While the marsh lands and tributaries that surround Long Island provide ample food and habitat for many avian species, habitat fragmentation has lead to numerous challenges for these and many other creatures.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
American Woodcock (Scolopax minor)
Just the other day a concerned individual brought an American Woodcock (Scolopax minor) into the wildlife hospital. This stunning bird had collided with a window at LaGuardia Airport. One might question, why would such a bird be at the airport! The western part of the Island has many beautiful habitats for shorebirds, marsh-birds and their predators. Taking a trip out to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge will prove that while one is surrounded by planes and a bustling city, birds like the American Woodcock and several species of Sandpipers, Sparrows, and birds of prey, find suitable habitat in the marsh.
While the marsh lands and tributaries that surround Long Island provide ample food and habitat for many avian species, habitat fragmentation has lead to numerous challenges for these and many other creatures.
While the marsh lands and tributaries that surround Long Island provide ample food and habitat for many avian species, habitat fragmentation has lead to numerous challenges for these and many other creatures.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Merlin (Falco columbarius) Admitted to the Wildlife Hospital
On Saturday November 14, 2009 we received a call on our Wildlife Advisory Telephone regarding a large bird that had collided with the callers home. Nancy Stein, one of our volunteers quickly went to the birds aid containing it in a box in order to transport it to the Wildlife Clinic at Volunteers for Wildlife.
The injured raptor proved to be an adult female Merlin! Falco columbarius, the Merlin, is a small yet powerful falcon. They spend their summers in the northern most parts of America into Canada and Alaska. This particular bird is most likely migrating through New York to arrive at its winter range in the southern United States or even as far south as Columbia, Peru and Venezuela.
This impressive creature sustained an injury to her left wing rendering her temporarily unable to fly. At the hospital we administered a course of medication to help reduce her pain, and swelling. X-rays performed by Dr. Mehlrose at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island revealed no evidence of any fractured bones. Dr. Mehlrose's examination confirmed the damage to her soft tissue was the cause for her distress.
Prior to colliding with a home, this Merlin was doing well. Maintaining a high weight of 199 grams (an average for Merlin's is 190 grams), additionally she was well hydrated and full of energy.
She was released today 12/12/09 by Nancy Stein the same volunteer who rescued her! The satisfaction of releasing an injured and rehabilitated animal is enormous! Nancy reports that the Merlin flew off to a near by tree and seemed to look quite content.
Merlins tend to be found in open spaces and open woods. They capture smaller birds and insects while in flight using an intricate method of turns while in mid-air to bring down their prey. In addition to birds the Merlin will also consume some small mammals, lizards, and snakes. The relative proportions of their diet are about 80% birds, 15% insects and 5% mammals.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Faliconiformes
Family: Falconidae
Genus: Falco
Species: Falco columbarius
The injured raptor proved to be an adult female Merlin! Falco columbarius, the Merlin, is a small yet powerful falcon. They spend their summers in the northern most parts of America into Canada and Alaska. This particular bird is most likely migrating through New York to arrive at its winter range in the southern United States or even as far south as Columbia, Peru and Venezuela.
This impressive creature sustained an injury to her left wing rendering her temporarily unable to fly. At the hospital we administered a course of medication to help reduce her pain, and swelling. X-rays performed by Dr. Mehlrose at the Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island revealed no evidence of any fractured bones. Dr. Mehlrose's examination confirmed the damage to her soft tissue was the cause for her distress.
Prior to colliding with a home, this Merlin was doing well. Maintaining a high weight of 199 grams (an average for Merlin's is 190 grams), additionally she was well hydrated and full of energy.
She was released today 12/12/09 by Nancy Stein the same volunteer who rescued her! The satisfaction of releasing an injured and rehabilitated animal is enormous! Nancy reports that the Merlin flew off to a near by tree and seemed to look quite content.
Merlins tend to be found in open spaces and open woods. They capture smaller birds and insects while in flight using an intricate method of turns while in mid-air to bring down their prey. In addition to birds the Merlin will also consume some small mammals, lizards, and snakes. The relative proportions of their diet are about 80% birds, 15% insects and 5% mammals.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Give the Gift of Wildlife!
Do you have that person on your list to shop for that just seems to have everything? Instead of giving another material item this year, you can "adopt" one of Volunteers for Wildlife's permanent or rehabilitation animals in their name. Adoptions are a rewarding gift that will keep giving throughout the year. Recipients will receive a gift card, a certificate with their name, biography of the animals adopted, as well as a glossy photo of the animal. Their name will be featured in our newsletter in our Wildlife Sponsors section.
A Wildlife Sponsorship ranges in cost from $30-$150 depending on the length of sponsorship and species. Your sponsorship will go directly to the food, housing and medical care of a permanent Volunteers for Wildlife resident or rehabilitation patient of your choosing.
To view our permanents and download a copy of our sponsorship form, please visit our website and scroll to the bottom: http://www.volunteersforwildlife.org/about/permanent_animals/
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Happy Harvest
This afternoon, our two resident Virginia Opossums, Pierre and Minerva, got a very special treat. Leftover pumpkins from Halloween displays served as great enrichment and a nutritious snack! Below top photos: Pierre, our seven month old male opossum. Below bottom photos: Minerva, our year and a half old female opossum.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus)
A juvenile Double-crested Cormorant was admitted to the wildlife hospital after being hit by two automobiles. The good samaritan that brought the bird to us witnessed the traumatic event and quickly went to the birds aid. After examination, only minor abrasions to the birds facial skin and lores were noted. This young bird was aggressive and extremely alert. He was treated for mild dehydration and given a safe place to recover from his accident.
After several days in the hospital, the Double-crested Cormorant was ready to be released! Leslie Block, a Permanent Animal Care Volunteer, Rehabilitation Animal Care Volunteer, Wildlife Advisory Telephone Volunteer, and an officer of our board released the juvenile at Jones Beach State Park, where several other Cormorants have been sighted.
Phalacrocorax auritus are one of the true Cormorants species found in the order Pelecaniformes. The Double-crested Cormorant is one of two representative of the family Phalacrocoracidae found in our area (the other being the Great Cormorant P. carbo). This unique bird is a delightful and comical character found in many of Long Island's habitats including open waters such as ponds to the Atlantic Ocean. P. auritus finds its diet of mostly small fish by diving and hunting under water. Although a waterbird, this Cormorants feathers are not water-repellent. Much of the Double-crested Cormorants time is spent perched with its wings spread in order to dry out the wet feathers.
Phalacrocorax auritus are one of the true Cormorants species found in the order Pelecaniformes. The Double-crested Cormorant is one of two representative of the family Phalacrocoracidae found in our area (the other being the Great Cormorant P. carbo). This unique bird is a delightful and comical character found in many of Long Island's habitats including open waters such as ponds to the Atlantic Ocean. P. auritus finds its diet of mostly small fish by diving and hunting under water. Although a waterbird, this Cormorants feathers are not water-repellent. Much of the Double-crested Cormorants time is spent perched with its wings spread in order to dry out the wet feathers.
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Phalacrocoracidae
- Genes: Phalacrocorax
- Species: Auritus
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Barred Owl (Strix varia)
The Barred Owl is one of two species of Wood-Owls in the genus Strix. S. varia can easily be distinguished from the Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis in several ways. The larger size of the Barred Owl (720g versus the 610g of the Spotted) is a good indicator of the species. Additionally the streaked feathers on the thoracic region and the much paler face give this owl away! This vocal species has a comical call often referred to as "who cooks for you, who cooks for you all". Click here to listen to a Barred Owl call.
Volunteers For Wildlife is home to Solomon a young Barred Owl. Our newest permanent resident, Solomon came to us in February of 2009 from a rehabilitation center in Destin, Florida. Solomon was found on the side of a road in 2008 with a fractured wing. It is suspected that he was involved in an automobile collision. His wing was surgically repaired by a veterinarian. Although the rehabilitation center had planned to release him after the surgery, it was then discovered that he was blind in his left eye. As owls rely heavily on their keen vision to hunt for prey, he was found to be unsuitable for release to the wild. Barred Owls can be found in Eastern North America from Canada to Mexico, in mature, swampy woodlands. Although once found on Long Island in large numbers, Barred Owls have been seldom seen here in recent years due to a lack of suitable habitat.
Volunteers For Wildlife is home to Solomon a young Barred Owl. Our newest permanent resident, Solomon came to us in February of 2009 from a rehabilitation center in Destin, Florida. Solomon was found on the side of a road in 2008 with a fractured wing. It is suspected that he was involved in an automobile collision. His wing was surgically repaired by a veterinarian. Although the rehabilitation center had planned to release him after the surgery, it was then discovered that he was blind in his left eye. As owls rely heavily on their keen vision to hunt for prey, he was found to be unsuitable for release to the wild. Barred Owls can be found in Eastern North America from Canada to Mexico, in mature, swampy woodlands. Although once found on Long Island in large numbers, Barred Owls have been seldom seen here in recent years due to a lack of suitable habitat.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Windy Days
For the last few days, the winds have been gusting and the rain falling here on Long Island. The wind has thrown many of the wild migratory birds off track and has certainly exhausted others making the journey South. Here at the center, our own permanent residents are taking refuge from the wind in their shelters. Yesterday morning, we captured this moment of two of our permanent Red tailed hawks, Baby and Lucky Lady, huddled together on their perch.
Baby, the Red tailed Hawk pictured at left, came to our center in 2001. He was a young nestling that had fallen from his nest. He suffered from extreme torticolis (twisted head) and took many months to recover. Unfortunately, due to the time of his recovery and the intensive care needed, he had become imprinted on people. Baby is a male Red-tail and is smaller than his companion Lucky Lady.
Lucky Lady, pictured at right, also came to our center in 2001. She was an immature Red-tail (~2 years) at the time of admission. She was transferred to VfW from a nature center in Westchester. She had been found with a badly damaged eye. Once she arrived at the center, we realized that eye needed to be removed. After the removal of her eye, we tested Lucky Lady to see if she could hunt. She proved although she only had one eye that she was capable of finding live prey. We banded her leg and released her. Unfortunately a month later, Lucky Lady was found down on the ground again. She was weak and emaciated. She was brought to our center and we then learned she was the same bird we previously released. Although Lady was able to find food in captivity, she had difficulty finding enough prey in the wild. Due to her inability to hunt effectively, she is now a permanent resident at our hospital. Both Baby and Lady visit with thousands of school children and adults every year to teach about the importance of wildlife conservation.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Cub Scouts Visit Volunteers for Wildlife
Wednesday, on a chilly fall morning, Cub scouts from Pack 21 in Port Washington came to Volunteers for Wildlife to fulfill requirements for their wildlife badge. The group participated in a "Living with Wildlife on Long Island" program taught by VW Education Volunteer Alice Hackett.
During the hour long program, the Scouts learned about several different species of reptiles, mammals and birds that make their home here on Long Island. The scouts were delighted to meet some of Volunteers for Wildlife's animal ambassadors including our American Kestrel, Opossum, Eastern Box Turtle, Mallard, Red tailed Hawk and Great horned Owl. In addition to learning about their natural history, the Scouts learned what they can do to help ensure these incredible animals have a future on Long Island. Simple actions such as picking up litter, properly discarding fishing line and watching the ducks instead of feeding them can go a long way in preserving our wildlife and natural habitats. It is our hope they will take these lessons with them and educate others on the importance of wildlife conservation.
Pictured Above: Nina, our female Eastern box Turtle, visited with the Scouts on Wednesday. Eastern box turtles are native to Long Island. Although they used to be found in great numbers, their populations are threatened due to habitat destruction. Nina was dropped off at a vet's office this past summer. She had developed an upper respiratory infection. Box turtles have an incredible homing instinct. If they are taken out of their territories they will spend their lives trying to find their way back. This often will put the turtles in danger as they will have to cross dangerous roads and other barriers to get back home. Unfortunately, Nina cannot be released to the wild as we do not know where her home territory is.
During the hour long program, the Scouts learned about several different species of reptiles, mammals and birds that make their home here on Long Island. The scouts were delighted to meet some of Volunteers for Wildlife's animal ambassadors including our American Kestrel, Opossum, Eastern Box Turtle, Mallard, Red tailed Hawk and Great horned Owl. In addition to learning about their natural history, the Scouts learned what they can do to help ensure these incredible animals have a future on Long Island. Simple actions such as picking up litter, properly discarding fishing line and watching the ducks instead of feeding them can go a long way in preserving our wildlife and natural habitats. It is our hope they will take these lessons with them and educate others on the importance of wildlife conservation.
Pictured Above: Nina, our female Eastern box Turtle, visited with the Scouts on Wednesday. Eastern box turtles are native to Long Island. Although they used to be found in great numbers, their populations are threatened due to habitat destruction. Nina was dropped off at a vet's office this past summer. She had developed an upper respiratory infection. Box turtles have an incredible homing instinct. If they are taken out of their territories they will spend their lives trying to find their way back. This often will put the turtles in danger as they will have to cross dangerous roads and other barriers to get back home. Unfortunately, Nina cannot be released to the wild as we do not know where her home territory is.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
New Volunteers for Wildlife Video
Check out our new informational video about Volunteers for Wildlife! In this short piece Lauren Schulz (Education Coordinator) and Sue Corradino (Clinic Supervisor) go over the mission of Volunteers for Wildlife as well as how to stay up to date on fund raiser's for the organization, patients in the hospital, and other exciting news & events.
Friday, November 6, 2009
2009 Volunteers for Wildlife Raffle!
Here's how it works:
1. Email your info:
First Name, Last Name
Mailing Address
to wildlifeadvisory@gmail.com
2. We will mail you a "Raffle packet" which includes blank raffle tickets. Purchase as many tickets as you would like by filling in the information on the ticket and mailing the ticket stub along with your payment to the address indicated in the packet.
3. The Raffle drawing will be on December 4, 2009. You will be contacted if you have won any of the wonderful prizes.
Raffle prizes include...
- $500 cash prize
- Dinner for two at Abel Conklin's in Huntington
- A basket of wine from Syosset Discount Liquor
- $200 Gift Certificate to Bryant & Cooper
- A Gift Basket from the Wild Bird Center of Stony Brook
- The below 16x20 Snowy Owl image framed, matted and ready to hang from Wildlife Photographer Chris Corradino
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Successful Rehabilitation of A Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
The Great Blue Heron is the largest species in the Ardeidae family in North America. This magnificent bird can be spotted hunting fish and other small animals such as salamanders, rodents and small mammals in the many marshes and estuaries on Long Island. Both Nassau and Suffolk County provide a spectacular habitat for this 5 pound plus bird.
Recently Volunteers for Wildlife received a call from Dr. Ellen Leonhardt's office at Animal General of East Norwich about a Great Blue Heron in need of rehabilitation. The bird was brought to her office by a good Samaritan that found this large awkward bird in his yard. After an initial examination Dr. Leonhardt and her staff determined that the young bird was shot with a bee bee gun and had a bullet under the surface of his skin on his neck. Additionally radiographs showed an ulna fracture. The doctor brought the bird to surgery to remove the bullet and called our office to continue with his care.
As with all of our patients, upon arrival at the Wildlife Hospital, an examination was performed. It was determined that the Heron required a bandage for his fractured bone. We wrapped the injured wing and began a regiment of feedings and antibiotics to prevent infection.
Each day this beautiful bird got stronger and healthier. His recovery went smoothly as we kept him in a quiet calm location on the grounds of the facility. The Heron's voracious appetite was satisfied with capelin fish and spearing. After two weeks of having a bandage on his wing, we removed the wrap and allowed for him to strengthen the muscles on his injured appendage. Soon after he was roosting in his aviary and flying short distances.
On November 4th, the Great Blue Heron returned to the wild at a salt marsh in Cold Spring Harbor on the North Shore of Long Island. VW Volunteer, Erica Cirino, joined us at the release to see the heron off and snap some photographs of the event.
Recently Volunteers for Wildlife received a call from Dr. Ellen Leonhardt's office at Animal General of East Norwich about a Great Blue Heron in need of rehabilitation. The bird was brought to her office by a good Samaritan that found this large awkward bird in his yard. After an initial examination Dr. Leonhardt and her staff determined that the young bird was shot with a bee bee gun and had a bullet under the surface of his skin on his neck. Additionally radiographs showed an ulna fracture. The doctor brought the bird to surgery to remove the bullet and called our office to continue with his care.
As with all of our patients, upon arrival at the Wildlife Hospital, an examination was performed. It was determined that the Heron required a bandage for his fractured bone. We wrapped the injured wing and began a regiment of feedings and antibiotics to prevent infection.
Each day this beautiful bird got stronger and healthier. His recovery went smoothly as we kept him in a quiet calm location on the grounds of the facility. The Heron's voracious appetite was satisfied with capelin fish and spearing. After two weeks of having a bandage on his wing, we removed the wrap and allowed for him to strengthen the muscles on his injured appendage. Soon after he was roosting in his aviary and flying short distances.
On November 4th, the Great Blue Heron returned to the wild at a salt marsh in Cold Spring Harbor on the North Shore of Long Island. VW Volunteer, Erica Cirino, joined us at the release to see the heron off and snap some photographs of the event.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
The Tale of a Hermit Thrush
After returning home from a busy day at work on Friday, October 23rd, I was excited to sit down and relax for a few minutes in the den of my home. Not too long after, my time in front of the television was interrupted by a very loud thud against our window. I ran outside to see what hit and found a small Hermit Thrush (Catharus guttatus) laying on the ground. The bird was in a clear state of shock and it was just barely breathing with its mouth wide open. Recalling upon my training and the advice I give to the many people who call our wildlife advisory hotline every day, I gently picked the helpless bird up and placed him into a box. I brought the box into the house and placed it in a quiet, dark place. With many victims of window collisions, the birds often recover within a couple minutes to an hour and then fly away again. However, I questioned whether this bird would even survive through the next five minutes. A half hour later, I checked on the bird and was shocked to see he was now standing instead of laying on his side. As nightfall came, the bird was still unable to fly and I decided that I would bring him to work to admit him to the hospital Saturday morning.Upon initial exam, we were pleased to find no fractures in his wing or leg bones... a pretty remarkable feat given the impact he had with the window. We did notice a laceration by his ear and some swelling in that area. We gave the bird some pain medications and an antibiotic to prevent infection of the wound. Over the next several days, we were thrilled to see he started to eat and fly more each day. A week after his unfortunate trauma with my own window, we headed out to the Walled Garden at Caumsett State Historic Park and watched as the Hermit Thrush took flight back into the wild.
Building collisions are a common occurrence especially during the fall and spring migrations of many songbirds. If you find a bird that has collided with a window or vehicle, place the bird in a quiet, dark box and give it several hours to recover. If it has not recovered within that time, please call our wildlife advisory telephone at (631) 423-0982 for advice.
Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus) Update
In an earlier post we reported a Northern Saw-whet owl (NSWO) that was admitted to the hospital was successfully released! Releasing an injured or orphaned animal is one of the many joys to working in rehabilitation. Although not all patients make it to the point where they can be released, for those that do we are fortunate to be there for.
The NSWO was sent back into the wild on Sunday October 25, 2009. The release occurred at Bailey Arboretum. The Arboretum is a wonderful place for an Owl to start out into the wild. Specifically Bailey is a beautiful, safe 43 acre arboretum with woods, ponds and gardens located in Lattingtown NY.
Here is a picture of the NSWO after it was released. He flew to a near by tree and got his bearings before he took off into the woods.
I would like to thank all of the Volunteers and Staff members involved with the care of this amazing bird. The hard work and dedication of those who devote many hours to rehabilitation and education made this very special bird capable of going back home into the wild.
The NSWO was sent back into the wild on Sunday October 25, 2009. The release occurred at Bailey Arboretum. The Arboretum is a wonderful place for an Owl to start out into the wild. Specifically Bailey is a beautiful, safe 43 acre arboretum with woods, ponds and gardens located in Lattingtown NY.
Here is a picture of the NSWO after it was released. He flew to a near by tree and got his bearings before he took off into the woods.
I would like to thank all of the Volunteers and Staff members involved with the care of this amazing bird. The hard work and dedication of those who devote many hours to rehabilitation and education made this very special bird capable of going back home into the wild.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
VW releases Northern Saw-whet Owl!
On Tuesday, we received a call on our wildlife advisory telephone regarding a small "baby owl" down on the ground breathing very heavily in Glen Cove. Luckily, we were able to send out one of our rescue transport volunteers, Jim Jones, to evaluate the owl. Expecting him to return with an Eastern Screech Owl, we were surprised to learn the owl was actually a Northern Saw-whet owl!
This small adult owl was the unfortunate victim of an auto collision. Building and auto collisions are especially common at this time of year when many birds are beginning their winter migration. When the owl arrived at our hospital, he was dehydrated, weak and suffering from head trauma. After giving him some fluids and supportive care, we set him up in a carrier for the night with some dead mice and hoped for the best. We were happy to see the next morning that the owl made it through the night and devoured his dinner. After a couple more days of rest in a carrier, we decided it was time to move him to an indoor aviary. Having some doubts about his ability to see out of his right eye, we were worried that the owl would have difficulty with the challenge of catching live, moving prey. We left him overnight to test his hunting abilities and were dismayed the next day when he did not catch any food. The next night, we decided to give the owl another shot with live prey. On Friday, he finally came around and proved that he was still a skilled hunter. We are thrilled to report that late this afternoon, the little Northern Saw-whet owl was successfully released back to the wild!
Northern Saw-whet owls are the smallest species of owl we have on Long Island. The adults only reach 7-8 inches long at maturity. They prefer to roost in densely wooded areas with pines, hemlocks and cedars. The Northern Saw-whet owl gets its name from the mechanical sound it makes, which is likened to the sound of a saw being sharpened. While some Saw-whet owls are resident here year round, Long Island also provides a stopover for many Saw-whets flying along the Atlantic Coast in Fall and Spring Migration.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Annual Bird Seed Sale!
The 2009 Bird Seed Sale order form is now available for download. Help support Volunteers for Wildlife by purchasing bird seed while feeding your backyard birds during the difficult winter months.
Our seed sale is ongoing from October all the way until March. This is a great way to provide for our feathered friends, without taking up a lot of space with seed. Order each month until March 15, 2010.
Our seed sale is ongoing from October all the way until March. This is a great way to provide for our feathered friends, without taking up a lot of space with seed. Order each month until March 15, 2010.
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