So this morning I woke up to the sound of the advanced license inspection outside. I did not eavesdrop but do recall hearing laughter so I believe everything went very well and why wouldn't it? Our staff members are very knowledgeable and we have a very well diverse facility for different animals (birds, mammals, etc). I have a really good feeling about them getting their advanced license very soon and when they do, look out everyone we are going to have an amazing facility! Well, it already is amazing but still. Every animal you can think of we could rehab (as long as there is a protocol for it). I cannot wait to get some Black Bear cubs or something in or River Otters! I'm double excited about birds but I think a permit is also required for that so it may be another process.
Sometime in the day I went and did all of my laundry I had managed to accumulate in merely a week or two. During the laundry visit I ran into a woman who was best friends with a board member of ours, who I had met, and I talked to her quite a bit about Wisconsin and the center. What struck up the conversation was when she told me a tornado watch was in the area. I took her by surprise when I said I was from Ohio which then led to why I was here in Wisconsin for the summer. She told me the place is very well respected and boy can I believe it thanks to all the nice people who walk through the doors (or call). She told me about Trout Lake and how a road there used to be an old highway system years ago. I intend to go to this place when I am off again because not only is it said to be beautiful but also it is historical.
After figuring out the severe thunderstorms were mainly south of here and later finishing my laundry, I returned back. It started to downpour just before I left the laundry mat but what was weird was that it was down pouring in Woodruff but not in Minocqua (the two are connected). Of course this maybe lasted 10 minutes before it started to downpour in Minocqua as well but it was interesting. During the laundry time I read Wildlife Hospital to keep me occupied. I recommend this book to anyone.
When I returned back I greeted everyone and hung around for a bit. When I asked about the fledged robin before I became ashamed of the response because I was told I abandoned it this morning. I was the one who went back out to catch it to take it to REGI (Rapter Education Group, Inc) in Antigo and I assumed responsibility for it's care but forgotten the fact I assumed 100% responsibility. So I am not sure if it was fed this morning or not but after being told about the abandonment, not sure if it was a joke or not, I fed it 1/2 of a CC (they usually eat 1) and then was asked to take it to REGI. Of course I said yes, especially since I was feeling pretty bad for forgetting, and right when I was about to leave we called REGI who said to hold on. There were storms in the area, we knew this, and everyone in REGI was actually huddled in the basement because of them. They were pretty bad out there and here I had made a joke beforehand "hope no one has to go to REGI today". Again, feeling 100% ashamed for forgetting about the bird. Especially after last night.
So I waited a good half hour and in the mean time chatted with the education side since the rehab side seemed busy. I actually got the okay as well from the education director for attempting to glove train Errol. Everyone says it will be hard and I especially need more bird handling experience but the okay is what I needed most. I will try my hardest and I hope for progress; may start tomorrow. I will need to work on bird handling as said and it was indirectly suggested to gain enough experience to where I could glove our Red-tailed Hawk (Sierra). If I reach that level of experience and gain more trust with Errol then the light will surely be shining at the end of this tunnel.
Anyway, after the wait I eventually head out to REGI to drop off the Robin. I made it there very easily. Only issue was on the way back. As soon as I got in the car, made my way to the end of the drive, and touched the room it started to down pour. Saw some lightning drop in front of me even. Stopped for a bit to let the rain pass but after a bit I just took off and fought through it. This downpour lasted a good 30 minutes before it cleared up and I made it back smoothly.
On the way to REGI I saw my very first Northern Harrier! I can now add this bird to my life list. While at REGI I also got an update on the two birds I brought in last time; the Bald Eagle and Northern Saw-whet. It was believed that the Eagle had lead poisoning but after some tests they are actually unsure what may be wrong with it. Something kind of funny about it is that it loves to break out from its box and eat any food that is left out. Luckily it has not ate any of the other birds. The Northern Saw-whet suffered some head trauma and was bleeding a little from the head but overall is healing up quickly and will most likely be released back in the wild. I think the eagle is going to be monitored more but overall will be releasable as well. The robin was also said to be fine and I think it will be released once it can fly. Overall three good stories for these birds which is great!
Upon returning from REGI I filled the truck back up, brought it back to the center, and am now typing out this post. Somewhere between arriving and this I actually took a 10 minute power nap. Apparently I was tired from the event but am now awake again. Going to attempt to work on the Dosage Formula or a Brochure since I keep putting both off. Grrrr!
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