Education Spotlight: Owl Laboratory

Owls have a unique digestive system. What they can't digest, they cough back up! In the WBS "Owl Laboratory" program, you have a visit from a live owl to learn about them and why owl pellets form and how they can help biologists. Then you dissect a real owl pellet with the help of a WBS Naturalist. To schedule a program for your group or classroom, please call our Office of Wildlife Learning at 636-225-4390.

These fabulous pictures were taken by Gay Schroer at the beautiful butterfly house in Chesterfield, Missouri. To learn more about the butterfly house, visit www.butterflyhouse.org

Education Spotlight: All About Owls

Among the many wonderful education programs offered by the World Bird Sanctuary, our owl programs are a popular choice. Our education programs offer a rare opportunity to meet birds up close and in person while learning about their biology, habits, and conservation.

Over 200 different species of owls share our earth. Meet several of these different types while learning the importance of their existence. "All About Owls" gives you insight into those mysterious birds of the night. Combine with an "Owl Pellet Study" for a truly educational and entertaining experience. "All About Owls" and a companion program, "Owl Laboratory," are appropriate for children (3rd grade and higher) and adults. To schedule a program for your group or classroom, please call our Office of Wildlife Learning at 636-225-4390.

These photos were taken by Gay Schroer at the beautiful butterfly house in Chesterfield, Missouri. To learn more about the butterfly house, visit www.butterflyhouse.org

Campers meet Trevor, our Eurasian Eagle Owl, and help demonstrate how humans can move their eyes, while owls must move their entire head to spot prey or a threat.

Learning why owls can turn their heads 270 degrees, while we humans cannot.

Campers meet Shakespeare, our Barred Owl, and learn to recognize the "hoot" of the Barred Owl, one of Missouri's most common owls


Campers meet Twig, our Eastern Screech Owl, and learn why he wouldn't make a good pet even though he's VERY cute.


Children meet Goblin, our Common Barn Owl. Don't let the name fool you--Barn Owls in Missouri are seldom seen and very threatened. The children learn all about what is threatening this beautiful species.

The children get to examine an owl wing up close and personal

Eagle owlet walkabout

Another visit with our newest, cutest babies. After enjoying a delicious breakfast of rat (see June 25th), they were ready to explore:

Hello Lenore!

As I reported a couple of days ago, we've had a changing of the guard (or in this case, the ravens) at the Education Training Center. Mischief and her sister Lenore, our white naped ravens have traded places. Mischief can now be seen at our Visitor Center at WBS's public site, or taking your money for our donation box at one of our programs. Lenore is relaxing out of the spotlight, and I am happy to see her. Lenore is sometimes referred to as "the cuddliest raven," and she really appreciates scratches and attention from the people she likes. Corvids are particular about the company they keep, and there is nothing better than being approved of by a raven or crow.

Here's Miss Lenore demonstrating her favorite vocalization:



Lenore can say hello, but for the most part she's above using human language, and certainly not inclined to use it on cue!

Kestrel fledglings

WBS rescued two American kestrel chicks earlier this month and fostered them with our European kestrels (see post and video from June 6). I'm thrilled to say that the foster parents did a beautiful job and both chicks have fledged and will be released in the next week or so. I hope to document their release as well!

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Hungry owlets

As promised, here is a video of our delightful new Eurasian eagle owl chicks having their breakfast. This video was taken on June 20th. They are two weeks old. At this stage, the chicks are taking large pieces of meat and some with fur in order to give them casting material.

Mischief the raven can't say goodbye

Every year Mischief, our white naped raven, leaves her life of luxury at our Education Training Center (where I volunteer) to perform for half the year in our education programs. When she isn't taking money to stuff in the donations box, she is on view at our visitor center during summer and fall. I tried to teach her majesty to say goodbye for the camera, but she doesn't believe in goodbyes.



When Mischief goes out, her sister Lenore moves in to revel in six months of pampering. I'll have videos of Lenore posted soon, but here's a little picture of my new favorite raven. And yes, I say that to all the ravens, but you gotta love the one you're with!

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Brand new eagle owls

We have two brand-spanking new Eurasian eagle owl chicks to feed and admire. As a preview of what's coming up, here are some pictures I took at a feeding last Thursday. The smiley guy up front is kind of a camera hog as you can see. He's really hamming it up, or just happy to have a full belly. Did you know that owls don't have crops?

I also took some video, so look for those later this week.

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Little rescued vulture is thriving

The turkey vulture chick we rescued in early June (see June 10th post) is growing up. She's been isolated from humans as much as possible and fed using a ghost (a long fabric sheet draped over the body) and a vulture puppet to simulate mom. You will notice in the videos that we are silent, still, and as inconspicuous as we can be.

She (or he, but she's Gladys to me) is wonderfully healthy and has a big bird appetite. We hope to release this chick back into the wild and so far she is right on track.


This video shows the chick being weighed and having her brooder towels changed.


This one shows the actual feeding. Thanks Jen for the puppet show!

Goodbye Travis

Travis, our red tailed hawk, died in her sleep Thursday evening. Rather than add new posts this week I'll be adding remembrances from those who knew and loved Travis to this post. Regular posts will resume next Sunday.



Travis was illegally taken from her nest as a chick and raised on a horrible diet of hot dogs and bologna which led to rickets and permanently bowed her legs. She was confiscated by the Missouri Department of Conservation and given to the World Bird Sanctuary in 1987. For 21 years she held a special place in our hearts.

After arriving at WBS, Travis was nurtured and fed an appropriate diet, but the early damage to her body could not be undone. In spite of this, she became a fixture in our education programs around the country. In 2003, Travis retired to our lower site where she lived a peaceful life surrounded by those who loved her.

During her time with WBS, Travis not only educated the public, but also our staff, interns, and volunteers. Our donors and sponsors made caring for Travis (who needed a lifetime of care and medicine) possible, and many took a special interest in her case. It is impossible to say how much this hawk meant to all of us, but here are some words in honor of Travis:

In memory of Travis, our magnificent hawk

Angela K: I'll never forget how happy Travis always was at feeding time. The eager sounds she made at the sight of a meal, and the way she'd jump right up to the perch for it, will always be something I will happily remember.

Jennifer B: She was a sweet bird who trained many staff and volunteers, and educated thousands of people in her life. We will miss her.

Stephanie P: Travis was a marvelous hawk. She taught me more than I can say. I'll miss watching her watch the squirrels around her mew.

What is cuter than an Eastern screech owl?

A soaking wet Eastern screech owl! I was out in the weathering yard feeding the birds and noticed Timber enjoying a bath. I ran back in to grab my camera and...

behold, the cuteness:



Timber was injured as a chick and came to live with us at the World Bird Sanctuary because he couldn't be released. He's stolen a lot of hearts in our education programs and is one of our most popular birds.

Special guests!

A pair of house finches built their nest just inside the summer parrot enclosure. I was admiring the workmanship of the nest when up popped all these heads! After I fed the parrots, I watched from a distance as the parents flew in and out (they found a small hole in the structure) to feed the babies.

A quick visit with the fruit bats!

I've had a few requests for another fruit bat moment! Batty and Scar are having a great spring and enjoying an abundant variety of fruit. In addition to fresh fruit, these guys enjoy a mixture of lowfat yogurt, banana, and bat biscuits (a nutritional diet similar to pellets) as well as fruit juice.

Here you can see them relaxing after dinner (and still licking their lips).

Another little rescue

Spring is always a busy time for rescue and rehab, particularly as young chicks fledge. Most of the time, a fledgling is just fine out of the nest. They are still being fed and watched over by their parents. Sometimes, however, intervention is required.

This spring has been VERY exciting for me. As a WBS volunteer, I have already had some "first ever" experiences: a turkey vulture chick (see June 9th) and this little Eastern Screech Owl. Since they are relatively common to the area, I've seen adults in the wild, but never a chick. And to hold them...it is incredible. With native species, the World Bird Sanctuary's goal for every bird is to heal, care for, and release it into the wild. While this is not always possible because of injury, this little guy is well on his way to a normal owl life.

If you find a fledgling, keep an eye on it and call your local animal rescue/conservation group before you intervene. It often takes a specialist to determine whether or not a chick needs our help. However, in the case of obvious injury or immediate danger, bring the chick to your local rescue.

These pictures show WBS staff member, Donna, with the new owl. After posing for some pictures, he went directly into a brooder in our baby room. Since then, he and another rescued screech owl have grown enough to thermoregulate and "graduated" to an adult enclosure (still in the baby room). They have limited human contact in order to avoid imprinting.

If you'd like to help feed and care for this wee one and our other rescues, you can make a secure donation of any amount (even a dollar helps!) by clicking the donation button on the right or calling 636-861-3225.

Say what you want about vultures...

This little Turkey Vulture is still the cutest thing I've ever seen!

This chick was rescued and brought to the sanctuary where he (or she!) is being fed and cared for and kept warm and safe. Once she is grown, she'll be released to live as the wild bird she was born to be. Until then I've secretly named her Gladys! Actually, vultures imprint very easily, so once this bird is out of the brooder she'll be restricted from human interaction and fed by WBS propagation specialists behind a blind so that she can't see the humans or know they've named her anything at all.



Did you expect a vulture to be so adorable?

Adopt a Bird Spotlight: Myakka (Bald Eagle)

Myakka's Story

Species: Bald Eagle
Hatched: 1/31/85

Myakka was hatched at G.M. Sutton Avian Research Center in Bartlesville, Oklahoma as part of an effort to re-establish a wild bald eagle population in Alabama. After a successful release, Myakka was injured in the wild by a gunshot. At a rehab center in Minneapolis, it was discovered that he had sustained permanent damage to one eye. Unable to hunt successfully, he could not be released. He was received at the World Bird Sanctuary in September 1986.

Myakka has since appeared before hundreds of thousands of people as part of our education outreach programs. In his travels, he has appeared in such venues as: Grant's Farm, Eagle Day programs in Iowa, Illinois and Missouri, Milwaukee County Zoo, Zoo Atlanta, Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut, and Clarksville Nature Center in Clarksville, MO.

To adopt Myakka, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $150, and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: MYAKKA. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

• *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
• your personal visit.
• * Certificate of Adoption
• * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
• * Sponsorship Card
• * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
• * Life History and Natural History of the bird
• * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
• * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
• * Discounts on WBS Special Events
• * WBS Decal

Natural History

Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Description: large; white head, neck and tail; brown-black body; massive yellow bill and feet

Sex: males and females are similar but females are larger

Age: juveniles are mostly dark brown with white blotches underneath and on the wing linings; become more white each molt; gain adult plumage after 4-5 years; immature calls are generally harsher

Length: 31-37”

Wingspan: 5.8-7.5’

Weight: 8-14 lbs.
Habitat: rivers, lakes, coastal areas

Status: seen across most of North America; common in Alaska, parts of Florida and in the Midwest during winter months; common along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers in winter; became endangered in the 70s from pesticides; conservation programs and pesticide banning helped increase populations again

Range: Alaska and Canada to the southern United States

Behavior: monogamous pairs; breed April-August and build a stick nest as high as 150 feet above the ground, usually in a tree or on cliffs near water; renovate and add to their nest each year until it falls; 1 brood with 1-3 dull, whitish eggs; both parents incubate for 34-36 days until semi-altricial chicks hatch asynchronously; chicks leave nest at 10 weeks; large numbers of bald eagles often congregate where food is plentiful, like spawning ruts; will steal food from smaller and weaker osprey; fly low after prey
Diet: carrion, fish, waterfowl, birds, small mammals

Vocalization: sharp, pleading, creaking cackle; “kleek-kik-ik-ik-ik”; lower “kak-kak-kak”

√ The bald eagle has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782.

Adopt A Bird spotlights are written and photographed by Gay Schroer.

An injured bald eagle returns to the wild, thanks to our community!

On May 28 of this year the World Bird Sanctuary, collaborated with a number of other organizations in an eagle release that was the culmination of an amazing story.

At the beginning of May, while making his daily rounds to feed the birds housed on our upper trail, one of our staff members was surprised to find a wild juvenile bald eagle that was in obvious distress, and had landed by our eagle cages near the rehab hospital. (You could say she checked herself in.) Recognizing her distress, our staff member quickly gathered her up and brought her into the hospital. There were no obvious injuries or broken bones, and it was surmised that she may have eaten some tainted food. She was given supportive therapy, and after about three weeks in rehab she had gone from 12 lbs. to a robust 14 lbs., and was ready to be released.

Coincidentally, Missouri American Water Company, in conjunction with the World Bird Sanctuary, Ameren UE, Missouri Conservation Department, and Boy Scout Troop 950, had recently erected nest platforms on their riverfront property in the hope that they would attract nesting pairs of bald eagles. It was decided that this would be a perfect spot to release this magnificent bird.

On May 28 representatives of the organizations involved in the placement of the nestboxes, as well as a number of government officials, including State Senator John Loudon, Representative Jane Cunningham, and Representative Al Liese, all gathered at Missouri American Water Company's plant site, where this magnificent eagle was released back into the wild.

If you'd like to read and see more of this wonderful event, please visit the links below. To view enlarged photos, click on the image.

Sign erected for the eagle release.

One of the nesting platforms erected on Missouri American Water property

Closeup of the eagle nesting platform built by Boy Scout Troop 950

Some of the many dignitaries who showed up for this event.

Staff member Joe Hoffmann coaches Missouri American Water

President, Terry Gloriod, on the intricacies of releasing a bald eagle

Missouri American Water Company President, Terry Gloriod, releases the eagle

Freedom!

This post was written and photographed by Gay Schroer.

www.ameren.com/Community/ADC_2008EagleRelease.asp
www.ameren.com/AboutUs/ADC_EaglesBoyScouts.asp

Adopt a Bird Spotlight: Patriot (Bald Eagle)

The most amazing part of being a volunteer at WBS is getting to know the birds we care for as individuals. Our Adopt A Bird program allows supporters to become involved in the life and care of a bird they might otherwise never have a chance to meet. Adoptive parents get to visit and have their photograph taken with their bird, as well as receive information on the bird's welfare and activities. The donation goes to feed, house and care for the bird of your choice! Personally I can say that both volunteering and adopting have been the opportunity of a lifetime. To check out our adoptable birds, click on "Adopt a Bird" in the subject list of this blog. I'll be adding more birds as this blog continues.

Patriot's Story

Species: Bald Eagle
Hatched: 3/17/95

In March 1995, Patriot's parents used the same nest tree they had used for the past four years at Clarence Cannon Wildlife Refuge. A violent storm in mid-April brought the tree down. Refuge staff responded quickly, but two of the chicks were already dead. The one surviving chick was in poor condition due to being in water for at least an hour. She was treated for pneumonia, gained seven pounds in two weeks, and regained her strength. However, because of the permanent lung damage she sustained, she could not survive in the wild.

Patriot has become a real favorite of staff and visitors alike. She has appeared in programs at Grant's Farm, Sea World of Ohio in Clarksville, and a multitude of eagle programs throughout the Midwest. She was also one of two eagles standing at home plate during the National Anthem for the opening game of the St. Louis Cardinals' run for Division title in 2004!

To adopt Patriot, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $150, and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: PATRIOT. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents Receive:

• *A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
• your personal visit.
• * Certificate of Adoption
• * Color photo of the bird you've adopted
• * Sponsorship Card
• * One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
• * Life History and Natural History of the bird
• * 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
• * Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
• * Discounts on WBS Special Events
• * WBS Decal

Natural History

Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus

Description: large; white head, neck and tail; brown-black body; massive yellow bill and feet

Sex: males and females are similar but females are larger

Age: juveniles are mostly dark brown with white blotches underneath and on the wing linings; become more white each molt; gain adult plumage after 4-5 years; immature calls are generally harsher

Length: 31-37”

Wingspan: 5.8-7.5’

Weight: 8-14 lbs.
Habitat: rivers, lakes, coastal areas

Status: seen across most of North America; common in Alaska, parts of Florida and in the Midwest during winter months; common along the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers in winter; became endangered in the 70s from pesticides; conservation programs and pesticide banning helped increase populations again

Range: Alaska and Canada to the southern United States

Behavior: monogamous pairs; breed April-August and build a stick nest as high as 150 feet above the ground, usually in a tree or on cliffs near water; renovate and add to their nest each year until it falls; 1 brood with 1-3 dull, whitish eggs; both parents incubate for 34-36 days until semi-altricial chicks hatch asynchronously; chicks leave nest at 10 weeks; large numbers of bald eagles often congregate where food is plentiful, like spawning ruts; will steal food from smaller and weaker osprey; fly low after prey
Diet: carrion, fish, waterfowl, birds, small mammals

Vocalization: sharp, pleading, creaking cackle; “kleek-kik-ik-ik-ik”; lower “kak-kak-kak”

√ The bald eagle has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782.

Adopt A Bird spotlights are written and photographed by Gay Schroer.

Rescued kestrel chicks and their foster mom...

Among our many responsibilities at the World Bird Sanctuary, the care and rehabilitation of injured birds is one of the most important. The goal of rehabilitation is to save the life of birds in distress, with release being the ultimate objective whenever possible. Releasing a recovered bird into the wild is an incredible experience and many lives are saved thanks to public donations and support. WBS is entirely non-profit, which means that the lives and well being of these birds are dependent on public donations. If you'd like to help birds like the kestrel chicks in this video, please consider donating! Every dollar counts and is appreciated more than words can say.

Kestrels are the smallest falcons in North America. One of our staff picked up these two chicks from a driveway; three older chicks from the same nest had already died. We are fostering them with our Eurasian kestrels, Paris and Bristol. They are doing well, and when they are grown they will be released. Paris is a great mom!



Special thanks to Jennifer Bender for the video and description!

Ravens want your hard earned money!

Our ravens and crows are frequent participants in fund raising efforts for the World Bird Sanctuary. They are a special favorite of children and adults alike. In these photos from last summer's Birds in Concert performances (check back for the dates for this August), you can see my personal favorite raven, Mischief, accepting donations from fans. I've given her a few bucks myself! She's irresistible. 100% of the money she collects goes to feed, house, and care for our birds.

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Wimbledon eagle owl style!

Yes fans, once again it is time to appreciate the mad skills of our Eurasian eagle owl chicks as they teach us all a thing or two about tennis:

Adopt a Bird Spotlight: Twig (Eastern Screech Owl)

Twig's Story

Species: Eastern Screech Owl
Hatched: 1995

Twig came to the World Bird Sanctuary in 1993 as an orphan. He was unreleasable because he had no fear of humans. He soon became a member of our Education Department and has traveled with our staff to literally thousands of programs throughout the country.

He has participated in programs in Williamsburg, VA, Kansas City Renaissance Festival, sportshows throughout the Midwest, and scores of Raptor Awareness and Wings for Tots presentations, to name only a few.

Twig is an excellent example of how animals in the wild use camoflage to survive. Twig is a tremendous favorite with young and old alike.

Your adoption fee will help to feed, house and care for Twig in the coming year, so that he can continue to educate and entertain the future generation.

To adopt Twig, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $50 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: TWIG. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send you your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents receive:

• A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for
• your personal visit.
• Certificate of Adoption
• Color photo of the bird you've adopted
• Sponsorship Card
• One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)
• Life History and Natural History of the bird
• 10% Discount off WBS merchandise
• Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day
• Discounts on WBS Special Events
• WBS Decal

Natural History

eastern screech owl
Otus asio

Description smallest eared owl in the eastern US; color ranges from grey to brown to reddish, but considered to be found in 2 color phases; gray found mostly in the north; red found mostly in the south; plumage is an excellent example of cryptic camouflage; color pattern of plumage resembles the bark of the trees so closely they are nearly invisible when still; identified by ear tufts and textured coloration

Sex: no visible differences between male and female

Age: up to 13 years

Length: 7-10”

Wingspan: 18-24”

Weight: 5-9 oz.

Habitat: wood lots, heavily wooded regions in rural areas, wooded strips of residential areas

Status: populations currently stable due to it’s ability to adapt to residential areas; often falls victim to vehicle collisions

Range: United States east of the Rocky Mountains and into northeastern Mexico

Behavior: nests in natural tree cavities, old woodpecker holes or man-made nest boxes; female lays 4-6 eggs that are incubated for 25-27 days; both parents feed the young; owlets leave the nest in about 4 weeks, but will be tended by the parents for another 5-6 weeks; can reproduce at 1 year of age

Diet: mainly insects, small mammals, birds, crayfish and earthworms

Vocalization: call is a long, high pitched, trilling call

√ have been known to visit backyard birdfeeders at night, where they hunt from a perched position then swoop down to catch the mice that come to feed on fallen seed

√ this bird is fond of bathing and has been known to visit backyard birdbaths at night

√ although small, this owl is fearless and has been known to dive at dogs, cats and even humans when defending it’s young

Adopt A Bird profiles are written and photographed by Gay Schroer.

Field Studies: banding a titmouse

Our Field Studies Team is hard at work this spring. Here's a video, courtesy of Cathy Spahn, of one of our nest box studies. This shows a young eastern titmouse being banded.

The World Bird Sanctuary's Field Studies Staff are dedicated individuals with biology, wildlife management or related degrees. Each individual is well educated in the visual and auditory identification of avian species in the field.

WBS' Three Phase Program to Wildlife Area Enhancement:

Habitat Assessment: The first step of any project generally includes the evaluation of the property in question.

WBS field staff are able to provide an overall assessment of biodiversity, habitat quality, critical habitat identification and the presence or absence of federally or state identified endangered or threatened species as well as species of special concern.

Conservation Consultation: After a thorough assessment of the property has been completed, senior WBS field staff will develop various comprehensive habitat management plans taking into account the current and proposed land use. The identification of habitat restoration and/or enhancement opportunities can be made at this time.

Habitat Management: WBS is experienced in the development of long term habitat management programs designed to maintain an increased overall habitat quality. Based on goals and objectives developed during consultations, a detailed management plan can be put together including design, construction oversight and long term monitoring and maintenance regimes. When properly implemented, such a plan is integral to the success of any project and may bring other benefits such as increased aesthetic value and potential reductions in maintenance costs.

WBS is internationally recognized as a first-class conservation organization and has consulted on many projects for zoological institutions including international entities such as the Ecuador Zoological Park and the Guyana Zoological Park. WBS' environmental consultants have experience working with numerous government organizations including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, United States Air Force, Conservation on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and many others.

A perfect pounce!

Be thrilled and amazed at the progress of our Eurasian eagle owl chicks as they rid the playroom of those hideous and annoying tennis balls: