed to get through my day without crashing. Im personally getting tired now because I am finally relaxing but still have energy to continue if necessary. Though I must admit I hope not to currently because I am thinking of watching Season 2 of New Girl and heading to bed early.

Other then cleaning tasks this morning I had to set up a sign stating we had an educational program today at 4:30pm. Guess who's program it was today? Mine! I had my second/last Bat Ecology program which went very well. I had a crowd of about 15-20 people who were very involved and overall enjoyed my program! I was very happy! They even added in their own experiences and overall a very involved group with a lot of brain storming questions I was actually able to answer :)!

Between placing the sign out side and ending my day with this program I gave excellent tours people (both new and old visitors) were pleased with, did a lot of call backs, and answered phones in general. Basically call backs are where we call people back who called us regarding animal calls. Its our way of following up with the status of the animal or what may have happened to it if someone sighted one but never brought it in. I covered at least 10+ but there are still a lot more left that hopefully others will work on tomorrow.

I do not have pictures for this post in all honesty; I wish I could have had one snapped of me doing my program but it was dark in the room with a powerpoint so it wasn't truly possible anyway. Other then tours, phones, and program not much honestly happened today.

Overall, excellent day and tomorrow I am off. It may very well be my last day off because I will be returning to Ohio in less then a week :)

Day 87 - Rehabilitation

Sorry this post is late; once again it will make sense why after reading!

Today was a rehabilitation day and I was in charge of feeding squirrels for today. So this morning I stated off throwing out all formulas that went bad this particular day and made all new formula for all the squirrels (and rabbit). Once everyone had new formula I quickly made three squirrel trays up. The two gray squirrels and our three babies (who are growing fast!) each got a tray. We had another single red squirrel that recently was moved from the nursery to the cage room; he also received a tray. All squirrels mentioned had their cages cleaned and got fresh water as well. After doing all this I started to formula feed all the squirrels previously mentioned and a single red squirrel baby, that came in recently, in one of our incubators. His eyes are not even open yet just like the other three we had!

Once all squirrels were fed and cleaned I finished up all their charts and with that morning feed for squirrels was finished. We had volunteers in so they took care of any resident feeding and cleaning/feeding mice so I helped out the other intern by starting raccoon bowls for our outside raccoons. A volunteer, other intern, and myself worked together until I started doing dishes as requested. I then went back into the nursery and later bleached the counters to keep things sanitary.

Besides this I had other feedings at 11am and 12pm depending on the squirrel so I fed whomever. Not sure what happened between all this time but we took lunch after 12pm feedings were finished until roughly 1:25pm. After lunch I realized we had a Great Blue Heron come in! Not an adult but a younger bird (fledgling?). I managed to snap a picture of him in our isolation room. After 2pm feeding we loaded him and a possibly Chipping Sparrow fledgling into one of our vehicles to transport both birds to Raptor Education Group Inc (REGI). It was truly nice/pleasant to leave so early rather then late at night and driving back later; it takes up most of your evening.

 

I ADORE Great Blue Heron! LOVE LOVE LOVE them!
This is all thanks to my Capstone project; I had to right a research paper and had a presentation on Great Blue Heron. They are VERY interesting birds! Which one isn't though right? Still!

Okay I love birds in general.

So between 2 and roughly 5 or so I was driving to/from REGI. When I returned I had time to type this up but ended up playing some facebook games for a while, fed squirrels at 8pm, and then all interns watched a movie called "The perks of being a Wallflower". Rather interesting movie I never heard of before. I kind of liked it. I went to bed shortly after this though; was just tired after the REGI drive in all honesty.

At some point today our three new resident snapping turtles came in (no names yet); two are babies and one is an adult female. The previous owner attempted to raise them and many more to eat but the DNR found out and confiscated all turtles. Poor turtles! I don't mind people eating turtles but at least follow the laws and hunt like everyone else. Little guys never had a chance to even live life outside! Since turtles require a specific home range that cannot be released or would die otherwise. So they must live their life in captivity now. At least we can use them for educational purposes rather than turtle soup!

Day 85 - Canoe Raffle (Pig in the Pines) / Day 86 - OFF

DAY 85

So today was a canoe raffle kinda day. Another intern and I set out this morning around 10am (we got to sleep in some!) and head to St. Germain, Wisconsin where the Pig in the Pines was taking place. Normally canoe raffles are at craft shows but this event was more of an eating/music kind of event. There are five different BBQ vendors with stuff like rubs, pulled pork, and more. There are ice cream vendors, kettle corn, funnel cake, and cheese curds.lots of food and directly to our left is a live cover band playing country music - Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, and more. More of less this is my kind of event! The weather, although breezy, is spectacular! Earlier it was chilly but in the afternoon it was in the comfortable low 70s. Later that night it got cold of course! We ended up selling 100 tickets, tried some good food, got to listen to some good music, and so overall it was a great day!

I actually was able to finish half of a book and in the afternoon I participated in a rib judging! Basically they brought out 5 different ribs (Two in a box) from the five vendors and we judged based on tenderness, taste, and appearance. It was difficult because it was all so good!!! My favorite ended up being a place called Pigfoot but the two Ohio vendors were close second and third (one point difference). Overall the Texas vendor one (go figure).

Not much to say otherwise besides we stayed until roughly 9pm, when it got dark, and enjoyed out day! Very relaxing and almost felt like a day off!!

Live band and our canoe!

DAY 86

So lets be honest, today was another day I did not go anywhere. I watched the remaining first season of New Girl and intend to start season 2 on my next day off. I did leave the center for roughly 30 minutes to an hour by going across the street to a Chinese buffet for lunch with a rehabber, an intern, and an interns friend. Good food. Otherwise I hate two granola bars and a pork sandwich I bought at the Pig in the Pines today. Needless to say didn't eat much, move much, and overall rellllaxxxedddd. Today was a good day!

Day 84 - Education

Finally back on education after what feels like two weeks! Not sure if it was actually that long and it was my fault for switching with everyone. I truly enjoyed the rehabilitation and days off but sometimes education side of things feels almost like a day off when not many tours roll through the doors. I want to say I gave at least five tours today and even got two hugs out of one! My longest tour was today; 50 minutes! Truly I was not supposed to go this long at all but people surely enjoyed it and there wasn't any tours waiting afterwards so everything was okay.

Besides tours I answered a few phone calls; one of which was about the swan rescue from yesterday. It turns out since Mute Swans are considered invasive we cannot rescue it and therefore the Wisconsin DNR must be called to take care of the swan any further. I was sad to inform both people who called about the news but they completely understood and appreciated that I went out yesterday to check out the situation. At least they understood and someone was able to go out and identify the swan correctly. Originally it was mistaken as a snow goose based on the descriptions but after some analyzing and looking back on a book things were figured out.

Since the swan could not be rescued the rehab side had time for other things to tend to instead. Meanwhile we had tours and phones as said until 4pm. The day literally FLEW by. One minute I thought it was 12:30 and the next it's 4. Overall it went very well for education stuff.

We then helped out on rehab stuff. I swept and cleaned off some counters while the other education intern did dishes and later mopped. Meanwhile I helped the rehabber grab a bird that needed some wing maintenance; antibiotics on a wound. We hope to take the bird and our Snowy to the appointment thursday; meaning hopefully the vet is back and able to do the appointment. We then returned inside and the other education intern grabbed the snowy owl while I did her bandages while the rehabber left. After Snowy I fed the squirrels and the other education intern fed raccoons. The rehab interns were outside cleaning the ORC and filling out charts from feeding our residents. One ended up leaving and the other had to go to REGI because of a a young robin and a young blue jay that came in so she preparing for that and ended up leaving as well.

When we finished up though we returned upstairs and have been up here since. Currently we are watching a movie "Hes just not that into you" and shortly after will probably be bed! Tomorrow I don't have to wake up until around 9/930 to go to St. Germain for a raffle. So I get to sleep in, yay!

One of our three Red Squirrels we released. I saw two of the three today.

Video of our three red squirrels. Remember the new borns? This is what the looked like now! They have been upgraded from the incubator to the heating pad and now the cage with a heating pad beneath. Hopefully they will start eating solids very soon!!! Growing up fast!!

Day 83 - Rehabilitation

I cannot recall much from today because I had to type everything out the next day. I never had time on this day to actually type out everything due to being busy.

Basically when the other rehab intern and I went downstairs we started 8am feedings. We managed to feed all the raccoons and squirrels, and then worked on charts for all the critters. I personally fed raccoons and had help carrying out bowls. We had three volunteers in today because one normally helps feed mice and doing cleaning tasks while the other feeds/waters residents. She was helping out the third volunteer by teaching her the ropes of feeding, watering, and charting everything when it comes to our residents.

Once 8am feedings were finished, the other intern and I grabbed a flamethrower and head out to the mammal enclosures where we proceeded to flame throw two cages. All the wood chips had been scrapped out since the raccoons were moved to the ORC so the flame throwing process was next to 100% disinfect the cage so that more animals could be put inside. I must say, flame throwing was awesomingly fun and I know for sure that I have a touch of pyro to my nature haha

After this we honestly were not sure what to do since the rehabber was not quite around yet. He had to run some errands because he was trying to get our truck phone fixed. There's been some difficulty involving verizon so hopefully it will get taken care of soon. We basically went inside and looked for jobs the other two volunteers had not covered. For example doing dishes, cleaning off counters, and doing whatever feedings when necessary. The rehabber showed up but I cannot recall what all we did by then. Eventually lunch rolled around so we finished 12pm feeding and took lunch for an hour.

Once finished we went back downstairs and since the rehabber was not back from lunch yet because he had to pick up a squirrel near his home. So we came back down and I grabbed a bucket with soap water, a trash bag, and some plastic gloves then went out to Errol the Great Horned Owls enclosure and started picking up any feathers, feces in his gravel, owl pellets, and scrubbed at some dirty spots when necessary. I wasn't able to 100% finish because by 2:20pm I rushed back inside because the Snowy Owl had a vet appointment. However when I returned inside it turned out the vet was on vacation so the appointment was cancelled.

Instead of cleaning more owl enclosures I head into the Raccoon Isolation Room (RISO) instead and started scrabbing and disinfecting any cage I could. The trays were removed and were meant to go outside but I ran out of time because the other intern needed help with the snowy owls daily maintenance. I managed to finish all the interior parts of the cages but the doors still need work and the trays till need washed. The carrier inside needs removed and washed as well but either I will get to it when I am back on rehab or someone else might end up washing the stuff but who knows.

After helping with the snowy owl we eliminated 4pm feedings, did our closing tasks (sweeping, mopping, dishes), and just before we were about to load up a Bald Eagle that came in earlier in the day (due to being caught by a leg hold trap) a call came in about a goose with a broken wing. So instead of going straight to REGI the goose situation had to be taken care of first. I drove to it with a box and everything by myself and it turned out the goose was actually a Mute Swan. The rescue was unsuccessful since it went straight into the water but afterwards I was able to take the Eagle to REGI. I didn't arrive until roughly 10:30ish but Eagle was taken care of, I got to watch the initial examination and process after, then I got to see a juvenile red-tailed hawk before heading back to the center. I didn't get back to the center until 12:30am. Shortly after I went straight to bed. 5 hour drives are becoming easier to me but still are very tiresome!

Day 82 - OFF

Not much to say about today. I spent most of it watching movies (Hercules, Fox and the Hound 2) and TV series New Girl. I honestly love the show, it's hilarious! Other then that I feel like I have bad news more then anything. Rocky Boot never called back. I'm assuming I didn't make it to the next step: scheduling an interview. I intend on calling tomorrow but if I didn't make it then I guess it's going to make me a bit more bumped out then what I am currently. The library turned me down too. The guy said he would hold on to my resume just in case anything changes and for the future but in the meantime that's two jobs down. It's believed Subway has already hired but I am going to try calling them Friday. I intend on calling Rocky Boot tomorrow to see if I may have misheard when call backs will be or what is going on.

Campus Safety sent me an application two days ago but I did not notice the email until today. I mailed back saying so, due to a busy schedule, and that I am printing it, filling it out, and mailing it first thing tomorrow. Hopefully they have not hired all the people they need in the last two days. If they haven't then I hope my application isn't considered horrid and tossed. So far things aren't looking good. This happened last time though too; when I thought I would end up jobless for the summer or houseless for the school year and suddenly something good happened. I have the oddest feeling that the "good news around the corner" is not coming this time but I am, of course, going to try my best to stay positive.

Just going to keep hoping they get better, especially when I just filled out a 9 page application for campus safety, but we will see what happens. Intend on visiting McDonalds when I return to school since that's the soonest I can but otherwise it will be phone calls, emails, and hoping/praying..

Otherwise, as said, nothing really going on today. Work on rehabilitation tomorrow and then everything returns to normal. Next day off might be Sunday be we will see what happens.

Day 81 - Rehabilitation

Back on rehabilitation again today and off once again tomorrow! It was nice to get back into the swing of things but I honestly do not mind every other day off rather then two days in a row. I'm all the way caught up on my sleep, was able to get job applications in, and just relaxed. Of course after tomorrow I will be jumping back into the swing of things again.

So today my morning started off by feeding squirrels; we have the three baby reds, one young red, and the two young gray squirrels still. All three of them were fed formula and the one single red was given his solids as well (nuts and other things). A rehabber and I went on a produce run shortly after at Save More and Trigs. Thank God we did because Save More gave us two boxes of very nice fruits and vegetables!!! We ended using quit a bit of them today for our patients. Anything we could not give to our animals or was rotten was tossed to compost for the deer to use but we were able to use 90% of what we were given.

We then grabbed the Snowy Owl and worked on her bandages; took the old ones off, applied/injected necessary medications, and put new bandages back on. Once she was finished we put her back into a clean cage with new food and water then I had to feed squirrels again. At some point I aided the other rehab intern on duty today by simply carrying raccoon bowls to the raccoons, handing them two her, and changed a water dish. I was going to chart but kind of failed so she finished it up. I think we went on lunch after 12pm feedings, with squirrels, were finished up.

After lunch it was back to work of course. I had more feedings at 2, 5, and 8pm but in between 2 and 5 we managed to catch some resident birds. I personally captured Eddie the Bald Eagle which I was super excited about! The other intern captured Ethel the Great Horned Owl, Fritz the Eastern Screech, and I think Cecil the Northern Saw-whet Owl. I was either feeding or working on other stuff when she captured the three. Below is a picture of me with Eddie!

We also grabbed Woody the Wood Turtle and Tatiana the Russian Tortoise. When we captured the birds we checked out their beaks and talons; trimming or coping (filing) what is necessary. Same applies for the turtles beaks and nails; trimming or filing as well. Without the filing and trimming their beaks can close to where they cannot eat and the nails/talons can become sharp and hurt us or the animal themselves.

Besides bird/turtle exams we bleached the counters and did dishes. I eventually worked on our feeding schedule. I tore off any tape, erased all information on it after writing it down, and then began to cut tape to put new stuff on. We were hoping to redo the board by making the lines more straight and adding a medication section (what times they needed their medications which encourages us to check the folder to see what meds are being given out at those times).

At the end of the day our last chores were sweeping, mopping, dishes, garbage, and compost. I did some dishes and mopped while other intern took out garbage, a rehabber took out compost, and another rehabber mopped. I also helped out education by swatting flies in Hortense's enclosure then went upstairs. I eventually fed at 5pm as said before, went to a movie rental place to pick up "Mirror, Mirror", and then came back. We watched said move later, pausing only for 8pm feeding, and now I am finally typing up this blog post.

Overall the day went very well with work and after. Some news regarding Rocky Boots and the job applications! Rocky called today for an over the phone interview. The lady who called, I know her name but never mention names on her, asked me why I wanted to work at Rocky and wanted me to describe what all I did at my last three jobs. She then told me that today they were doing phone screenings and would either call tomorrow to schedule an interview (the next step) or not call at all. I'm hoping they call back and ask to schedule an interview. It would be soooo amazing if I could work at Rocky Boot considering it's one of the places I prefer to work at the most!

Pray they call for me, please! Pray even more that I actually get the job for this school year! I need experience, cash, and something to do when I am not focused on school!!!

Leaving this post off with a picture of one of our three baby red squirrels and a picture of one of our baby gray squirrels.

Day 79/80 - OFF

Day 79
I intended on spending my two days off traveling to the International Wolf Center up in Ely, Minnesota. However I cannot afford a hotel, the gas, and food. I did my laundry already this week so really all I have to do is go grocery shopping. Do I want to? Not really.

In other words I have spent my day off lying around and doing nothing but applying for jobs that I will hopefully get this upcoming school year. I have so far applied at McDonalds in Logan OH, Subway in Nelsonville and Plains OH, Burger King, Rocky Boots, and at the school as a Library Support member. Hopefully I will get at least one position that works with my school schedule. If not, I guess I will have more time for other things such as homework, projects, adventuring, reading, and TV. Beyond that, who knows what I will do.

I'm hoping the rest of the day will be full of adventures of some sort. I consider going out to eat or hanging out with my coworkers as an adventure anymore. Watching a movie sounds awesome to me. If not I wasted this day then but may go out tomorrow. Not sure. Overall I honestly want to go home. It's not that I do not love it here but I miss home too much. I will miss this place once I leave but as the days tick by I just want to leave more and more. Only 15 more days left since I am leaving the 13th instead of the 15th now. I almost wish it were possible to fly home for a day and fly back but then I wouldn't want to leave. I'm just home sick is all. Otherwise I still enjoy being here.

Day 80

Its a shame that all I am doing is sitting up here still. Yesterday I was filling out job applications to a variety of places in the Nelsonville/Logan/Athens area. I am hoping to acquire a job somewhere that works with my school schedule. Im willing to work anywhere; including McDonalds. Money is money when it comes to any job that is not natural resources related. I hope to work at Subway or Rocky Boots. I would not mind being a Sandwich artist. Rocky Boots is associated with natural resources in a sense so even though its a restaurant job I could still cook up the occasional bison burger. We will see how things go; just have to stay hopeful. I truly hope to find something at the school or natural resources related before anything but customer service work never hurt anyone.

I am going to continue searching for things to apply to today and at some point will go out and get groceries because I cannot avoid it anymore; unless of course I don't eat but that' impossible for me. Do I for see any adventures today? Not really. I may go out on my next day off though (Wednesday). Why do I have so many day off lately? Because I switched with people quite a bit and this is what I ended up with. I do not mind taking day to jut chill out and forget about everything honestly. Not seeing everyone though is honestly making me somewhat sad but tonight the assistant education director's parents have invited everyone over for a cook out so I intend on going to that later. Hopefully everyone else will as well; I miss hanging out as a large group with everyone.

UPDATE: Pictures added!!

Day 78 - Rehabilitation

Last night I just did not get very much sleep. I think I drank way too much pop and ate too much candy because I was not able to go to bed until roughly 12am, kept waking up every other hour, and then was wide awake at 6am. I actually got up and got ready for work around 6:30am and was messing around with facebook until 8. When I finally went downstairs I decided to feed raccoons since I was on squirrels the last two days.

We have three new raccoons whom did not seem to be doing too hot. By the sound of their lungs and the mucus coming out of their nose/eyes, they have an upper respiratory infection, and based on their stool and lethargic nature they are dehydrated. We began medication and occasional injections for hydration while they are still on hydration liquids. We hope that all they have is the respiratory infection and severe dehydration because other things they could have based on their symptoms include parvovirus. Humans cannot get parvovirus but we are capable of spreading it which means our other raccoons could get it without safe/preventive measures. We always bleach out feet and try to prevent the raccoons from not touching us at all costs so hopefully this will be enough. Since the disease is capable of being transferred to pets I intend on washing all clothes, thoroughly cleaning the inside of my car (particularly the floors), and throwing out my shoes before I come home. I believe in being safe then sorry so I do not want to risk anything. Some of my jeans will get thrown out too, mainly due to holes, but now I have another reason too. Everything else never gets near the animals so we are okay with that. Some diseases that harm wildlife can also harm our pets; they lurk in the world and although you should not be paranoid about it it's good to be wary.

Besides giving the raccoons their medication/injections and feeding both indoor and outdoor; us two rehab interns helped with feeding indoor residents and the snowy owl. I grabbed and the other intern learned the bandaging process with snowy's feet. The infection has been healing up really well but she still has more days of work ahead of her. The vet stated that she will truly never be able to perch again which means we may need platforms for perching rather than typical perches in her enclosure. I have seen her sitting on top of her perch but this does not necessarily mean she is perching correctly. When we put Snowy back and I think ended up doing 12pm feeding. Besides feeding patients, residents, and working with the snowy I cannot recall what else we did. Maybe dishes but beyond that I'm not sure.

We took lunch for an hour though and after lunch we did the 2pm feeding. Raccoons progressively improved through out the day, or at least seemed like they were, so hopefully they continue to do well tomorrow. After lunch we gave all our outdoor residents new water and then began cleaning tasks shortly after. I did tub dishes while the other intern did the kitchen/nursery dishes. I then went outside to our outdoor raccoon enclosure we just moved all the raccoons into and cleaned up a bag full of raccoon feces. We discovered the raccoons breached their half of the enclosure into the other half that had a door open; but thankfully no one escaped. We fed them and went back inside to finish sweeping/mopping. However we received a call so rather then continue helping out with cleaning I left to Hurley, Wisconsin to pick up young Peregrine Falcons. They died while on the way to Hurley so I ended up turning around and returning to the center instead. Carcasses will, or should be, turned over to the Wisconsin DNR.

After that I ended up going out to eat with a summer intern and one of our spring interns who stopped by to visit. We got chinese and the executive director showed up as well. She, the spring intern, ended up leaving early this morning so I missed her but did say bye last night. It was so great to see her and to hear that her new job is going well!! She is actually returning to the center this fall as an intern again.

After dinner I recall passing out and not waking up until 4am in the morning wondering when I passed out which is why I did not type this post up on the true day 78. Instead it's day 79 today and I am typing it up because I am off.

Day 77 - OFF

Today marks my 11th weeks as an intern which means I only have about 2 weeks and a few days left. Currently I have 2 weeks and 6 days left but I may adjust my schedule to leave on the 13th which means 2 weeks and 4 days left instead. Only dropping two days but we shall see. I already dropped two days since what I previously said so not sure if it may go through. If it does then I will leave the 14th, stay at a hotel in Michigan somewhere, then drive to Wellington on the 15th which means I will be back in Ohio!!!!! I miss the buckeye state. Instead of saying O-H-I-O it's O-H-OH-NO here! :(!

Haha I have had fun while being here though but I just feel it is finally time to head home. Summer is coming to an end and I want to enjoy the rest of it coming and going as I please with my friends, two families, and boyfriend. I miss my cats too.

Today was spent cleaning house. I have swept, mopped, did dishes, and cleaned surfaces in the kitchen and swept in the living areas. This is because I am signed up for the cleaning this week so I wanted to knock it out in one day since I have had to work otherwise! All that's left then is sorting, bagging, and taking out the recycling to the garage then cleaning is finished for the week besides taking out any possible trash. Other then that I need to shower and do laundry some point today.

I honestly do not feel like doing anything but relaxing on the couch today because of how tired I have been. If I didn't have to do laundry, I wouldn't. Maybe on my two days off I will explore again. I still want to go to the Aldo Leopold center but just haven't the time (or money). From here on out I have to save up every penny as much as possible so I have enough gas money to get home. I currently need food as it is. If only the check I mailed home was actually home. I am hoping it gets put in today or tomorrow so I can buy some groceries. A bacon lettuce tomato sandwich sounds awesome and I don't want to be left out of the group if we go out to eat anywhere since I lack cash. Surviving off $!50 every two weeks is possible but can be tricky if you like to go places, need groceries, and have to go to the laundry mat every week. It's doable honestly; good news is I don't have to spend money on gas unless I decide to drive.

Other then cleaning and laundry today I honestly don't know what else may happen. I can update this post later but for now this is all I have.

UPDATE: Ending up watching Beautiful Creatures after laundry with two interns, a rehabber, and the assisstant education director. Good movie! Bed after!

NEWS: I am now leaving August 13th instead of the 15th. This means only 17 days left or 2 weeks and 3 days.

Day 76 - Rehabilitation

After 9 days of working I can finally say I am off tomorrow. I feel exhausted all around which is also why I did not post until late in the evening. I almost did not tonight but since I forgot details about yesterday I figured I should at least make an attempt to post something about today.

This morning was feeding; I fed the squirrels again today since the other intern wanted raccoons. The three babies are getting so big. So far only two of the three red squirrel babies have their eyes open still and they are also approaching 30 grams really fast. They feed/eat like champs too. The rehabber fed the other red squirrel we had. Last night he wasn't doing so hot, laying on his side, but today after some medication he perked back up and was fine for the rest of the day. Sadly I think I caused him to aspirate. This means formula could have been inhaled into his lungs while feeding; which can cause pneumonia if untreated. It was treated though and as said he did fine for the rest of the day.

Once feeding was done I helped make raccoon bowls for outside raccoons while the other intern was feeding raccoons in the Raccoon isolation room (RISO). He fed outside guys once the bowls were made and since we released two gray squirrels and three red squirrels we no longer had to make squirrel trays for outside squirrels. I then started on chores since the mice were being fed and we did not have to prepare food for residents since we had two volunteers. I started to clean the cooler in our back room. Some nasty stuff was built up from some produce that went bad so I scrubbed down some shelves, walls, and made it look nice. Bleach killed whatever may have been growing in there and soap took care of the rest (okay it wasn't that bad but just in case). Afterwards one of the volunteers and I grabbed some bags and head outside to one of the squirrel cages.

The volunteer removed old wood chips while I gathered new ones into a bag and carried it back. To my surprise she was finished when I arrived with the new stuff so asked her to virkon the walls, ceiling, and logs inside the cage while I took the trays and washed them at our outside wash area. Once they were washed I came back and once again she was finished so I filled the trays with new woodchips and we were done in a matter of minutes! We had back in to look for more stuff to do since a lot of the list was stuff for after lunch or projects involving the other intern. I started to make more disinfectant and intended on filling bottles through out the place (only filled one) while the volunteer did dishes. Once that stuff was taken care of I started working on protocols with a rehabber and eventually the volunteer left.

Protocols ended when my help was requested by our rehabber involving a muskrat. Since it's a rodent we are allowed to legally rehab it. The muskrat was hit by a car and so we bandaged its wound, gave it pain killer, anti-inflammatory, and then hydration in hopes it would survive. Sadly later on in the evening it was discovered on its back and barely breathing which later resulted in having to euthanize it due to possibly pain / internal bleeding. We did our best through out the day and the end result seems sad but honestly death may have been the best option. After all, it's either a painless death or suffering in pain despite any help given due to injuries. As said, we tried our best but the animal arrived in bad shape and remained in bad shape no matter what we seemed to do.

Later after we originally bandaged the muskrat I believe I may have had squirrel feeding again so I tried to quickly take care of that. I also fed our other red squirrel inside. We did not go to lunch as anticipated though because a fawn came in after being hit by a car. Part of its leg was severed off, it had a dislocated back leg, road rash, and bloody stool/feces. Internal injuries rather possible as well. After being granted permission from other advanced license we were able to put him down. Any efforts made would be long term and out of out current capability until we are 100% able to rehabiltate deer. We could have given the deer a possible fake leg but this would require her to grow up to adult hood before being released due to needing a new limb upon mature growth. Since it was out of our control, the deer was suffering, and we were able to put it down we had too. It sounds like we offed two things in one day thanks to car hits but it was necessary to prevent continued suffering and pain to the animal despite any efforts taken. Sometimes even the best are is not the greatest simply because the injuries are too great to even consider rehabilitating.

I started squirrel feeding, 2pm, while two others buried the deer. Once this was done one of the two grabbed the snowy owl and I mostly watched. I washed some dishes then ran off to join the two rehabbers, the intern, and snowy to go next door for her appointment with a vet. Due to finections in her foot they had to remove the scab, remove dead tissue in the foot, and then wash it out with saline solution. The vet also medicated it and then we brought the snowy back to northwoods and bandaged her up. After this was finished we were finally able to take lunch.

A rehabber, intern, and I went to Subway in Walmart where we also bought some candy. We returned to the center eating candy after enjoying our subs and hung out for a bit before returning back to lunch. I started closing tasks, fed squirrels (4 reds), and then we were called to a rescue. Two grays quirrels and their nest were found inside a vehicle at a car dealership down the street. They removed the squirrels, place them in a box, and then we picked them up and brought them back. We gave the two rehydration fluid and overall the two seem to be doing fine. These grays do not have their eyes open yet but are no where near as tiny as the small red squirrels. They were roughly 80-90 grams in weight while the reds are 20-30 grams. After they were taken care of I helped the intern outside working on setting up an enclosure that we wanted to move our raccoon patients too. Den boxes were added, they have a slide, logs, and walls to climb around on, a a tub with water constantly rubbing from a hose (a drain is in the tub so the enclosure does not get wet). Below are some pictures of the new enclosure they were moved too! I consider it the ultimate enrichment room.

Later that night, after work was finished up, I did 6pm, 8pm, and 10pm squirrel feeds. 8pm included the three baby reds, one juvenile red, and then the two grays. Besides this the interns and I played sardines. This like backwards hike and seek. One person hides and everyone had to try to find them. Once they find the person they have to hide with them until everyone is hiding with the person; by then the round is over and the first person who found the hider then gets to hide. Never heard of the game but it was actually really fun. I kind of hope we can add empty  outside enclosures to the fun besides the main floor of building (not including basement and upstairs).

Overall I am sore everywhere, cannot keep my eyes open, and am thinking bed. I had a good day no matter what but am going to embrace my day off tomorrow as much as possible. Goodnight everyone!

Day 75 - Rehabilitation

Day 8 in my 9 day work week. This is what happens when you switch with people. I did it so they could spend time with those they love and care about though. I wish people would visit me but I also understand the cost to drive and/or fly makes it not possible. Plus the good news is I get quite a few days off between now and August. Not sure what August will look like until roughly the last week of July but I do know my last day is approaching faster then one would think; 21 days left. I may leave two-three days sooner too but it's in the air still.

Today I was on rehabilitation and although there are typically two of us in back, the other intern was stranded in Chicago due to a flight delay. He is supposed to arrive around 2pm today but in the meantime the two education interns, two rehabbers, and I have been holding down the fort. I think the education interns took care of cleaning on their side and then after wards helped feed. I feed squirrels and raccoons in side while everyone else fed raccoons outside, fed everyone their squirrel trays full of nuts and stuff, made food for residents inside and out, fed and watered residents, made solids for raccoons inside, and then went on produce run.

More or less they were a HUGE help!!! I did dishes, made forumla for everyone since the rest went bad, cleaned/fed/watered all of our mice, and took bad/mold/old produce outside to dump with the truck. Once that was taken care of (mind you I was helped with the loading process again) I then grabbed the Snowy Owl and we did her bandages and cleaned her cage. New food and water then she was put back. I did dishes a bit later once again and then cleaned off all counters in the kitchen, exam room, and nursery. I went through the back cooler and threw out all bad/old produce and then began 12pm squirrel feeding. Once this was done then we took lunch which is where I presently am typing up everything before this particular sentence.

After lunch I recall squirrel feedings again and the other intern showed up around 2ish as originally thought. Once he did everything kind of slowed down because everyone was chatting and up to shenanigans. I did 2pm, 4pm, 6p,. 8pm, and 10pm squirrel feedings and honestly cannot recall what else otherwise. Later after 6pm feeding though we went to the Min-aqua bats water ski show which was honestly really fun. I saw my first Osprey while there and also saw a Bald Eagle. It was my first water ski show too which was exciting. Some bare foot skiers last a quarter mile, some people skied backwards, and some had a pyramid. There was quite a bit of fun but we had to leave for 8pm feeding. After this feeding though three of us got chinese at the buffet across the street then returned back to hang out withe everyone as a group. Wish I could remember more and had pictures but sadly I cannot and do not.

Day 74 - Education

Only two more days until my next day off and I am still trying to plan something that isn't too expensive. Tonight I intend on actually getting my laundry done since after 5pm I will have time. Anyway, today I was on education.

This morning I recieved a call from Hocking. I wanted to drop Forestry and instead get my Wildlife degree with GPS/GIS Certificate. The call today basically said that my new schedule is 100% figured out for the year and by the sounds of it the year will turn out very smooth and easy. I may be able to get a part time job if I have enough time!!!! More money, yay!!

So besides this I mopped and then at 9am I read a story to two kids for our story time program. I read "The little Wood Duck" for a story and it indirectly taught that it's okay to be different. In other words its okay to show individuality. Birds plus the topic felt suitable for me haha. I realized this after honestly.

Since we left the open/closed sign set to open a group wondered in around 9:30am so we figured we would take them out. I did first tour and they thoroughly enjoyed it! All my tours today said I did an awesome job and enjoyed which is a huge confidence boost for me. I do my best of course! So it's very nice to hear positive feedback!  The other education intern and I switched back and forth for every tour. She gave one at 10am and I think I gave one at either 10:30am, 11am, or 12pm then we waited around until lunch. I had a tour so she took lunch first then once my tour came back I took lunch. I had to give a tour as soon as my lunch was over and ever since it was fairly steady until maybe 2pm.

I then worked on some gift shop stuff; adding items and updating the inventory list. I also took a test regarding rehabilitating a bird. It was a practice test and although I forgot a medication and the general diet of a kingfisher (silly me forgot they ate fish, DUH!) I was told that I did very well in the end. This to me is proof that I have learned something since I have been here. I know I have but now I have paper form too (besides protocols). I also know where to go to find the answers to things so finding resources = awesome in my opinion. Half the battle is figuring it out, the other half is knowing where to turn to when in need of help.

Once the test was over and after more tours we eventually closed shop at 4:40pm. No one came to a program that was going to happen at 4:30pm so the day ended earlier then it was going to originally. I swatted flies out of the turkey vultures cage, turned off all the lights, and then helped rehab side grab our snowy owl for her daily exam. After that I head upstairs and relaxed for a while until the education intern, a rehabber, and I went out to eat at a chinese restaurant. I basically left with a food coma. We then went to the move store and rented "Pitch Perfect". AMAZING movie! I loved it! One of my new favorites and something I wouldn't mind owning in the future because I know plenty of people who would love this movie back at home.

Since the movie ended I have been on here typing up this, playing some facebook games, and preparing for bed.


But before bed, I leave with a picture of me holding Candy the Corn snake and some good news! One of the three red squirrels slightly opened her eyes today!!!!! Also no more 3am feeding. I beefed her up yesterday with my feedings so she not only gained a few grams but also looks healthier then before! It was mentioned I miss-weighed......HA please!!! I weighed her twice just to confirm her weight yesterday IN CASE of miss-weighing. Not sure if it was a joke or not but if not; nice try in the attempt to call me out on something I did not even do. People make me laugh.

Day 73 - Rehabilitation

Today started off earlier for me since I was able to actually get up, shower, and eat before everyone else was ready. I headed down and started to feed squirrels. FINALLY I was able to feed squirrels rather then CONSTANTLY feeling stuck on raccoons. They're easy but that does not mean I want to do them every single day. It was getting on my nerves but finally I was able too get away. Who knows if I will get lucky enough to feed them for the rest of the month but that does not mean I will. I was told its whoever gets down first....Challenge Accepted.

I fed the three babies, our new juvenile red squirrel, our two red squirrels (adult) outside, and also our two gray squirrels outside. The rehabber had prepared squirrel trays for me and while I was feeding outside squirrels she prepared resident food (inside and out). I took the tray and fed all of the birds outside while the other intern fed raccoons. I have a video of Eddie the Eagle eating but cannot post it here. However I will provide a link, only facebook friends can view it though thanks to my privacy settings that I am not changing. Sorry, but I just refuse to. (Link: Here)

When I returned inside I filled out all charts that I needed too while the other intern fed inside guys. This includes the turtles and hortense the turkey vulture. A volunteer fed mice while I grabbed the Snowy Owl. We removed her bandages, cleaned up her feet, and then applied bandages back. The infections in her feet are looking a lot better and hopefully progress will continue! After she was finished I put her back and we were finished with 8am feedings.

The volunteer started to grind up Thiamine tablets into powder. When fish die they loose thiamine, an important vitamin in animal (bird especially) diets so we have to supplement the thiamine back into the diet. The other intern went outside to empty, scrub, and refill Eddie the Eagle's pond with water. While they both did this I organized the lid drawer in the kitchen, cleaned the microwave, did kitchen dishes, restocked baby boxes under exam table, and bleached all the counters in the exam room, nursery, and kitchen area. I wanted to knock out as much as possible. At some point I did the 10am squirrel feeding and cleaned Hortense's cage by picking up old fish parts left over, feathers, feces, and changed out her water so it was fresh. Logged this in her chart as well. When we got donations in we bagged any dead fish then took a live fish and put it in Eddie's pond for him to eat. Not sure if he ended up eating it or not. The other intern also took a bunch of blankets down stairs while I was working on stuff too. Overall the place looked great and it was still before 12pm.

While the other intern worked on updating the patient database I tried to make progress with the Common Loon protocol. Truly I am struggling to find any information regarding loon rehabilitation and although I know exactly who to ask about birds I just feel it may be best to find my own info. Plus I am nervous about asking because I am not sure what the response would be. For the most part it looks decent; it's just minor details I may lack or miss. I was told my long-legged waders and grebe protocol was excellent once again so I hope this one follows suit. Once loons are finished then I can try to finish cormorant protocol and work on others or help edit. There's a lot that still need finished even though they are not necessarily mine. I feel like I am the only one attempting to make progress anymore but I could be wrong and who knows who is done with what. They are due before the end of the month so hopefully we can complete them all before then. If I could just bust out these last two protocols that would be great.

I worked on protocols until it was time for the 12pm feeding. I fed the red squirrels in the nursery (babies and the one juvenile) then took recycling from the kitchen outside. I virkoned the exam room table then replaced some bags. We were then ready to take lunch for an hour.

After lunch it was back to protocols until 2pm feeding. Once that was over then it was protocols again until the 4pm feeding. We cranked out the feedings (all squirrels for me) and while the other intern left to REGI in antigo I took out trash, compost, swept, mopped, finished up any remaining dishes, and then sat down with a rehabber and executive director for an hour to listen to them about ideas for Diane Chart. She was our old executive director that passed away in a car accident last year. Sadly I did not get the chance to meet her though I wish I did because by the sounds of it she was practically amazing. Very nice, caring, helpful, outgoing, friendly, wished for human involvement in education/learning, and many more good traits. A memorial is being built after her and I truly hope that it is spectacular and something Diane would want. We also tried to think up names for the Snowy Owl but so far nothing seems to stick and we truly do not wish to name her until she's placed outside.

I then head upstairs for an hour to eat, rest a little, and of course answered a few phone calls. I then had to head back down for 6pm feeding. Then back up I went until 8pm feeding. Of course there's another repeat for I am about to head back down for the 10pm feeding then hopefully bed. I surely hope to pass off the phone since I had it last night and then I may end up doing the 3am feeding but we will see how it goes since the other intern returned a while ago from REGI.



I leave this post of course with some pictures. One if a nest with two baby robins outside our facility, in back, and the other is a Belted Kingfisher that was transported to REGI as mentioned earlier.

Also, I updated my last post with pictures with me paddle boarding and kayaking so feel free to return to Day 72 to check those out! Tomorrow I am on education then the rest of the month is either me being off or working rehabilitation. It's hard to believe...but July is almost over.

Day 72 - Rehabilitation

Today was honestly both awesome and relaxing though it did have it's down moments. For the most part the most I did was feed animals and work on protocols. Us two interns did 8am feedings for raccoons, squirrels, and mice. A rehabber and I worked on the Snowy Owl's bandages and cleaned out her temporary home. She also did dishes, made more food when we needed it, and overall all three of us finished up 8am chores around 10 which is pretty early.

After that the intern left for REGI to take a bird while I stayed back and worked on protocols until 12pm. I did 12pm feeding then we worked until 1pm before taking an hour lunch. I had to answer the door once because a Belted Kingfisher came in. Sadly he died due to stress which made me very sad, I felt like it was my fault but honestly all I did was hold her for maybe 10 seconds. I was literally the ONLY person at the center since everyone was either off, at Paddle for the Wild Side, Antigo, or went home for lunch. Speaking of Paddle for the Wild side, after 2pm feeding and lunch the other intern returned and with the rehabber the three of us switched with two other interns at the event.

The event is basically to help out the center by promoting our canoe raffle and giving us a chance for donations while a boat shop down the street in downtown minocqua (also one of our board members) allowed people to use his kayaks and paddle boards for free. Many people seemed to show up. The three of us tried paddle boarding for the first time but due to not having balance anymore I actually fell off into the lake. I went under but had a life jacket on which I honestly felt hindered me then anything. It made me float when I did not wish too and thus felt like I went into shock more then anything upon hitting the water. I am a very good swimmer so having something hold me back only made me stressed. I inhaled some water and felt pressure in my ears, that finally went away hours later, but overall was fine; just embarrassed.

At least I can say I attempted the paddle board. To give you an idea of what it is here a picture of one of our interns being a pro at the paddle board.

It was hard.

I then kayaked for the first time. I may have ended up 100% wet from falling in but I still wanted to go out and have always wanted to kayak, so I did. I went out decently far before feeling uncomfortable. Paddled around for a bit and overall enjoyed myself in the kayak. Should have gave up the first time I fell off the paddle board and just kayaked but I was too stubborn. Learned my lesson I suppose but again, still had fun. Just know that lake water does not taste good at all and its uncomfortable feeling algae on your feet.

After the event was over and I helped tear down we drove back to the center. I was in pain for a good few hours due to water in my ear. I am hoping the water all came out and that I won't get an infection. I took pain killers so it helped out greatly. At least I can sleep normally without ear pain. I went to Rockets frozen yogurt in two with the assistant education director and a rehabber. Got cheesecake and some greek berry flavors mixed with plenty of toppings. My favorite was these green berries that pop in your mouth like star burst or something. Price was based on how much your bowl weighed vs what was inside so you could create your own bowl like it was a salad bar. After we ate and checked out a shop across the street (t-shirts and hoodies) I was taken back to the center because I wanted to relax. I helped feed at 6pm, 8pm, and am about to do the 10pm but otherwise I relaxed, played facebook games, and of course worked on finishing up this blog.

I leave this post off with a good night and a picture of one of our three baby red squirrels! They  are growing fast! May open their eyes soon.

UPDATE: Paddle at the Wild Side pictures! Im in a kayak in two and on the paddle board in the other pics. I looked angry but I promise I wasn't!!! Bright sun!