Rebecca's blog

Golda, The Wings of Wonder ambassador Golden Eagle

2012-01-16T16:25:00.001-08:00

Here is Golda, the Wings of Wonder ambassador Golden Eagle, enjoying a bit of breakfast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5mLf56scpg

(you may have to cut and paste the above link into your browser or right click and choose "open URL)

up coming Wings of Wonder programs

2012-01-16T14:09:00.001-08:00

Due to some glitches we are experiencing with the web site google calendar, I have decided to post some of our upcoming programs as a blog. I apologize for the hassles and inconveniences you may have experienced in your attempt to access the "WOW" calendar......

January 21:

Wonders of Raptors at Crystal Mountain Resort, 6-7PM, Arctic Bay room, open to the public

January 24:

Wings of Wonder raptor presentation for the New Comer's Club, History Center on 6th Street, Traverse City, 7PM

January 28th:

Wonders of Raptors at the Boardman River Nature Center, 1-2PM. Registration is required, call the Nature Center at 231-941-0960 to reserve your spot. Program fees are $6 for adults, $4 for kids, children under 2yrs are free. Don't forget to bring your camera and be sure to arrive early for the best seat.

January 28th:

Wonders of Raptors at Crystal Mountain Resort, 6-7PM, Arctic Bay room, open to the public

February 2:

The Wonders of Raptors, Charlevoix Public Library, 6:30-8PM, Sponsored by St. Mary's Cement, free and open to the public, please no children under the age of 6

The Wonders of Raptors

2012-01-10T09:21:00.000-08:00

Everyone is welcome!

2012-01-01T08:19:00.000-08:00

The end of 2011 ended on a high note....Golda, our resident Golden Eagle, finally accepted tasty morsels right from my gloved hand. This is the pay off after almost 7 months of slow and gentle trust-building. We have now passed a major training threshold...let the fun begin!

Doolin, our resident rock-star, aka turkey vulture, is totally enjoying this unseasonably warm winter weather, although he still snuggles upon his heated and padded perch each evening.

Great Horned Owl Eoin is busy preparing her nest of soft, dried pine needles. She has tenderly placed her favorite stuffed animal, a pink plush poodle, into the nest and quietly hoots motherly songs to her "baby".

Ned, our Saw Whet Owl, is loving his new home....a newly completed aviary right next door to resident Eastern Screech Owls Arlo and Gilda. The new digs are completely decked out with a variety of perch options, nest boxes and a heated water bowl, which he considers his own personal hot water tub.

Together with Jaeda, Piper, Bella, Pearl and Sage, the WOW raptors wish you a very peace-filled, adventuresome and nature-inspired new year.

in memory of...........

2011-12-29T11:10:00.000-08:00

We recently admitted a young bald eagle from Benzie County. This youngster was emaciated and very weak.

Xrays done at Long Lake Animal Hospital revealed that the eagle had been shot. (Note the 2 small light circles in the xray.)

Several lead pellets were embedded in her body. One of the pellets had fractured the ulna bone, which is one of two bones located in the wing, between the wrist and the elbow.

After fracturing the bone the pellet then lodged inside the bone cavity.

Once the young eagle was stable enough, surgery was performed on Dec 28 by Dr. Eric Peck and assistant Julie Januchowski (Northern Michigan Veterinary Hospital).

The 2 1/2 hour surgery was complicated and intense due to the extreme damage done by the lead pellets.

One the injury was cleaned up and the bones aligned, the wing was sutured, a bandage applied and the bird was taken off anesthesia.

Unfortunately, about 20 minutes post surgery,

the young eagle passed away.

This youngster's life was cut short by the idiot who intentionally shot her. Such a tragic situation...and so preventable.

The eagle, while here at Wings of Wonder, showed me that she was curious about life, was very personable, very chatty and extremely appreciative of the free meals she had here.

She and her wonderful spirit will be much missed.

A little holiday humor

2011-12-18T07:43:00.000-08:00

A holiday story: by Dave Barry

"Tis the special time of year, the Holiday Retail Purchasing Season, a time when we traditionally print heartwarming human-interest stories designed to make you feel better about running up a level of debt normally associated with Mexico. I have such a heartwarming story, which was published by the The London Times and sent in by alert reader John Nicholls. The story, which I am not making up, concerns a man named Neil from Devon, England, who discovered an owl nesting in his garden. Each night Neil would go outside and hoot to the owl. To his delight, he'd hear a hoot in reply; then he'd hoot some more. This went on night after night, month after month; Neil even kept a log of his conversations with the owl. Then one day, Neil's wife got to talking about this with a neighbor, who said that her husband, whose name is Fred, had also been going out every night to hoot to the owl. At this point, the women realized that their husbands had in fact spent an entire year hooting to each other. The owl was not involved at all. The owl was probably inviting its owl friends over to drink owl beer and listen to these hooting twits and laugh until they fell off the branch."

Holiday card

2011-12-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

Greetings,

We are getting ready to send out our holiday card. Golda sends a reminder that if you wish to receive this beautiful raptor card please make sure we have your full mailing address by emailing it to us. Thanks bunches!

eagle release reminder

2011-11-11T18:04:00.001-08:00

Just a gentle reminder to all that we are still set to go for the eagle release tomorrow....11am, eagle's meadow (3805 west empire highway) which is just about 6.1 miles east of the village of Empire, on the south side of hwy 72. Weather predictions are for a wonderfully sunny day, temps around 55 degrees...perfect for watching this bald eagle fly free once again. Plan to arrive in plenty of time to park and get comfortable. We will have unique Wings of Wonder note card sets available for purchase as well as our hot-off-the-pressess raptor bumper stickers. We will also be passing the hat to collect donations. Everyone is welcome!

REMINDER: BALD EAGLE RELEASE

2011-11-07T17:51:00.000-08:00

Just a gentle reminder about the up coming bald eagle release this coming saturday, november 12, 11AM at Eagle's Meadow located at 3805 West Empire Highway (6.1 miles east of Empire, on the south side of Hwy 72). Please spread the invitation to one and all...everyone is welcome.

Photo taken of the eagle in flight by amazing Dave Dalquist

Bald Eagle Release on November 12, 2011

2011-10-31T09:44:00.000-07:00

Wings of Wonder is inviting the public to the release of a young Bald Eagle. This unique event will happen on Saturday, November 12th at Eagle Meadow located at 3805 W. Empire Highway, Empire, 49630, beginning at 11:00AM. We ask that you arrive a bit early to allow time for parking, wear warm clothing, leave the dog at home and don't forget to bring your camera. We will have one-of-a-kind WIngs of Wonder note card sets and our new raptor bumper stickers available for purchase....both make great xmas gifts! We will also be passing the "hat" to collect donations for future raptor rehabilitation and releases. For more information please call WOW at 231-326-4663.

(photo by Dave Dahlquist)

Wings of Wonder fall fund raiser!

2011-10-19T07:55:00.001-07:00

Come support Wings of Wonder

Join us this Sunday, October 23rd, at Lil Bo Pub & Grille, 540 West Front Street,

Traverse City, 2-6PM.

Great music provided by legendary blues artist Terry Gillespie and our own local boys Angelo Meli, Mark Sanders and Gus Belanger.

$10.00 at the door

FREE appetizers

$10.00 spaghetti dinner,

door prizes, raffles and Wings of Wonder ambassador raptors...don't forget your camera!

Unique Wings of Wonder notecard sets and our new bumper stickers will be available for purchase....great xmas gifts!

Don't forget to follow us on facebook!

Barred Owl Release Tonight!

2011-09-24T09:45:00.001-07:00

Just a gentle reminder about the Barred Owl release happening this evening near the south end of Charlevoix. Take Bells Bay Road South and head towards Lake Michigan, about a mile or so.

The event begins at 7:45PM, rain or sunshine. Invite your friends and family, bring your camera, and don't be late. See you all there!

2011-09-20T06:56:00.000-07:00

This article was published in the Grand Traverse Insider, Sept 19, 2011, highlighting the addition of our newest educational family member. We welcome Golda to Wings of Wonder.

http://www.morningstarpublishing.com/articles/2011/09/19/grand_traverse_insider/news/leelanau_area/doc4e7793cec70bc051171403.txt?viewmode=default

Due to her poor health, both mentally and physically, Golda is in healing for at least the next 12 months. She is a 19 year old eagle who has been in captivity and on public display all of her life, with never any time off for rest, rejuvenation or privacy. I believe it will take her at least 3 years to reach balanced health and to molt in strong and beautiful feathers once again. Because of some of her past history with untrained and unprofessional humans, she has little reason to ever trust again. My immediate role with Golda is to slowly and gently build up a strong trust account with her. I visit with her several times each day, always arriving with a tasty treat. She has become quite curious about me....and will vocalize when she hears me coming in anticipation of the treat-of-the-hour. I have secured a source for fresh rabbit meat from the local Leelanau County 4H rabbit breeders. Because these quality meats are fresh and not frozen, they contain all the essential vitamins and nutrients critical to Golda's return to health. She is also fed a diet of quail, chicken and rodents. We continue to modify and remodel her aviary to fit her ever changing needs. We have found that she is most comfortable on wide and padded perches so have wrapped all surfaces with multiple layers of daisy mat and sisal rope. Golda is enjoying her "toys"....stuffed animals, old phone books, cardboard boxes and large rope toys which she spends endless hours shredding and tearing apart. If anyone wants to donate old and used toys to Golda please contact Wings of Wonder. All donations are greatly appreciated!!!

We will soon be including Golda as one of our "adoptable" ambassador raptors..so stay tuned. What a great gift a Golda adoption certificate would be for that friend, family member or cohort who seems to "have everything".

BARRED OWL RELEASE

2011-09-19T07:19:00.000-07:00

Wings of Wonder is inviting the public to our next raptor release.

We will be releasing a Barred Owl back to the wilds on Saturday, September 24th at 7:45PM near the south end of Charlevoix, Michigan. From highway 31 turn north onto Bells Bay Road South, heading 1.5 miles north towards Lake Michigan.

There will be some wonderful opportunities for great pictures so don't forget your camera. Please help to spread the word and invite anyone and everyone.

It is such a gift to see an owl flying free!

For more information please contact Wings of Wonder.

EAGLE RELEASE POSTPONED

2011-08-26T10:00:00.000-07:00

ALERT: Unfortunately I am having to cancel/postpone the eagle release, scheduled for this sunday, august 28th at 4pm. This eagle was admitted to Wings of Wonder very ill and infested with a severe case of maggots. She was literally being eaten alive by millions of maggots. During her early recovery she dropped 4 tail feathers due to the maggot damage. Today, while I was out cleaning the large aviary where she is housed, she flew overhead and dropped all but 2 tail feathers. It is now obvious that there was more damage to her tail area than realized. This prevents her release for now. We must wait for her to molt in a healthy tail which will take roughly 5-8 weeks. We will then reschedule her release at the Boardman Nature Center. I apologize for this inconvenience. Our goal is to always do what is best for the raptor. In this case, it is best to continue rehabilitative care and let her grow in a new tail.

BALD EAGLE RELEASE

2011-08-13T09:21:00.001-07:00

Wings of Wonder is inviting you and your friends and family to the release of a young Bald Eagle. This special event will take place on Sunday, August 28th, 2011, 4:00PM at the Boardman Nature Center located at 1450 Cass Road in Traverse City. Please arrive a bit early to allow time to park. Leave the dog at home but don’t forget your camera! We will be passing the “hat” for donations and our unique Wings of Wonder notecards will be available for purchase. (It is never too early to stock up on special xmas gifts) For more information please contact Wings of Wonder at 231-326-4663 or by email wow@wingsofwonder.org

Screech Owl Release on August 4th, 2011

2011-08-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

You are invited to our next raptor release!

Wings of Wonder will have 2 young eastern screech owls ready for release on August 4th at the Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor, Mich. I will first be presenting a program, “The Wonders of Raptors” at the resort from 7-8pm which is free and open to the community. The owl release will happen right after the program. We are creating a bit of fund raiser around this release. Viewing the release is free but if you want a rare opportunity to actually release the owl yourself you must purchase a raffle ticket for $20.00 each. 2 winning tickets will be drawn from a "hat"...these winners can name "their" owl and do the actual release. (gloves and release instructions will be provided) You must be at least 18 years of age to enter this “contest” and there will be no limit to the number of tickets you may purchase. Tickets will be available prior to the presentation as well as right afterwards. Don’t forget to bring your camera! For more information please contact Wings of Wonder.

BALD EAGLE RELEASE

2011-05-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

Wings of Wonder is inviting the public to our first eagle release of the year. We will be releasing a HUGE adult female Bald Eagle on Saturday, May 28th at a field located at 3805 West Empire Highway. This field, owned by the Empire Eagles Club, was just recently named "Eagles Meadow", and is 6.7 miles east of Empire, just off of highway 72. The event will begin promptly at 11:00am. Bring your camera and we ask that you please leave the dog at home. We will pass-the-hat to collect donations towards future raptor rehabilitations and releases. For any more information please call Wings of Wonder at 231-326-4663.

spring news

2011-05-12T05:52:00.000-07:00

A very happy spring to you all. As I sit here in my office I am listening to the toads trilling in our pond and watching the baltimore orioles, hummingbirds and even a chickadee sipping nectar from our feeders. After yesterday's rain storm everything looks so green and fresh this day.

We have had some new patients admitted to our center recently: a little screech owl who was hit by a car and sustained severe trauma to his right eye. Unfortunately the eye could not be saved, but he seems to be adapting to this disability quite well. He is now hunting live prey and we hope to release him back into the wilds very soon.

We recently admitted an adult turkey vulture who was also hit by a car which caused trauma to her right wrist area. She was very thin and weak when brought to Wings of Wonder. The exam revealed no fractures so we suspected she had either a sprain or pulled tendons to that wrist. She recovered nicely, gained plenty of weight with her free meals offered daily and was released back into the wild on May 9th. She flew off and soared above the Wings of Wonder flight pens for quite some time before heading off. We like to believe she was "thanking" us for helping her out and showing us just how strong and healthy she was. She was a sweet patient and we wish her well with this much deserved return to freedom.

In March we admitted an adult Bald Eagle from the Wexford County Landfill. This eagle was sick, her feet were covered with hard crusty black "gunk" and she had multiple wounds on both feet. She recovered from her illness and after repeated foot soaks and foot bandaging we were finally able to remove the black gunk. Some of her foot wounds did become infected which required rounds of antibiotics and daily foot soaks and medical treatments. The infections have now cleared up and her feet are looking so much better. This eagle was banded by the US Fish & Wildlife Service when she was a young chick. I ran a trace on her band numbers and learned that she was hatched in Michigan 12 years ago. She has a previous injury to her right eye, which is totally blind. This gal has certainly tangled with much in her 12 years of life. We hope to schedule her release within the next 4-6 weeks so stay tuned if you wish to attend this great event!

On April 12th we released a beautiful Great Horned Owl into the woods near Omena, Michigan. This owl was found alongside the road and most likely had been hit by a car during the night or early morning hours. The collision had left the owl with a serious head injury. His rehabilitation at Wings of Wonder went smoothly and before too long he was ready to go back home. The following pictures were taken by Meggen Watt during the release.

Several of our education ambassador raptors are busy fostering orphaned babies. Sage, our older Great Horned Owl is fostering 2 chicks and our screech owls Gilda and Arlo are fostering 3 little babies. The little American kestrel admitted to "WOW" last august is recovering nicely. He had flown over the methane burner at Glens Land Fill near Maple City. The flame had completely burned off all of his wing and tail feathers. He is now beginning his molt to replace these damaged feathers. If all goes well we hope to release him sometime this summer.

As always I give huge thanks to each of you for your continued support and generosity.

We could not continue this work without your commitment to WOW.

Let the journey continue..........forever onward!

Our fund raiser was a total success!

2011-03-19T06:19:00.001-07:00

The fund raiser held at Lil Bo's Pub and Restaurant earlier this month was a complete success. Folks started arriving early and stayed late. There were a few bidding wars happening on several of our silent auction items, which is always such fun to behold. Leo Creek played great dancing tunes and had many folks out on the dance floor shakin-a-leg. The WOW ambassador raptors captivated everyone's attention and, as usual, our turkey vulture Doolin stole the show. The entire event was high energy, a very fun party, and raised a bit over $4000.00 for WOW!

Nancy Freund, owner of Lil Bo's, generously decided to donate 100% of here till at the end of the event, a total of $1000.00. She has also offered to host another WOW fundraiser in the fall, so stay tuned. Nancy's kindness is hugely appreciated.

To help us thank her, please check out Lil Bo's and enjoy her delicious meals....she makes the BEST burgers in town. She also offers live music just about each and every night. Selfishly, I need to put in a plug for Tuesday nights when TC Celtic plays a traditional acoustic irish session.....I provide the irish tenor banjo and mandolin component.

My heart-filled thanks to all who contributed auction items, for all who attended the fund raiser, and for all who sent a donation. Our important raptor educational programming and raptor rehabilitation services could not continue without this WONDERFUL support and generosity.

Yes, you are helping us "fly" to ever greater heights.

Let this journey continue.....

WOW fund raiser

2011-02-28T07:49:00.001-08:00

The WOW fundraiser will take place Sunday, March 6th, from 2-6pm at Lil Bo's Pub and Grille located at 540 West Front Street in Traverse City. Live music is being provided by Leo Creek and there will be an appearance by some of the WOW ambassador raptors. We ask for a minimum $10.00 donation at the door. Lil Bo's is providing free appetizers and a delicious spaghetti dinner for $10.00. The WOW board of directors has collected a diverse assortment of fun raffle and silent auction items: classes at Blooming Lotus Yoga, some free hours from Shannon's Cleaning Services, private cooking classes, Bill Perkins unique bookends, Yen Yoga gift card, Chocolate/wine/and raptors at Wings of Wonder, Becky Thatcher earrings, private golf lessons and much, much more. Lil Bo's is donating 25% of all sales...so come hungry and thirsty! All proceeds will help keep Wings of Wonder flying. For more info give us a jingle at 231-326-4663 or by email at wow@wingsofwonder.org

The Law Suit is over!

2011-01-15T06:19:00.001-08:00

It is truly cause for celebration....the law suit is officially over!

The good news is that the public road will not go through our property. The bad news is that we are not quite finished paying off our financial obligations in order to meet the terms of the settlement. There will certainly be some changes to the feel of our property due to the proximity of the new public road, and we will try to modify that with the construction of a fence...a costly venture, especially coupled with the $8000.00 that we are required to pay the road commission towards the construction of the road. Once this is done WOW can go back to dedicating our every penny to the raptors. As with any settlement, the only way to a compromise is to give and take on important issues. We fought hard for the issues that were most important to the survival of WOW. Now we can move forward.

So, onward we go. I have been thinking of hosting a "community" day to make a party out of getting the necessary fence built. Want to help? We will find a nice day this spring and we'll all "play" in the woods. Many hands will make light work.

In other news, our soon-to-be Eagle scout, Joshua Olsen, will be shipping or delivering/installing the new raptor nest boxes this next month. I am so very proud of him and his accomplishments. If you are in the neighborhood, please give a shout of thanks to Mark Gabrick of Lake Ann Hardwoods for providing the lumber.

Eoin, our ambassador Great Horned Owl, is very "nesty" right now and begins hooting as soon as she hears my voice. She desperately wants me to crawl into the nest box with her. Each night she carries all her stuffed animals into the nest box and gently tucks them into the bed of dried pine needles. She is so cute indeed!

I am unconditionally thankful to you all, for your overwhelming support and generosity, for your kind words and hugs during this stressful time, for your eloquent letters to the editors, and for your strong belief in Wings of Wonder. I have truly "felt the love" from you during this difficult legal journey. It is now time to move on and look forward with open hearts and clear minds.

Bald Eagle Release on Old Mission Peninsula

2010-12-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

On November 20, 2010 we released a 4 year old Bald Eagle on Old Mission Peninsula, in front of a crowd of 500 folks. The eagle had been found 5 weeks earlier, extremely sick with a suspected case of botulism poisoning.

Upon admission to Wings of Wonder, the eagle was totally unresponsive and comatose.

IV fluids were started immediately. It took 7 days of IV therapy before the eagle finally began to respond to treatment. He slowly began to gain back his health and strength and by November 20th he was ready to go free once again.

Folks gathered around and were able to get some great pictures and then the bird was released.

The eagle flew off with grace and purpose.....pure joy

(all photos by Julie Christiansen)

BALD EAGLE RELEASE

2010-11-19T05:48:00.000-08:00

We are inviting the public to a Bald Eagle Release tomorrow, Saturday, November 20th at 3pm. This release will happen at the Bower's Harbor Park on Old Mission Peninsula. Take M37 north on Old Mission Peninsula out of Traverse City, about 7 miles, to 7 Hills Road. Veer left on 7 Hills and then take a left on Bower's Harbor Road, in about 1/2 mile you will come to the park on your left (south side of road).

We ask that you leave the dog at home, bring your camera and arrive about 45 minutes early. Our eagle releases attract rather large crowds, so please allow enough time to arrive and park.

Bring a thermos of hot cider, a bag of fresh donuts and have your camera batteries charged up. This will be our last eagle release of the year.

If you have any questions please give a holler at 231-326-4663

Wings of Wonder open house/reception fundraiser

2010-10-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Back by popular demand, Wings of Wonder will once again be hosting a unique open house/reception fund raiser on Saturday, October 16, 2010 from 2pm till 4:30pm.

This special event will include hot/cold hors'doevers, red and white wines, a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities, a meet and greet with the Wings of Wonder raptors, a unique photo shoot opportunity with Doolin, our turkey vulture rock star, a chance to witness the release of a Red Tailed Hawk and some additional surprises. Space is limited to the first 25 people (adults only). We are asking for a minimum $50.00 donation, which will go towards our legal defense fund as we continue the battle with the Leelanau County Road Commission. Call or email, right away, to reserve your spot to this unique opportunity. 231-326-4663 or wow@wingsofwonder.org

Happy 1-Year Anniversary Bella

2010-10-01T10:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary to Bella

Bella was admitted to Wings of Wonder exactly one year ago, after flying into a window near Manistee Michigan, and suffering a fractured humerus in her left wing. Surgery was performed by the talented Dr. Eric Peck, Northern Michigan Veterinary Hospital. Her recovery was amazing, but unfortunately she will never fly well enough for release back into the wilds.

Bella has been a wonderful addition to our educational "family"..... I often refer to her as "a gift from the universe".

This year she began to molt in some blue-gray feathers along her back and tail. Over the course of the next hand full of years, Bella will change from her current brown mottling to the beautiful, adult, blue grey feather color pattern over the back of her head, shoulders, backside and tail feathers.

You can meet Bella at one of our many educational presentations. Check out our calendar to see a complete listing of our programs.

a young red tailed hawk: our newest patient

2010-09-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

An immature Red Tailed Hawk was admitted to Wings of Wonder recently. She was hatched earlier this year and was now newly out on her own, having to hunt and scavenge for her food. Because of her hunting inexperience and lack of perfected skills, this poor youngster was not finding enough food to sustain herself. She was found along a Lake Michigan beach and the finders at first thought she had a broken bone in her wing.

A total exam at Wings of Wonder revealed that this bird was just too thin and weak to fly. She had lost almost half of her normal body weight. After some time recovering in the "WOW" hospital, and having access to fresh food daily, the youngster began to put on much needed weight. She was soon moved to an outdoor flight pen, large enough for her to open her wings and move around a bit, but not big enough to do unlimited flying. We wanted her to gain her strength slowly and not use precious energy flying. She continued to recover and gain weight and was then moved to our large 100 foot aviary. She is getting stronger daily and eating everything in sight, even those curious chipmunks who happen to make a fatal decision to burrow into her flight pen. We are hoping to release her yet this fall so stay tuned for an e-blast inviting you all to this fun event. (here she is enjoying breakfast)

(an update on our legal battles with the Leelanau County Road Commissioners....the law suit continues so please continue your letters to the editors, your phone calls to the road commissioners and county commissioners and your much appreciated financial pledges....thank you so very much!)

2010-09-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

G'day to all.

Our legal "journey" continues with the Leelanau County Road Commissioners. The past 2 days have been filled with depositions.....long and costly days indeed. Wings of Wonder is reaching near and far for continued support in the form of letters-to-the-editors of the local newspapers, calls of concern to the Leelanau County road and county commissioners and of course financial pledges. As a reminder, Wings of Wonder is a federally recognized 501 (C)(3) charitable organization and so all donations are tax exempt to the fullest extent allowed by law.

Recently I received a letter in the mail from Jonah, a youngster from Traverse City. He creatively thought up a way to raise money for Wings of Wonder; he took his dog for a walk around the block and charged folks one dollar, in cash, to pet his dog. He then sent the "winnings" to Wings of Wonder, all twelve one-dollar bills. A win for WOW and a lot of loving pats for his dog as well. Needless to say his generosity and support brought tears to my eyes.

Wings of Wonder is one of only three unrestricted and dedicated raptor centers in the state of Michigan. If you believe in our mission of raptor conservation, education and rehabilitation, please find it in your hearts and spirits to pledge your continued support.

*Know that our programs and our ambassador raptors reach over 9000 people each year as we strive to make a positive impact in this world.

*Know that we admit and rehabilitate 35-70 sick, injured and/or orphaned raptors each year.

*Know that we consult, guide and act on every wildlife call that comes in.

*Know that your support will truly make a difference!

Financial pledges can be sent directly to:

Wings of Wonder

13035 South Greenway

Empire, Michigan 49630

Letters can be written to;

the Record Eagle (letters@record-eagle.com),

the Leelanau Enterprise

(editor@leelanaunews.com)

and the Northern Express

(info@northernexpress.com)

Great Horned Owl release

2010-08-05T08:31:00.001-07:00

Even tho I sent out the release alert at the last minute, not giving folks a whole lot of time to add it to their busy schedule, about 50 folks showed up for the great horned owl release last night. It was a beautiful evening: clear skies and a slight breeze. We all met at the intersection of Port Oneida Road and M-22 at 9pm.

A sage and sweetgrass smudge and

blessing were performed by good

friend Jen Moon Bear

Pictures were taken and and then the young owl was introduced to the crowd of well-wishers.

The owl was then released into the air.

He flew off with such grace and purpose, heading

towards a grove of huge, mature maple trees.

He is free once again

(photos by Shann Vander leek)

Releases, growing pains, surgery and the long and winding road!

2010-07-23T07:27:00.000-07:00

All 4 of the young American Kestrels

were released, in front of a crowd of

well-wishers, Saturday July 17, at 10:30am.

They flew off with rapid wingbeats and were skyward in seconds. Everyone watched as they circled together and then flew off towards a tree line to the east. It was truly a spectacular sight to behold.

(Matt Kuhn and Laurel Durkin getting ready to release "their" kestrels)

The young great horned owl, admitted as an orphaned baby several months ago, is now learning, and hopefully perfecting, his hunting techniques in our 100 foot flight enclosure (left). Once this youngster is successfully hunting live prey, and has had enough time to learn all that he can, he will be released into the wilds.

He was recently separated from his foster mom, Sage (right), who is now enjoying total peace and quiet in her own space. We continue to be deeply appreciative of Sage's stellar mothering skills and her extreme patience!

A red shouldered hawk was admitting several weeks ago after hitting a window near Glen Arbor. This hawk suffered a fractured tibia in his left leg, which was surgically repaired byDr. Eric Peck.

The hawk currently has a splint on his leg and is recovering from this accident. Once the splint is removed the hawk will undergo some physical therapy on that leg, to improve muscle tone and flexibility.

Our goal is to release him where he was found...an area that is familiar to him and where he knows to find the best hunting and perching places.

I am leading more tours of the WOW facility this summer, probably due to the increased press about our plight with the Leelanau County Road Commission. If you are interested in a tour of Wings of Wonder, please call to set up a time. Wings of Wonder is not open to the public. The tours are by appointment only and we ask for a donation from each tour participant.

Unfortunately, the road saga continues. The question being asked by the most people is "why-why is the road commission doing this?" We do not have an answer since, to date, the road commissioners have yet to address this question. The legal process continues with depositions being taken during the end of august and the first of september. Witness lists are being drafted and we await the receipt of our discovery request from the road commissioners. Over a hundred folks have either written letters, called WOW, offered support, sent in financial pledges towards our legal defense fund, and/or made calls to the road commissioners and county commissioners. We have yet to hear or learn of any support for the road commissioners or for their actions.

Please keep up this wonderful and effective momentum!

I continue to extend my total heart-filled thanks to you all; for your strong support, your belief in Wings of Wonder and the raptors, and for your encouragement and hugs.

(an immature Saw Whet Owl, released on July 12th, 2010)

Kestrel name-and-release

2010-07-17T06:14:00.000-07:00

The bidding has closed and the winners are as follows:

Matt Kuhn, Little boy "c"

Laurel Durkin, Little boy "b"

Anonymous donor, Little girl

Anonymous donor, Little boy "a"

The actual release will begin at 10:30am, at the end of South Gilbert Road, at the cul du sac.

Take hwy 72 west out of Traverse City, towards the village of Empire. About 6-7 miles EAST of empire, turn south on Gilbert Road, go to the very end, about 1/2 mile from Hwy 72. At this intersection of Gilbert Road and hwy 72 is a little market, called Still Point Market. After the release, stop there and buy some fresh salad greens, cukes, peas, the sweetest radishes ever, potted plants, etc. You can munch on the way home. Any questions call WOW at 326-4663

Today's top bids for the American Kestrel clan:

2010-07-12T18:35:00.000-07:00

So far, the top bids for the naming-and-releasing of the American Kestrel kids:

Little boy "A" $125.00

Little boy "B" $120.00

Little boy "C" $250.35

Little girl $152.00

Keep the bidding momentum going. Remember, this is a unique and fun way to donate to Wings of Wonder....and you get a "prize" at the end! It is an awesome experience to hold a raptor, and to be the one to actually set it free is truly remarkable.

Bidding closes at midnight on friday, july 16, 2010

American Kestrel bidding results thus far

2010-07-11T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Name-&-release an American Kestrel bidding results on Day 2:

little boy "A" $125.00

little boy "B" $105.00

little boy "C" $250.35

little girl $152.00

Bidding continues till midnight Friday, July 16th, 2010

Please keep in mind that this is also a fun and unique fund raiser for Wings of Wonder. Our legal expenses continue with this on going road saga. The Leelanau County Road Commissioners have now counter-sued all contiguous land owners who legally use this private easement for ingress and egress. I am constantly reminding myself that this is all part of the divine plan and that, yes, goodness will prevail. This journey is not over and there are still great learning opportunities along its way. I thank you all for your tremendous show of support and prayers! onward!

Name and Release an American Kestrel!

2010-07-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Wings of Wonder is offering the unique opportunity to name and release an American Kestrel.

This year we admitted a total of 4 pre-fledgling Kestrels, which are our smallest falcons in North America. All 4 of these youngsters have just about completed their rehabilitation and will soon be ready for release. As a fun and unique sort of fund raiser for Wings of Wonder we decided to offer the opportunity to name-and-release a Kestrel as a silent auction item. Each top bidder will be able to name "their" bird and then do the actual release. The young falcon will be placed in the winners gloved hands (gloves provided by Wings of Wonder) and then there will be a group release, with accompanying pictures, of course. The release date will be on Saturday, July 17, 2010 at 10:30am in an open field in Leelanau County (exact location to be determined by Wings of Wonder). Bidding will take place by email and daily updates will be posted on the Wings of Wonder blog. Opening bids begin at $100.00. Bidding begins now for each falcon and will end at midnight on friday, july 16th.

little boy "A"

little girl

little boy "B"

little boy "C"

Let the bidding begin by emailing Wings of Wonder and placing your bid, make sure you include which falcon you want to "win"

Summer Solstice Open House at the Glenn Wolff Studio

2010-06-17T05:57:00.000-07:00

The Glenn Wolff Studio Summer Solstice Open House
Sunday, June 20 from 1 - 5 p.m
230 East 14th Street, Traverse City, Mich.
The unveiling of "Bella, The Peregrine Palimpsest", a mixed media painting on wood by Glenn Wolff and the Platte River Elementary sixth grade classes of Sarah Slade and Wendy Kalush. (The raptor "canvas" is a 36" x 72" redwood door donated by Bruce Odom/Odom Reuseable Building Supplies in Traverse City.
AND from 3:30 - 5:00pm there will be a guest raptor or two in the studio accompanied by Wings of Wonder founder and director Rebecca Lessard.

As in past years Platte River students have spent part of their spring studying "Raptors in Our Watershed" in class, with visits from Rebecca and a host of raptors. Based on their research, journal notes, observations of artifacts, and sketches of live birds they have made brochures, and collaborated with Glenn on the artwork that they think is best described as a palimpsest. This year's subject was Bella the resident Peregrine Falcon at Wings of Wonder. The painting is being offered for sale in a silent auction that will benefit Wings of Wonder and next year's raptors project at Platte River Elementary. A print edition of the work will also be released at the open house.

For a peek at the palimpsest process (and to find out what that word means) click here: http://web.mac.com/glennwolff/iWeb/Site-wow/

babies, roads, lawsuits and rainbows

2010-06-14T11:15:00.000-07:00

The baby screech owls and the baby great horned owl are all growing up quickly. The screech owlets are now hunting live prey and practicing those vitally important hunting skills. Gilda and Arlo have been stellar foster parents! We hope to release these two in early July, so stayed tuned for the release date and times. If you have not yet sent us your email addy please do so immediately so you won't miss the important invitations! In this picture you can see the two youngsters atop the nest box, while papa Arlo looks on. He may look like he is snoozing but, rest assured, he is actually watching me "like a hawk". Arlo has become extremely protective of these youngsters and will swoop at me and hit my head if I appear to be getting too close. This poses quite the adventure when I have to venture inside the flight pen to replenish the bathing water or clean a bit....yikes!

The young great horned owl is now flying and

practicing early hunting skills in our 100 foot flight pen, under the direct care and supervision of Sage, his foster mom. He is getting in his new long flight feathers, but still has quite a bit of downy feathers as well. Sage has been a great mom to this orphan. She adopted him right away and kept him warm during the chilly nights and now watches over him, making sure he is safe and well fed. If all goes to "plan" we hope to release this youngster in mid to late summer, so again, make sure we have your email address so we can send you a "release announcement".

Updates regarding our continuing road saga with the Leelanau County Road Commissioners; the road commissioners have just recently filed a lawsuit against us as well as all contiguous land owners along this privat

e easement. We are scheduled for a "settlement conference" on January 19, 2011 with a 3-day court date scheduled for February 8-10, 2011. The Leelanau County Road Commissioners are continuing to state that Greenway is a public right of way, and that this status is defined public-by-use. They have yet to produce a single shred of evidence or legal documentation supporting this opinion of theirs. We ask that you continue to submit letters to the editors to the Leelanau Enterprise, the Record Eagle and the Northern Express and also copy these letters to the Leelanau County Road Commissioners, the County Commissioners and the Empire and Kasson Township offices. In August the Leelanau County Road Commissioners will be asking for a millage renewal.....based upon their actions thus far, it appears to me that they already have way too much time and money to be asking for more. One of the road commissioners will have a challenger at these August elections as well. (The road commissione

rs may not want to have a whole lot of negative press leading up to this election and millage request, if you get my hint.)

I must extend a huge thanks, with all of my heart, to all of you who have written letters and emails, sent pledges towards our legal defense fund and given me warm hugs of encouragement and support. Just when I begin to experience a wave of worry or road-related stress, one of you sends the perfect card, makes the perfect phone call and/or sends me the perfect words of encouragement. You have helped me through some pretty dark and scary times.....I am forever and deeply appreciative.

(a rainbow over the Wings of Wonder hospital)

our new babies

2010-05-10T11:08:00.000-07:00

Well, a bit of happy news is in order; we have several new babies to introduce. Our screech owls, Arlo and Gilda, are currently fostering a couple of babies, hatched around Earth Day. Arlo is doing most of the parenting, as usual, while Gilda watches from a perch close by( probably hooting orders to poor Arlo). Both babies are being brooded and kept warm by Arlo as they all nestle together in the nestbox. The babies just opened their eyes 2 days ago. It looks like both of them will be gray, like their foster mama.

A couple of days ago I drove up to Petoskey to rescue an orphaned baby Great Horned owl. This

baby was found in a back yard with the closest suitable or possible nest trees about 2 football fields away! The baby is way too young to fly on its own. All I can guess

is that a raven may have grabbed the baby out of the nest, thinking it an easy meal, and tried to fly off with it, eventually dropping it into the backyard. The baby was checked out at Jensen's Vet Clinic, given a clean bill of health, and I brought him back to the hospital here at Wings of Wonder. After another day of observation the baby was presented to Sage, our old and wise foster mama horned owl. She eagerly accepted the little guy and now watches over him as any good mother would do.

I would like to thank you all, again, for your help with the current and awful road issue. The win in court last week was so deliciously wonderful....yet the "game" is not over by any means. We are asking that you continue making "noise" by writing letters to the contacts listed in a previous blog, as well as writing letters to the editors, making phone calls to county officials, and helping to spread the word about the ridiculous actions of the Leelanau County Road Commission. My total thanks to you all!

WE WON THIS FIRST ROUND!

2010-05-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

The hearing is over and Judge Power will be signing the restraining order against the Leelanau County Road Commission. We are now allowed to put our gates back up and the Road Commissioners have to replace the original signage (Dead End and No Outlet signs) PLUS put up PRIVATE DRIVEWAY signs! This is all great news....and so reassuring that now we can once again provide a quiet and safe sanctuary for the raptors. My continued thanks to you all; for your letters, your financial pledges, your calls, and your warm embraces. The "game" is not over, but at least the Road Commission has been stopped at this point in time.

Let's celebrate!

road saga

2010-05-05T18:50:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Just wanted to invite everyone to our first hearing thursday, may 5, 2010, at 4:30pm at the Leelanau County courthouse, located on M-204 just west of Suttons Bay. This hearing will be a request to Judge Power to sign a temporary restraining order against the Leelanau County Road Commission. Once this is signed by the judge, the road commission will have to replace the signs they took down (the Dead End, Road Ends and No Outlet signs ) and we will then be able to put our gates back up and thus protect our property and the raptors. Today we had increased numbers of cars driving thru here, the latest one was at 9pm tonight when a white 4-door car raced thru here quite fast. I continue to fear for the safety of my raptors especially now that we have a new baby orphaned great horned owl being fostered by our ambassador owl, Sage. The cars zipping past her flight pen cause great stress. For those of you living in Leelanau County, just know that some of your tax dollars were spent today,

by the road commission, blading and widening Beeman Road, a seasonal unmaintained 2-track that basically goes no where. The Road commissioners bladed this road way past what the legal description states for this seasonal road, ending quite close to our south land border.

Please consider joining us at the Leelanau County Courthouse, tomorrow, may 6th at 4:30pm and show your support for the raptors and for Wings of Wonder. Thanks to you all!!!!!

a threat to Wings of Wonder

2010-05-01T08:07:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
A serious situation has developed here that could shut down Wings of Wonder forever and I feel the extreme need to reach out for support.

The Leelanau County Road Commission has suddenly decided that our private easement is a public seasonal road! We feel our home and the privacy and protection we have created for the raptors are in jeopardy. If the Road Commission is successful, Wings of Wonder could be forced to close down.

A little history about this easement:

1. The private easement has been used by several property owners, dating back to the early 1970's. This easement, which begins at the end of the paved portion of South Gilbert Road, provides ingress and egress rights to 3 different land parcels. A private road agreement document was drafted in early 1970's and has been signed by every land owner, at every land transaction, and is registered and libered at the Leelanau county courthouse.

2. In 1990 the first house was built on this property. The new land owner paid $11,000 to have electricity brought a mile back to service her house. She signed an easement agreement with Cherry Land Electric, who first did a title search which proved the easement was indeed private, before burying the electric cable underneath the middle of the easement. That same year the owner was contacted by the Kasson Township Planning Commissioners and told to name the easement so she could then have a mailing address. She decided to name the easement "GREENWAY" and it has been recognized by the US Postal service, FEDEX, UPS and 911 emergency services ever since. Prior to her house being built, there were a number of 2 tracks, logging trails and pathways thru the property and adjoining vacant lands. Some of these pathways meandered thru the woods and eventually connected up with the next county road, Beeman Road. Once the landowner began to live back here full time she put an end to the trespass problems. The easement thru all 3 land parcels was in a very poor state with deep ruts, wash outs, large rocks, and erosion problems. The land owner decided to not use the easement for driving in each day. She instead chose to park her car out at the end of South Gilbert road and walk in. The property is accessed from (county road) South Gilbert Road, which heads south 1/2 mile off of hwy 72 before dead ending. At the intersection of south gilbert road and hwy 72 there has been a DEAD END road sign since at least 1990. At the end of South Gilbert road there has been a ROAD ENDS sign since at least 1990. At the opposite end, Beeman road, there is a Seasonal Road sign and a NO OUTLET sign.

3. The Lessards purchased the property in 1999, and had to sign the private road document at the time of sale. Lessards contacted the Kasson Township zoning administrator with their garage plans. Permits were purchased, the zoning administrator inspected the sight, and permission was granted to the Lessards to build their garage. Note, this garage sits less than 8 feet from the easement! At no time did the inspectors, building permit office or any others mention anything about the easement possibly being a public right of way!

4. In 2000 the Lessards applied for additional building permits to build their house. The site sits across from the garage, on the other side of the easement. Again, no comments were made about the road easement from the building inspectors, permit office, etc. Permits were granted and the house was built.

5. In 2002 Rebecca Lessard appeared before the Kasson Township Board to ask for permission to create a non profit raptor rehab center and sanctuary. She discussed plans, goals, layout, etc. with this board. She was granted unanimous support and received a letter from the board which she used to apply for her federal non profit status. Again, no mention was made about the road easement by this township board. The flight enclosures were built, 2 of which are positioned less than 5 feet from the road easement.

6. In the past 20 plus years there has not been any maintenance done on this easement by the road commission. All easement maintenance has been done by the Lessards. In the past 20 years there has been no public use of this road easement. For some reason the Leelanau County road commissioners have decided that this easement is now PUBLIC, even tho they have no legal documentation to support this claim.

The road commission recently enlisted the assistance of the Leelanau County Prosecuting attorney. The Lessards and Wings of Wonder have hired attorney Jim Olson and Jeff Jocks for our legal representation.

The $6780.00 we have already put into this defense of our private easement and the safety and security for Wings of Wonder could have been better spent towards:

25 raptor educational presentations to schools, camps, and libraries, or the rehabilitation of 6 bald eagles, or building 179 screech owl and american kestrel nest boxes, or purchasing 2260 frozen quail (treats) for the eagles, falcons and turkey vultures at Wings of Wonder.

Wings of Wonder is one of but a few licensed raptor rehabilitation and education centers in this entire state. Additionally, we are one of only 3 centers, in Michigan, to have a large 100 foot flight enclosure... ...which is big enough to aerobically condition our largest raptors (the bald eagles and turkey vultures) prior to their release back into the wilds.

I am reaching out to you, our supporters and WOW family.....would you be willing to write letters in support of Wings of Wonder? Would you be willing to tell as many people about this situation as possible, helping us to spread the word? Would you be willing to donate towards the now necessary legal defense fund? Would you be willing to make phone calls to township and county officials, as well as to the Leelanau County Road Commission?

Listed below are the important contacts. I ask that if you decide to send a letter to the Leelanau County Road Commissioners, that you also cc that letter to the Leelanau County Commissioners, the Kasson Township Board, and Empire Township Board, and please, please send me a copy as well, so we can provide our attorney with a copy.

Leelanau County Government Center
Attn: Leelanau County Commissioners
8527 East Government Center Drive
Suttons Bay, Michigan 49682
866-256-9711

Leelanau County Road Commission
10550 East Eckerle Road
Suttons Bay, Michigan 49682
231-271-3993

Kasson Township Board
10988 South Newman Road
PO Box 62
Maple City, Michigan 49664

Empire Township Board
PO Box 234
Empire, Michigan 49630

If you wish to make a donation towards the legal defense fund, please
make checks out to Wings of Wonder and mail to 13035 South Greenway,
Empire, Michigan 49630

If you want to make a donation on line, with PayPal, please use the
following link to the Wings of Wonder web site: http://www.wingsofwonder.org/supportWOW.html

Huge "raptorian" thanks to you all....your support makes me smile,
makes me cry with appreciation, and right now makes me feel strong.

spring is a'coming

2010-03-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Spring.

Our newest news here at Wings of Wonder concerns our young Great Horned Owl Eoin. Eoin who was hatched in March of 2009, had been orphaned and brought to Wings of Wonder. We immediately "handed" him over to Sage and Eddie, our adult Great Horned Owl foster parents. All went smoothly until about 7 days later when 2 additional horned owl orphans were transferred here from other raptor centers in this state. Both of these newest babies were quite a bit older, bigger, and consequently stronger, than the first youngster. All 3 babies still needed round-the-clock care by the foster parents. Early March is still very cold here in northern Michigan and all 3 of these babies needed to be brooded and kept warm by the foster parents. Within about 5 days of this happy family all being together, the smallest baby ended up with a broken bone in his leg, probably from being crushed or stepped on by the bigger owlets. To make a long story short, medical intervention was necessary, there were a variety of complications that arose, the leg was saved but the owlet was left with a permanent disability. We named the owlet Eoin and once he was old enough his training began and he was included into the Wings of Wonder ambassador bird family. Now, a quick time travel to the

present and to our newest news.....Eoin laid an egg on March 6! And all this time I thought Eoin was a rather large male Great Horned Owl! Of course this egg won't hatch because it is not fertile, but Eoin does not know that. We are allowing "her" to incubate this egg for awhile, just to keep her happy and healthy. Normally a fertile great horned owl egg hatches after 28-30 days of incubation. We will try to remove Eoin's egg after a week or so. If it is removed too early she will probably just lay another egg or two, which we would truly like to avoid.

Now, the dilemma, should we change Eoin's name to reflect a female or should we just keep this name? We would love to hear from you all....submit a name if you want.

2010-01-02T11:53:00.000-08:00

I would like to give huge "raptorian thanks" to the following folks....who found it important enough during this past year of 2009, to support Wings of Wonder. Because of their generosity and belief in the raptors we were able to continue our mission of conservation, habitat restoration, education and raptor rehabilitation. My total heart-filled thanks to each and every one of you!

Brian Maynard, Scott & Jeannette Laudeman, Jerry & Sue Maynard, Soren and Inge Jensen, Stony Point Foundation (Francie and John Downing), Michele and Scott Howard, Betsy & Mohammad Noorz, John & LindaO’Neill, Robert & Judith Jones, Tracy Drier & Amy Anderson, Sara and Stephen Loevy, Crystal Mountain Resort, Don Lessard, Trish Snowden and Will Heelan, Molly Phinny, Paula Jo Kemler, Mark & Joan Cordeniz, Michael Tate & family, Tom & Kathryn Care , Greg & Carol Halik, Belvedere Country Club, John & Linda Kuipers, Robert & Catherine Griffin, Linda Fletcher, Judy and Don Maclean, Jack & Joanne Schultz, Betsy Abeel, Deborah & Gary Rapelje, April & Charles Bertram, Kurt & Eleanor Luedtk, Rena Hicks, Kathryn Jaquish, Fast Physical Therapy, Paul and Katie Anderson, Cindy Stemple, Terry Marcinlak, Joe Andres, Nancy Turner, Kent & Dianne Laudeman, Crystalaire Camp, Inc, Gale and David Phillips, Marian Hardy, Duncan Cottages, Kris Kruid, Oryana Food Cooperative, Mary Benedict, Cliff How, Mya Anderson, TUKTAWA Foundation, Andy and Michele Lepere, Kim Booth, Alan Yefsky, Matthew Sitter, Joanne and Paul Wheaton, Charlevoix Lions Club, Sleeping Bear Noontiders, William Scharf, Thomas & Phyllis Davis, Mark Lyons, Susan Cahn, Mario Batali, Benno Batali, Leo Batali, Helen White, William & Pamela Gnodtke, David & Judy Williams, Sharron Fenn, Paul Lindberg, Joseph Heringlake, Paul Wheaton, Ron Strong, Adele Dilschneider trustee, George Crook, Jan Tennant & Richard Cooper, James & Paula Kemler, Glenn Wolff, Betsi Burns, Nancy Crandall, The Weatherheads, Merrie & Christopher Corbett, Claudia Goudschaal, Bobbie Poor, Richard Miller, Gladys Maguire, Wendy Gerber, Jacques Torres, Jeff Fisher, Dr. Eric Peck & staff, Mr. & Mrs. John W Fisher, Dr. Pamela Graves, Jim & Elizabeth Fisher, Joan & Randy Woods, Mike & Dawn Fisher, Jay & Lisa Fisher, Judy & Tom Oetinger, Louise Scholtus, Alison & Conrad Heins, Mary & Bill Swift, Charlie and Marian Swift, Erik Lilly, Great Lakes Medical Transcription Inc, Charlevoix Screen Masters, Sharon Craig, Cranbrook School, Wolverine Camps, Michael Carroll, DeCruydt & VanAelst, St. Mary School, Charlevoix, John Nitschke & Jean McLaren, Betty Rhoades, Jan Sikorski, Benzie Audubon Club, Tammera Roeske, James Bloem, Jeanne Sitter, Emilia Rennie, Monte and Nina Mayes, Bill and Nancey Grosskopf, Bachmann, Dr. Tom Mertaugh, Feather Foundation, Nancy Bresell, Catherine Riedel, Matthew Kuhn, Judith Overbeek, Joy Donnellon, Tamarack Gallery, Gail & Lyle Schwandt, Keith and Barbara VanDuzen, Nancy and Enrico Schaefer, Meredith Corporation Foundation Employee Contribution Program, Susan and Gary Hood, Laura Kalchik, Judith Lindenau, J Toma and M Kelly, Robert and Alexandra Jackman, Sam Abeel, Julianna Turner, Dori Turner, Steve Baaz, Erik & Angela Saxon, Ed Beurle (Northern Lumber), Jim Manley, Sara & Robert Galan, Cy Linder, Greg Abbott, Long Lake Vet Clinic, Munson Hospital, Joan Burnett, Carol Hobbs, Michael & Laura Turmel, Laurel Durkin, St. Marys Cement, Charlevoix, John & Mary Dumsch, George & Pat Daisy, Janet Dickerson, Naigo, Edward & Margaret Mannion, Dan Lautner and crew, Lautner Irrigation, Jeff & Nancy Fisher, Village Press, Waste Management, Tom Horton, Pla-mon-don Shoes, Chuck Higgins, Pamela Martinie, Samantha, Walker & Dylan, Ross, Cassie, Cooper, Addie, Gabi, Karen and Jamie Martin, Charlie Beals, Dr. Scholls Foundation, Carol Miller, Judith Gass, Dirk Cox, Bonnie & Jim Schreiber, John F Coleman, Ellen Kohler & Matt Cauchy, Kent & Jane Slaughter, Norm & Mimi Wheeler, Karen & Jamie Martin, Steve & Mary Schneider, William Oliver Smith, Charles Stairs, Jennifer Kaeser, Jo Martinie & Rich Illman, Seneca & Sonja Stairs, Polly Jo & Jamie Kemler, Sara Lee Corporation, Penny Nickle, Adam Danes, Car Taphouse, Glen’s Land Fill, Len Cowgill, Charlene Miller, Margaret Gass, Bob & Barbara Montgomery, Emmy Lou Cholak, Carol Hobbs, Allys & Bruce Dreves, Karen Dick

In memory:

Carroll Lypsinger, Ray Tobin, Tony Ruffin, Sr., Mr.Raymond J. Bresell, Peter J. Brigette, Sr., Albert A. Schumann, Justin Bell, Sr. and Rita Kenny Currie by the Michael Tate Family

Mary White by Jan Tennant & Richard Cooper

Ella Arnold by Sara & Robert Galan

Ester Morse by Helen White

Albert Danes by Adam Danes

Galen Thomas Opstad by Rebecca Lessard

Training Pearl

2009-12-15T13:58:00.001-08:00

Pearl is our 7-year old Red Tailed Hawk. She is an amazing bird with a very strong, and sometimes stubborn personality. Pearl is already trained to perch on the gloved fist during my educational presentations. She is a pro....she also easily steps into and out of her travel crate, she steps on and off the scale several times each week, and she will sit on the fist while we go for "walks" in the woods. Lately I have been trying to train Pearl to jump to the glove, and then to eat her meal off the glove. Right now, at this point in time, Pearl does not realize the value of doing what I am asking of her....meaning Pearl has decided she does not want to eat on the glove but would rather take her food to a high perch to devour in relative privacy.
(translation: stubborn)
I am determined to not give in to Pearl and am remaining steadfast in my "request" to her. She must eat her food on my gloved fist. It is her decision to eat or not. If she chooses to not eat the tasty fresh mouse on my glove, then she will not get a meal that particular day...again, it is Pearls' decision. Because I am a softie-at-heart I usually give Pearl a few opportunities each day to eat on the glove. The past 2 days Pearl has only decided to eat one mouse on the glove. I know she wants to eat more, but she chooses, instead, to fly off the glove and onto a high perch in her aviary. Then she just seems to glare at me. At this point in the training cycle, I am not too worried that Pearl is only eating one mouse each day, because, in actuality, Pearl is at the heaviest weight she has ever been while living at Wings of Wonder. She currently weighs in at more than 1500 grams......aka she is rather fat. I am predicting that as Pearl loses a few grams over the next couple of days, she will be more interested in eating her meals on my gloved fist. The reason why I am determined to get Pearl to eat on the glove is that I want to have her do a bit of flying during the educational presentations. Pearl needs to learn that there is always a treat in the glove. It is my goal to have Pearl fly about 35 feet from a stationary perch to my glove in front of an audience. That way audience attendees can better appreciate the beauty and gracefullness of a hawk. I hope none of you reading this blog will think that I am being too strict or harsh with Pearl. Please know that she is a totally pampered red tailed hawk. Her varied diet consists of fresh mouse meat, rat meat, quail and chicken. During the summer months she enjoys the addition of crickets, fish and european starlings into her diet. She certainly has found a place in my heart and is my most favorite raptor here at Wings of Wonder.... but, please, don't tell any of our other raptors!

Our Young Peregrine

2009-11-06T05:58:00.001-08:00

Our young peregrine had an xray this past monday, 31 days post surgery. The humeral fracture is healing very nicely and the decision was made to unwrap the wing and pull the IM pin. He is now continuing to recover in an outside flight enclosure. He seems to enjoy this new space as he basks in the sun and takes a daily morning bath. Because the trauma to his wing was so severe, it is highly doubtful that he will ever fly well again for a release back into the wild. I have decided to start training this youngster, with the goal of adding him to our educational ambassador family. Right from the start he has seemed eager to step up on the glove to get his tidbit of fresh quail meat. He has a wonderfully curious personality and is a joy to work with daily.

A YOUNG MALE PEREGRINE FALCON

2009-10-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

An immature male peregrine falcon was admitted to Wings of Wonder in early October. This young falcon was rescued and transferred by the Manistee DNR after being found laying injured in a building that was being renovated. During the initial exam it was apparent that the falcon had a fracture of the right humerus, which is the bone between the shoulder and the elbow. Surgery was scheuduled with Dr. Eric Peck, Northern Michigan Veterinary Hospital (www.traversanimalhospital.com).
A steel pin was inserted into the bone during the
surgery to aid in the alignment and subsequent repair of this fracture. The wing was splinted and the falcon is now recovering at WOW.

Two weeks post surgery the wing was xrayed which revealed a nice callus forming over the fracture area. Hopefully the pin will be removed in another 2 weeks, and the falcon can begin to gently exercise that wing. He is a delightful patient; being very calm and greatly appreciative of his fresh quail dinner each day. Because of the severity of the injury, this youngster has a long road ahead of him to achieve a full recovery. Peregrine falcons are very fast and agile fliers...reaching speeds of over 200 mph as they dive, or stoop, for their prey. Their wings, muscles, tendons and skeletal systems all need to work perfectly in order for them to survive out in the wilds. Time will tell whether this youngster will ever fly free once again.

our newest patient

2009-09-10T14:25:00.001-07:00

September 10, 2009

Our newest patient is a young Red Tailed hawk. This is a first year bird, meaning that he was hatched this year. He was found yesterday alongside a road near Bear Lake, Michigan. A concerned citizen spotted the bird and rescued him off the road. The young hawk was admitted to Wings of Wonder the following day. I decided to first bathe this hawk because it was immediately apparent that he was loaded with parasites commonly referred to as "flat flies". These flies truly live up to their name...they are about the size of house flies but are very, very flat so they can easily maneuver between feathers as they take their blood meals. They are nasty little pests and this bird had a lot of them. After his bath he was weighed and examined. His weight was 885 grams...a bit thin. Normally this bird should weigh closer to 1000 grams. The exam revealed a fractured ulna bone in his left wing, between his wrist and his elbow. It is quite likely this hawk had been hit by a car.
I transferred the bird into a cozy pet crate, where he immediately stepped up on the perch. He was then fed several large rodents ...a nice surprise to be "served" rodents on a platter!
Tomorrow the hawk will be examined and x-rayed by one of our attending veterinarians. These x-rays will determine whether he is a surgical candidate or not. If the fracture does not involve a joint, and if the affected bones are not splintered or shattered and can withstand the necessary medical proceedures, then we may choose to have the surgery performed. Not every patient admitted to Wings of Wonder becomes a rehab candidate. Unfortunately we can not save them all.
This has truly been a very, very busy week with Red Tailed Hawks. Over the past hand full of days we have admitted 7 of these youngsters. Not all have lived....some were admitted at such critically low weights or were so severly injured that there was not much we could do for them. Autumn is a difficult time of the year for these inexperienced raptors. They are are now out on their own without parents bringing them food. Besides perfecting their new flying skills, they must also learn to hunt and kill with efficiency. Research has shown that 75% of young raptors die before they can complete their first winter.
If you come across a raptor in distress, please don't hesititat to contact Wings of Wonder.

Sept 9 Eagle Release, Leelanau County

2009-09-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

On September 5, 2009 an immature female bald eagle was released back into the wilds. A crowd of about 350 folks gathered to watch this bird fly free. The eagle had been found a week earlier by Chris and Tyler, young men from Lake Ann, who had been watching several young eagles flying together over Cook Lake. A while later Chris and Tyler found one of the youngsters laying unconscious on the ground near the lake. The boys rescued the eagle, carrying her out of the woods and into their car, and then quickly transported her to the Wings of Wonder hospital. It is believed that this young eagle had collided with another eagle up in the sky and was knocked out, falling to the ground, where she laid unconscious. She could have easily been killed by another predator if Chris and Tyler had not found her. After a day in the Wings of Wonder hospital the eagle was moved to a 100 foot outdoor aviary where she completed her recovery. Six days later she was ready to go free, and was released back in the general area where she had been found.
Photos by Julie and Dave Christiansen