Virginia Opossum Release

On May 1, 2010 a juvenile male Virginia Opossum was admitted to the wildlife hospital after being attacked by a dog, unfortunately a common injury to Long Island's native wildlife. Many of our family pets find, chase, or even hunt wildlife in our own backyards. One way to deter this from happening is to monitor your pet while it is in your yard. Additionally, walking your dog on a lead instead of allowing them free access to your backyard habitat can prevent wildlife injury.

This young male Opossum was successfully rehabilitated and released back to the wild.

Opossums are North America's only marsupials. Although opossums may look frightening, they are more afraid of people; their main defense is to "play possum" or play dead to trick their predators into thinking they are not alive. Seldom will an opossum bite as a means of defense.

If you find an injured or orphaned opossum, call our hotline (631)423-0982, or email our wildlife advisory for help.

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)

The American Kestrel is one of the true falcons being in the Genus Falco.  He is the smallest falcon found in North America weighing on average only 117g (4.1 oz)!  In the wild the Kestrel is seen perched on wires bobbing his tail.  The small stature of this bird is not to be taken as an indication of its might.  The American Kestrel is known to hunt small birds and mammals.  Kestrels can be found throughout North and South America. They are common in New York City, as they nest and watch for prey on the ledges of tall buildings.

Identifying F. sparverius can be easily done.  The blue-gray wings combined with the bold barred rufous back make for a striking appearance.  A distinct pattern on the head and face make the Kestrel a handsome creature.

Buster lives at Volunteers for Wildlife as a permanent resident.  He was brought to Volunteers for Wildlife in 2000.  He helps Lauren and the education volunteers in education programs like Raptors of Long Island.  The program is suitable for grades 2 through adult and can be anywhere from 45 minutes up to 1 hour.  Our education programs are your chance to meet some live hawks, owls, and falcons that live right in your own backyard. You can learn about their unique adaptations while getting to see them up-close!  Undoubtedly if you are involved with one of our education programs you will get to hear Busters call.  The American Kestrel has a screaming shrill described as kli kli kli kli kli kli kli or killy killy killy.