Our fund raiser was a total success!

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.