The snowy owl, admitted a few weeks ago was safely transported and released at Whitefish Point by stellar 'owl-chaffeur' Tom Deering. You can see some great pictures of
this release by visiting the Whitefish Bird Observatory blog site at http://www.wpbo.org/blog/6
Golda, our resident Golden Eagle has now laid 2 large brown-speckled blue eggs, about 6 days apart. Both eggs were on the ground, nestled into some soft white pine boughs. Golda is not the least bit interested in incubating these infertile eggs....but does seem rather curious about them....perhaps thinking they are new "toys".
The "little white girl", an albino turkey vulture admitted in early February from the Peshawbestown area, is recovering nicely.
It is now apparent that she is visually impaired...a common ailment for albino animals. She has adapted to her freedom in our 100 foot aviary and has seemed to memorize the number of wingbeats it takes to fly to the opposite end. Her flight patterns are in slow motion, giving the appearance of a ballet-in-flight. She is a cutie pie with her pink eyes, pink face and pink talons. Plans are to transfer her to the Ojai Raptor Center in Oak View, California which is directed by my good friend and fellow colleague Kim Stroud. "Little white girl" will be pampered and spoiled for the rest of her life and will never have to endure a cold winter. She is a lucky girl!
Our ole gal, Sage, is currently fostering 2 little
orphaned baby Great Horned Owls, brought to us from Braveheart Raptor Center in Twin Lake.
Sage has fostered dozens and dozens of babies over the years. She is an extremely gentle and tolerant mama and stands guard over "her" babies every waking moment. These babies will grow up using Sage as their role model. She will teach them Great Horned Owl language, how to behave as a Great Horned Owl and effective hunting strategies. Once the youngsters are old enough and have had plenty of hunting opportunities and experiences they will be released back into the wilds.
We have some up-coming public programs on the calendar;
This Saturday, April 7th, the raptors and I will be making an appearance at the East Bay Branch Public Library, from 1:00-2:00pm. This program is free and open to the public. Come meet the raptors and learn fun and fascinating facts about these amazing birds.
Sunday, April 22 Earth Day Event at Pathfinder School in Traverse City. We will be presenting a nest box building program. Come build a box and learn about the small raptors that you can attract to your yards and neighborhoods. You will also be able to meet some of the WOW ambassador raptors. This program will begin at 1:00pm. Contact Pathfinder School for more details for the entire day.
Friday, April 27 NMEAC Environmentalist of the Year awards at the Park Place Dome, 6:00pm. With the support from you and this amazing community of raptor enthusiasts, I have been nominated for an environmentalist award!
Saturday, April 28 Celebration of the Young Child, Traverse City. Wings of Wonder will be presenting the "WONDERS OF RAPTORS" at Horizon Book Store, downstairs, from 11:00-12:00pm. "Kids" of all ages are welcome, from 3-103 years young....this program is free and open to the public.
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