Today was mainly a watch and learn sort of day. I was given a more in depth tour with a staff member and how she gives tours. I had watched an intern prior and watched the other intern so I have seen at least three different tours so far. I kept taking personal notes on things I could say or what I could research to provide an efficient tour. The staff member and I went over the binder she gave me in the beginning, that I should have looked at more honestly, and showed me where everything was and how to use it. Such as the phone log for phone calls, pink slip for people who bring animals in or when we go out to pick up an animal - so we have info about said animal(s), member cards, how people can become sponsors, gift shop receipts, donation money, resident information, etc. There was honestly a lot to take in. Where the list was for the daily duties and what we do per day. I listened in on phone calls and was given tips on when people bring in donations (food, bedding, etc) for our animals. There was just a lot, no joke, and honestly I feel the education side will take a lot of time and after hour studying. Maybe doing self tours and scenarios but mostly everything seems like trail and error. Eventually I will be doing programs. There's a bird of prey program and turtle program at the center on alternating weeks (bop one week and turtles the next). I hope to sit in on one to get a run down and eventually start bird handling once the staff member who over sees the birds trusts me enough.
The tour and bird handling actually inspired a personal goal that involves a Great Horned Owl. I am not sure what it is but this particular bird, besides Rory the Broad-winged Hawk and TJ the American Kestrel, has caught my attention and when something catches my eye that usually means something. Lets hope that something is a good thing and by that I mean - hopefully I will gain enough trust with both the head education staff member and Errol the owl will allow me to try glove training him. Owls are smart and although this owl was not raised by humans and therefore wild I still believe anything is possible. Starting tonight or tomorrow I hope to start going out at the same time every day to just talk to Errol so he gets more comfortable with me around. I may start reading to him like a previous intern did as a means of helping him, and the other birds, learn my voice. I like reading too so it works out! If I can glove train a wild bird...oh my gosh.....it would probably be one of my greatest personal achievements and plus it could help out the center. Building bird confidence with humans 101 right?
After the tour, learning the ropes more, and watching I was taken on a tour around town so I now know my surroundings a lot more. This includes the best laundry mats, places to eat, chamber of commerce, hiking trails, and important roads in Minocqua/Woodruff. Since I have my first day off tomorrow I will debate between going out and exploring beyond these areas (after visiting the chamber of commerce for maps) or staying indoors and trying to create/finish at least one brochure while studying the educational stuff (residents) more or looking up facts. Lots to do so decisions, decisions. Need to do laundry too honestly...
Once the tour was over in the educational vehicle I returned back and sat at the front desk with a staff member. I continued to watch as the other intern that was previously helping me went to lunch for a half hour. When she returned I took lunch as well. I cannot recall anything really happening otherwise but once lunch was over I returned downstairs and recall watching more. Maybe some donations rolled through but otherwise the only other thing I can remember is vacuuming, sweeping, and mopping the educational side due to closing it up from the public.
The intern and I worked on Mya's cage, she is a Merlin, by cleaning out all the fecal matter on the walls, her perch, and where her food is. We were not entirely finished when I had to leave due to a staff member wanting me to help tow a boat trailer. Due to my previous experience with hauling trailers at Metroparks I was allowed to drive the company vehicle again and haul back a boat trailer donated by a volunteer who was purchasing a new trailer. We are going to get a John Boat at some point for said trailer that we can use during rescues. I am stoked about this for sure!
When I returned with the other staff member I chit chatted with a different staff member about the owl and bird handling; when I could start and such. I will need to talk to the head education guy about maybe doing it next week. Fingers crossed! I then helped the intern with cleaning out a tank a turtle used to be in before he passed away. We disinfected everything which finished off the rest of our day. Meaning I returned upstairs. Tonight I am on call, meaning I have to answer all phone calls between 5pm and 8am. I will be sleeping with a phone next to my head and the phone log at my bedside. Hopefully nothing too major happens until I have more experience with answering phone calls. I just recently received, 8pm, regarding a Red Poll that was hopping around but not flying.
Luckily the other intern was nearby because she was able to help me through the process of what to do and directing the caller to a different rehabilitation who receives all of our birds and is in the area of her house. I called back at 8:30, the Red Poll is on its way to Antigo/REGI for possible rehabilitation now so good news for the bird. Hopefully we can one day rehabilitate birds as well!
I did not take any pictures today honestly but I do have a previous picture of one of the education rooms where the resident animals mainly are. If I did take pics I would not know because my phone has been dead 90% of the day and for some reason will not charge right.
While waiting for calls I am enjoying the sounds behind our center; mainly our barred owls hooting away and the spring peepers singing. I wonder if there is another barred owl out there singing to ours. Slept with the door open last night, maybe I will do so again. Feet and legs are definitely sore and I am personally tired so a good day of rest tomorrow may actually be better then hiking and such.
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