Pinterest for Wildlife Classroom & TCWC
Posted in Websites 09. Apr, 2012
Coming in April: Wildlife Classes
Posted in TCWC 20. Mar, 2012
Classes for 2012. All Classes will be held at 10 a.m. at The Feed Barn, 11261 Prospect Drive, Martell, CA.
04/07/2012—SONG BIRDS AND GAME BIRDS
04/14/2012—RAPTORS
04/21/2012—MAMMALS
04/28/2012—FAWNS
A light breakfast and lunch will be served.
Reservations may be made by calling 209-547-3233
Please leave your Name, Phone number, E-mail & number attending
Wildlife Workshop Set for March 16th
Tri County Wildlife Care (TCWC) is scheduling a wildlife workshop for the public.
The organization seeks to improve the Quality of Life in our region through education and public awareness of our native wildlife and by giving sick, injured and orphaned WILDLIFE a second chance to be free. The workshop is set for March 16th, 6PM to 9PM, and will be held at The Feed Barn, 11261 Prospect Drive, Martel (located near Lowes). Come meet the education animals and learn how to live in better balance with our wildlife neighbors. Call 209-547-3233 to reserve your space. Leave a message (no tone will sound).
Future classes will focus on the following: 4-7: song birds and game birds; 4-14: raptors; 4-21: mammals; 4-28: fawns. One or more of these classes are required for those interested in volunteering to rehabilitate wildlife. These 4 classes will begin at 10 AM and will include a light breakfast and lunch will be served. Reservations may be made by calling 209-547-3233. Please leave your Name, Phone number, E-mail & number attending.
Birdingtime.com
Just wanted to share a site for those interested in birds beyond the USA. BirdingTime.com features photos and videos of birds. Photos are taken by photographer, Karel Beylevelt, from the Netherlands.
Starr Ranch
For those interested in Barn owls, Starr Ranch offers a live webcam view of barn owls in their nest. The little owllets get quite excited when a parent returns. Click here to view the webcams. The video below shows a baby owl hatching.
TCWC’s Video
Posted in Educational Outreach, TCWC 27. Jan, 2012
Here’s a video I created to support the goals of Tri County Wildlife Care. Please view and share with others and consider leaving your comments.
A Will To Survive
Posted in Grey Squirrel, Mammals 24. Jan, 2012
A WILL TO SURVIVE by Bruce Whiteman
Originally published by TCWC, Newsletter Aug-Nov 2010
On the 1st of May, a young grey squirrel was brought to me that had been caught by a dog and used as a chew toy. The poor little girl was not injured, but also frozen stiff with fear. It was soon obvious her wounds were serious. After a quick trip to the vet, we brought her home to see what we could do for her.
She was old enough to be eating solid food and running around, but she could not chew with her swollen face, nor walk at all. When she did move, she could only drag around with her 2 working legs. there was also a herniated cut on her belly.
Although it appeared she would not make it, we worked on her the first week with syringe fed foods like apple sauce and baby food, while encouraging her to keep moving around. She seemed very determined to get better, eating like a pig even with the painful mouth and trying to walk continuously. At the end of the first week, she started eating on her own and hobbling around on her own 3 good legs with one front leg still held up. It was like opening a door for her. She ate and hobbled restlessly until the last leg finally got going. She is now a normal healthy squirrel running around in the trees!
We normally don’t have names or special stories about squirrels, but this one that we called “Chew-Toy” is very special, and defines our motto of giving the wildlife a second chance.
Duck Therapy
DUCK THERAPY by Carol Galinski
Originally published by TCWC, Newsletter Aug-Nov 2010
I received a phone call from a lady who had found this Mallard duck which was unable to walk. Something was wrong with its neck as it wasn’t able to put its head down within 2 inches of the ground. I told her that I needed to look at it and check it out. Sure enough, the duck’s neck was all out of alignment. It was obvious the duck was in pain and super thin from not being able to get its head down to the ground to eat. Apparently something had caught it and it fought and got away, or it might have gotten caught in something and pulled itself free resulting in the neck injury.
I remember that sometime ago Susan Manning mentioned that Jan Harper was a therapist and worked with animals. I figured if she could help dogs, cats, horses, then why couldn’t she help a duck? I called her and this was her first duck therapy, but she was willing to give it a try.
She came over the next morning and she worked on the duck about 20 minutes with neurological stimulation. After she finished the therapy, I let the duck go to see if it could walk and sure enough it could!!!! In no time at all it was going around picking food up off the ground and walking all over the place. I stood there in amazement. I called the lady that had rescued the duck and she confirmed the duck wasn’t walking when she found it.
I watched the duck closely for the next week and noticed she was swimming well and acting like a normal duck. She was doing so well that I figured one more therapy would help, so a week later Jan performed her magic again.
The duck kept getting better, eating well and gaining weight. This duck will have a permanent kink in its neck, but otherwise nothing to keep it from being returned to the wild. This duck was released thanks to Jan Harper.
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The Odd Couple
Posted in Birds, Red-Tailed Hawk, Turkey Vulture 24. Jan, 2012
The Odd Couple by Pat Benik
Originally Published by TCWC, Newsletter July-Dec 2009
I pretty much name all of my critters, so I will start by telling you this is a story about Robbie and Erwin. Robbie is a Red Tailed Hawk who came to me as a small, frightened fledgling. He couldn’t fly, wouldn‘t eat and would not perch on the stick that was in his cage.
Once he began eating, I put him in a 6’x6’ outdoor cage. He still would not perch in the cage, but stayed on the ground and would hide when I got near. I was afraid that he would not make it in the wild again. I watched him every day and finally he perched, an exciting day for Robbie. He was starting to act like a hawk.
After a few days, I put him into a larger cage where he would be able to fly about 10-12 feet at a time and he did just that. I was impressed with the little guy and feeling much better about a release day for him which was my goal. Robbie was doing great at this point, however, all of my other cages were full when along came Erwin. Erwin was a large, awkward Turkey vulture who was young and unable to fly, but otherwise healthy.
The question was, where is he going to go? I called Judy Monestier, my mentor from Sierra Wildlife Rescue and asked if any of the birds could be put together. Judy said the Turkey Vulture and Red Tail Hawk could be put together, but to watch them at first to be sure there were no problems. This was most interesting. Robbie wasn’t sure at first, but they looked at each other as if to say, “Do I look like you?” They moved about the cage and kept a close eye on each other. Soon there was nothing to be afraid about. They would be good roommates.
Now watching them was really something. I’m not sure what they thought as they looked at one another. They were now best friends. They would sit side by side on the top perches and sun themselves. Erwin would spread his wings as if to say I’m bigger than you, and Robbie would seem to say yeah, but I’m much better looking.
Erwin would clean himself and was constantly trying to make himself look good. Robbie was not impressed. They did make an odd couple. But a couple they were. If one flew to the other side of the cage, the other one would fly right after him. I guess it was better than being alone.
Time came to release Erwin. He was eating and flying well, no need to put HIM on live food. He very much likes the dead stuff, a very easy feeder. So release day was here.
Robbie watched closely as Steve and I caught Erwin. Erwin was found close to home, so he was released here.
Erwin did not fly away quickly. He went into my empty goat pen and walked around. I think he was waiting for Robbie. He looked a little lost without his friend. Vultures are very social birds, and are often found in large groups.
After a few minutes Erwin quit waiting and took to the sky, leaving Robbie behind. He could indeed fly.
Robbie was put on live mice to make sure he could catch his own food. He took to this very quickly. He would eat up to 15 mice in a day.
After a couple of weeks of catching his own meals, it was finally his turn to be released.
Steve and I were able to release him at a vineyard with rodents to eat and great people that love to watch birds. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Well, they are both out there somewhere. I gave them the best start I could and now it’s up to them. I hope they do well. They are from two different worlds, so to speak, but spent a lot of time together, do birds remember? I will and have pictures to help me. It was great having Robbie and Erwin.
I want to thank the people that care enough to bring them to us for care.
And I also want to thank the people that have taken Robbie. May he eat many rodents.
A Majestic Bird
Posted in Bald Eagle 24. Jan, 2012
A MAJESTIC BIRD by Pat Benik
Originally published by TCWC, Newsletter Jan-Mar 2008
On 4-16-2008 I had just taken off my boots for the evening. About 8:30 P.M. the phone rang. Susan Manning said she had received a call from Judy Monestier. She had received a call from someone who had found a Bald Eagle in Fiddletown.
Judy has been a caregiver with Sierra Wildlife Rescue for a good many years. She is my mentor and has given TCWC a lot of good advice and encouragement. She is always there when you need an answer to any question and she has been extremely helpful in TCWC getting the “raptor” part of our permit.
Judy had no way of knowing if this was really a Bald Eagle or something else. Susan and I have laughed about this before. But I put my boots back on and Steve and I headed to Plymouth. The young couple, Will Blake and Mandy Moore who had found the bird said they would meet us there.
Now most people would not pick up a bird of this size and I wouldn’t advise anyone to do so. But they had already picked the bird up and were very careful to the way they handled it.
I got out of the car and to my surprise it was a most beautiful adult Bald Eagle. Now I have never seen an eagle this close, and to hold this bird was almost all the excitement I could take. I called Susan and she will tell you I could not control myself. I was on an eagle high!!
The bird had been down for awhile and was very weak so it was not hard to handle. As soon as we got the bird back home, we examined it. Not finding anything obvious with it, we had to guess it was sick.
We administered fluids and hoped for the best. I just couldn’t believe we had a Bald Eagle in the house. I had a hard time getting to sleep. I was very worried that it might not make it till morning.
Morning came, and he did indeed make it through the night. Susan made several phone calls and soon called to tell us that we were to transport the bird to UCD raptor center. So without wasting any time, we were off to Davis.
Brett checked the bird over, weighted him and he was quickly taken to the Veterinary Department for further tests.
We had done all that we could do. Now we wait and keep our fingers crossed. Within a day, Brett called with the news. The bird had lead poisoning.
He was very weak and we would just have to hope. They would treat him the best they could.
In 2 days we received the bad news that he did not make it.
I will always remember the excitement. I may never hold a Bald Eagle again. You can rehab raptors for years and never have one. So I thank Judy and Susan for all the training and the fact that we were able to at least help him through another night.
I have come down from my Eagle High!!
The Twins
Posted in Grey Squirrel 23. Jan, 2012
THE TWINS by Bruce Whiteman
Originally published by TCWC, Newsletter Jan-Mar 2008
I began volunteering at TCWC in 2007, after being introduced officially to Susan by my daughter, who briefly worked at the Feed Barn, although I’ve been a Feed Barn customer forever. I did this due to my lifelong connection with all sorts of critters, and my belief that the wildlife needs every chance they can get to survive in this world full of people. My first duty was to finish raising a young squirrel that was about half grown. It was a great pleasure to see the little guy happily running around in the trees after being released.
Having successfully completing my first rehab, I was naturally hooked. Next came the rabies shots – to help protect me from myself (my lack of fear of the animals).
In March of 2008, I received my first real squirrel challenge – the twins. They were very small, just beginning to get their fur and their eyes still clamped shut. Lots of missed sleep, feeding breaks at work, even went on vacation with us. At this point, my wife was still hesitant about the whole squirrel thing – until she saw the twins. It was love at first sight. Now she is just as much involved in raising them as I am. I also received a third squirrel to add to the fun, who was older and was just released back to the wild on May 10th. It sure helps to have an extra pair of hands at feeding time, now that they are big enough to terrorize us and everything around them! We now call feeding time the squirrel rodeo. It didn’t take long to figure out why squirrels are rarely made into pets.
I’m very happy to have the opportunity to participate in helping the wildlife, even if it is just a small part of a big need.
Hopefully, I will be able to give many more critters a second chance.
Just a couple of characters.
Bunny Talk
“Bunny Talk” is a comic series started by Franco K., at Cosumnes River Elementary School in Sloughhouse, CA. It was created through www.Bitstripsforschools.com. This comic panel shows how excited bunny is to find The Feed Barn in Jackson, CA. You can click the image to see a larger view.
The Feed Barn is owned by John and Susan Manning. Susan is the Director of Animal Care for Tri County Wildlife Care (TCWC). This business serves as the intake site for sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. Remember, if you find an animal that needs help, PLEASE call 209-547-3233. For an immediate response, please do not email. If you have a non-urgent question, you can send an email to: tcwc@wildblue.net.
Flying Squirrels–Night Gliders
Posted in Flying Squirrel, Mammals 13. Jan, 2012
FLYING SQUIRRELS – NIGHT GLIDERS by Susan Manning
Orginally published by TCWC, Newsletter April-June 2008
I received a call from Jan at the Amador County Animal Shelter indicating that she had an animal that was turned in as a bat. She said she was pretty sure it was a squirrel because it had a tail and she’d send it over.
I called Jan back to confirm that this was indeed a squirrel, but I certainly understood the confusion because it was a little flying squirrel. It was only 17 grams in weight, but already had the skin flaps between the front and back legs that allow them to glide from tree to tree.
We don’t see these squirrels as frequently because they are nocturnal, but also because they need a tree canopy or trees that are close together to enable them to travel from area to area. They are most commonly seen at dusk and at dawn and have been seen to glide as much as 299 feet, but 20-60 feet is more typical.
This little girl began to grow at an astronomical rate, and I was pleased after a couple weeks when it seemed her eyes would soon open. One eye opened and unfortunately, it was clouded. I took her to Dr. Stacy at Jackson Creek and she thought that perhaps she did not have a tear duct that was functioning.
We tried an ointment but saw no improvement.
This is where knowing other wildlife rehabilitators are so helpful. Judy Monestier was able to help recommend an animal ophthalmologist and Nan Powers and Sandy Gardner also hoped to pair flying squirrels that were in our care if possible. This is always beneficial for the animals that grow up together so that they remain as wild as possible and relate to each other rather than to humans.
The ophthalmologist indicated that the little girl squirrel was not a great candidate for surgery because of her small size and the number of blood vessels surrounding the eye area. She has what was possibly a corneal ulcer which may have lead to a ruptured cornea. Also, she has eyelid hairs growing inwards which may have lead to the rupture or be secondary to it. In any event, eyes are very complicated and in the future, I would go immediately to a specialist because a one-eyed flying squirrel cannot be released into the wild.
I always feel that I have failed when this occurs and then start looking for the best solution. My friends from Sierra Wildlife Rescue helped here too – Sandy knows a wonderful woman named Dharma who checked with the Oakland Zoo, and they want this squirrel. As a matter of fact, they have a single male flying squirrel on display. This little girl squirrel goes back for a recheck soon, and, if her eye is comfortable without further medication, she just may be on her way to Oakland. She is an amazing and beautiful creature and a big thank-you to everyone who helped to raise her along the way.
Do I Push or Pull???
DO I PUSH OR PULL??? by Pat Benik
Originally published by TCWC, Newsletter April-June 2008
As animal lovers and care givers for TCWC we do things that we don’t always like. When I was called to get a little skunk out of a sticky spot, I first thought should I cover myself with plastic? Or will I smell like skunk forever? When we got there and saw him, my first thought was to push or pull, but not to make him too mad. No, he was stuck in there good. I think he was embarrassed with the spot he had got himself in. He looked at me as if to say please help!! When I got him out, he took a minute to get his back legs working again. Did a little whiff, I think to say thank you. He found his way back to the brush to compose himself. And the answer to push or pull…Neither. A little hand saw works just fine.
Duck, Duck Loose
DUCK, DUCK LOOSE by Kam Merzlak
Originally published by TCWC, Newsletter April-June 2008
It seemed to be just another day pulling up to my business, Merzlak Signs. Upon arriving I noticed my mother pacing outside the shop frantically. As I approached her, she was saying that six ducklings, which appeared to be new born, were trying to run into highway 49. At this point we were searching for the ducks. The ducks were hiding behind the artificial rock wall at the City of Jackson Parking Lot. The ducks appeared and to my surprise they were moving very fast. They headed straight for a busy Highway 49. Without thought, I raced into the highway to stop traffic to keep the ducks from getting run over. Just by chance I was wearing the City of Jackson “Clean Our Green” shirt that is fluorescent chartreuse in color and was highly visible. As the ducks headed towards Main Street, I cut them off and forced them back towards the parking lot. I then yelled for my mother, Sharon Merzlak, to grab a cardboard box. I chased and persuaded the baby ducks into the women’s restroom were we put them into the box. We headed back to the shop with the saved ducklings. With no knowledge of wildlife, we immediately called up to The Feed Barn, where we knew that Susan Manning would have the answer. The Feed Barn welcomed our call and told us to bring the ducks to them, and they would see that the babies would receive proper care. On the way to the Feed Barn, we realized we only had five of the six ducks. At this point we were happy to at least have saved five of the six ducklings. Nearly six hours later we heard a noise at our front door…The sixth duckling was outside our door quacking for his siblings.
In a hurry, I scooped up the sixth duckling and once again headed to the Feed Barn. Upon arrival, the lady working there was amazed that we had located the last missing duck. She also told me that the first five ducks were doing fine. They were under a heating lamp and being given the proper nutrition they needed. I also learned that the ducks may only be a day old. I was also told that I would be able to call and check on the ducks and their well being. I can’t express in words how thankful I am to Susan Manning and The Feed Barn crew. It is people like this who make living in this community what it is.
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Orphaned and Injured Fawns
Posted in Mammals 12. Jan, 2012
ORPHANED AND INJURED FAWNS by Laurie Kubiak, Fawn Team Leader
Originally published by TCWC, Newsletter April-June 2008
Fawns in our area are black tailed-deer of the Mother Lode herd. They are usually born between late May and July and weigh between four to six pounds. Their spots remain until approximately 78-83 day of age. They are ruminants, a cud chewing animal, and have a specialized four-compartmented stomach. They require the doe’s milk until they are about four months of age until the rumen is completely developed.
Does often leave their fawns unattended for hours at a time. They do this in order to keep their fawns safe. The does come back periodically, most often at dawn and dusk. They nurse and clean their fawns by licking to remove any smells that could attract a predator. The does then tell their fawns to stay put until they return.
As our community continues to grow, our wildlife continues to have their space and environment encroached upon. This is probably a big part of the reason we come across lone fawns and wildlife more often than ever before.
If you were ever to come upon a fawn that was alone, here are a few things to keep in mind: Is the fawn wandering aimlessly, panting or crying (bleating)? Does it attempt to follow after you or approach you? Does it appear to be injured or have you perhaps seen a doe close by that has been hit by a car? Is the fawn lying in the sun and seem too weak to stand up and move? If you are able to observe the fawn’s back end…does it appear to have a dirty butt? As odd as this seems, it is one of the main identifiers of a truly orphaned fawn. Remember, the doe is careful to keep her babies clean and odor free to ward off any predators.
After about three weeks of age, the doe will take the fawn on short outings or move them from one place to another. The doe waits for this period of time to allow the fawn to gain good control of its legs and gain ability to outrun possible dangers. If you see a fawn(s) alone, be sure to think about whether it’s truly orphaned. If it is lying alone and doesn’t seem in distress, leave it alone! If you are able, and the fawn is lying in the sun, panting and seems to be in distress, move it into the shade. Put out a bowl of water close by. Watch to see if the doe comes back. Leave it alone!!
If you are unsure of the situation, please don’t hesitate to call …and please pass the word.
Remember, if you find an animal that needs help, PLEASE call 209-547-3233. For an immediate response, please do not email. If you have a non-urgent question, you can send an email to: tcwc@wildblue.net.
