Day 3

Honestly had a bit of trouble getting up today. Due to college making me rather lethargic I am not used to moving around so much. I am actually still kind of sore from hacky sack the other day which is rather sad. In other words, standing and moving around a lot should provide a good work out. It's much better then sitting around all day. I just get too ancy staying put for a long duration of time.

After heading downstairs to start the day off, I listened in about another loon call and I believe talk about the loon rangers being called in to investigate the birds. Loons need enough water runway to take off and if an area is too small they become trapped. I think I covered this before and how large parking lots are bad.

I then began to get a little more hands on action by cleaning and feeding the feeder mice. The Vet Tech students then showed up and began to help out with feeding/cleaning until the red squirrels and bunnies needed fed. As I covered the mice they worked with other staff to take care of said animals.

Meanwhile I began to clean out a cage that one of the Eastern Grey Squirrels used to be in before it was moved outside for pre-release back into the wild. The cage was then set up and another Eastern Gray Squirrel was moved into the cage (see image below).

After cleaning I was actually grabbed and taken on an outside tour again. This time I was able to see all the birds and also parts away from public trail where rehabilitation species are; the different enclosures. I took some pictures but am only posting one of a Barred Owl at the center. I truly hope that the black bear enclosures we have will be filled during my stay here. The staff have basic license but hope to have their advanced license in about a month or so. This allows them to care for more species like black bear and the interns can then work under their license as well.

After touring I was then moved to the room where the squirrel above once was, where the red squirrels are currently, and began to clean cages in there. They are now set up for more species. At some point today I will probably help clean/organize the room due to a sponsor coming in tomorrow. Need to make things look spiffy; cleaning is crucial for people and animals of course.

Once the cages were cleaned I was grabbed and the vet techs and I were taken out and taught how to capture/restrain predatory birds. I was able to capture/restrain a Great Horned Owl and then carried her back to the center to have her bill filed and talons clipped. She was examined and then taken back outside and put away. For my first time ever capturing/restraining a bird I was told I did pretty well but I know just how much more practice I need before I can 100% feel confident. I am more worried about accidentally hurting and/or stressing out the bird more then anything. One day I can master this skill and when I do I will be so happy; I love birds so much.

The vet techs caught/restrained and helped file/clip two of the Eastern Screech Owls at the center. I believe after our lunch break I will be able to capture/restrain our little Northern Saw-whet Owl. I have held one before but never actually restrained it or anything so I am excited. I want to get the file/clip down too but again, worried about hurting the bird.

UPDATE: So after lunch we did not go back out for the Northern Saw-whet Owl. Instead I helped prepare food dishes for the Eastern Gray Squirrels and the Raccoons. Once food was prepared the staff, vet techs, and I went out and fed said animals. I will admit to being nervous about the racoons after previous encounters via city raccoons. Crazy nuts chased me and fellow coworkers down before! Popping out of garbage cans is just not cool! These raccoons were, for the most part, more scared of you though so it was not a bad experience at all. Once the critters were fed we returned inside and documented all feedings and such. I specifically told some Metroparks stories - how disgusting human trash is compared to animal trash. This was due to use beginning clean up; dishes, taking out the trash, and sweeping.

Once cleaning duties were covered we then had a meeting with the executive director whom I met prior and told me about the good birding spot, goshawk survey, and loon banding. Two staff members, the other intern, and the vet techs were there as well. Just before the meeting started the area Wildlife Biologist also showed up so it was very pleasant to meet her. We discussed different things going on regarding Northwoods of course and after wards we asked the biologist loon/sage grouse questions. I need to study my birds A LOT; both as a refresher and so I can know more species and their specifics. I hear a lot about Loons lately haha.

The day was pretty much said and done at that point but the two vet techs, other intern, one staff member, and I took the three Eastern Cottontail rabbits out and released them. They had each grown to 100+ grams(?) in weight. Listed below are some pictures. The three bunnies took off and hid as soon as they were released. I hope to release a lot more species in the future with everyone!!!!!

My first release!

Can you find the Eastern Cottontail?

At the moment the day is practically done except for possible wildlife emergencies and who knows what else. Until I hear about something I will leave this post as is. Too-da-loo for now :)