First Time Speaker

If you work in the Education Department at the World Bird Sanctuary then you will eventually be a speaker at our education programs.  I have just recently started speaking these programs.

Barnaby the Barn Owl landing on my glove during an Amazing Animal Encounter (photo: Linda Wibbenmeyer)

How do you prepare for this you may ask?  To begin with, I have been the handler in several Amazing Animal Encounters (our weekend programs at the World Bird Sanctuary from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend).  These programs are smaller than our full- length Raptor Awareness programs, but they are a great way to learn about the birds we fly and present.  I learned several facts and tips on presenting programs by listening to several Amazing Animal Encounters speakers while presenting the birds in these shows.  There is also a basic script that I was given to read over and learn my parts.

The next step is to start small. I presented my first Birdday Party at the WBS Visitor’s Center.  You present four different animals in a small setting.  This was great practice and the kids at the Birdday Party loved it (as did the adults)!  It really helped to boost my confidence, too.

The "Royal Falconers" at K.C. Renfaire, Kelsey McCord, Matt Levin and Paige Davis (photo: B. J. Talley)

As we come into fall the Renaissance Festival in Kansas City starts, and WBS presents programs as the Royal Falconers Theater each weekend.  Cathy Spahn, a WBS naturalist with many years’ experience, told me that on the second weekend she wanted me to be the speaker for a few of the shows.  These would be my first real presentations as a speaker. These shows are only a half hour long though, so they are good “stepping stone” programs.  I was a little nervous and a little excited.

I was still a little nervous about getting the timing down right when Paige Davis suggested I speak some of the same lines from our last Amazing Animal Encounters.  She suggested being the speaker for a few birds in a show, rather than the whole show, with some flyers and some non-flyers, so that I could get a feel for it and get some feedback from the other people helping in the show.  So the next day I received a bit of coaching before the program started, and then spoke for three of our birds. 

I learned during that first show that being the speaker is more than just talking.  You still have to remember to move about the stage when flying the birds.  I made sure to get that part right for the second show.  I received some great pointers after each of the programs to improve my role as the speaker.  I also felt much more ready for the following weekend at the Renaissance Festival.

As the day of my first full show began, Paige took the first show so that I could listen to her and get a feel for this particular setting.  At the Renaissance Faire we do four shows each day, and this weekend we had three speakers.  When my turn came up for the second show I briefly went over what I should be saying with Paige and Matt Levin, past WBS employee and current volunteer.  I took a deep breath and walked out on stage.  I introduced each bird as they came out and spoke about each of their species as they flew over the audience’s heads.  After they fly, each bird is walked between the aisles.  The birds did their part wonderfully which helped me to stay focused.  I introduced our last bird in the show (a Bald Eagle), then explained how the audience could hand their cash donations to our American Crow, Aesop, and the audience applauded!  I checked the clock, and my timing was perfect!  I had survived!!

After the program I got a few more tips and pointers, and I presented two more shows the following day.

Shadow, a beautiful Bateleur Eagle, was a new bird for me to handle (photo: Paige Davis)

About a week later, Paige and I presented three full Raptor Awareness programs at a campground for fifth graders.  This time it was a full length Raptor Awareness program which runs 45 to 50 minutes.  In these 3 shows we also had a bird that I had never met, let alone spoken about.  We brought Shadow, the Bateleur Eagle, for our finale.  Paige spoke the first two programs so that I could learn all about Shadow as a bird and a species.  The final program started and I introduced our first bird.  The program went great, and the kids loved it!  I got it to 47 minutes and then another few minutes for questions.  Perfect!  It was my best program to date.

I look forward to speaking many more programs and learning about more of our birds as I continue to work for the World Bird Sanctuary.

Submitted by Kelsey McCord, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

The Moody Eagle

When people ask, "What is your favorite bird at the World Bird Sanctuary," my answer has always been the Bateleur Eagle. I've had the immense pleasure to work with both Tsavo and Shadow, WBS’s Bateleurs, and I can't help but smile each time I get to handle one or the other.

Bateleur sunning at Veszprém Zoo, Hungary – Notice the beautiful wing pattern and short tail (photo: Wikipedia)

A little background on the species.

Their scientific name, terathopius ecaudatus, says a lot about them.  The name originates from the Latin words teratos ("marvel"), opos ("appearance"), and ecaudatus ("to lack a tail").

Bateleur is the French word for "street performer". The bateleur eagle got this name for its distinctive flying style, because they rock side to side (as if to regain balance like a tight-rope walker) while gliding at low-altitudes in search of prey. They also do amazing aerial acrobatics for courtship and mating displays, which is only possible because of their short tail (3-4 inches long) and long, narrow wings (5.5-6 feet). They only gain their distinct adult plumage after 6-8 years.  The juvenile eagles begin life with longer wing and tail feathers (makes it easier to learn to fly), but after each molt the feathers grow back in just a little shorter than before.

Tsavo – One of the World Bird Sanctuary’s stunningly beautiful Bateleur Eagles. (photo: Gay Schroer)

Now for why we've nicknamed them the moody eagles of the sanctuary.  The first thing you will see (and hear) is their territorial display when you get "too close" to their perch(s).  All the following antics would be performed in the wild if a rival Bateleur came into their territory.  They start off with a soft "kau kau kau", and when that doesn't scare you away they raise their half spread wings and scream a loud "koaagh koaagh". Most of the time this is just how they greet you when you enter their territory, but their face will tell you if it is okay for you to handle them or not.  Their face is typically a pale red to orange when calm and relaxed, but can turn bright red when really excited. If their face turns yellow, get away as soon as possible, because that is when they're really angry about something and need space to calm down.

Shadow - One of this bird’s most striking features is its beautiful facial coloration (photo: Gay Schroer)

Bateleur eagles are indigenous to Africa (sub-Saharan open woodlands and grasslands) in which they are on the near-threatened list due to loss of habitat, poisoning, and illegal captures. There are no ongoing conservation efforts known because they are a common sight in conservation areas, even though they are scarce elsewhere. I believe we need to start keeping a closer eye on this amazing species before they become just a memory for those lucky enough to have seen/worked with one.

Be sure to look for this stunning eagle when you visit one of our zoo shows or come to one of our special events. This summer Tsavo will be entertaining the crowds at the Milwaukee County Zoo, and Tsavo will be wowing the crowds at Grant’s Farm in St. Louis.  There is no mistaking this unusual looking raptor.  As with all of our resident animals, Shadow and Tsavo are available for adoption through our Adopt A Bird program.

Submitted by William Oberbeck III, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist/Trainer

Come Visit Us At Grant's Farm!

All summer long through October, World Bird Sanctuary will be at Grant's Farm with some of our birds.  It is free to visit!  You will not only find some of our raptors on display, you will also get to see a few of our birds perform in the Animal Encounters show.

Otis the Abdim’s Stork is one of the stars of the Animal Encounters show (photo: Paige Davis)

The Animal Encounters show features all sorts of different animals, many of which the audience gets to interact with, hands on.  From reptiles to mammals to birds, the animal encounters show has it all.  World Bird Sanctuary stars include Otis the Abdim's Stork, Emerson the Eurasian Eagle Owl, and McGuire and Sanibel the Bald Eagles.  This show is unique to Grant's Farm and can't be seen anywhere else. Be sure to stop by this summer and see us!   You can also meet some of the stars up close and personal at our periodic sidewalk interactions throughout the day.

Shadow the Bateleur Eagle can be found in the WBS weathering area (photo: Paige Davis)

World Bird Sanctuary also has birds on display during visiting hours.  At our Grant’s Farm weathering area, you can find the following birds: Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Bateleur Eagle, Great-horned Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Peregrine/Gyrfalcon hybrid.  These birds make great models for anyone interested in bird photography.  We also have an open enclosure with two Bald Eagles roaming freely.  These eagles came to WBS with injuries that make them permanent captive birds.  These eagles can often be found perching on their enclosure logs, looking majestic for visitors.

Visitors can get a photo with a live Bald Eagle at the entrance to Grant’s Farm (photo: Paige Davis)

Something new this year is a photo opportunity with one of World Bird Sanctuary's Bald Eagles.  While waiting in line to get into the farm, you can have your photo taken with a live Bald Eagle!  This year you will find both Sanibel and McGuire posing for photos at the entrance.  Photos are taken in front of a Grant’s Farm backdrop, making a great trip souvenir.  Don’t miss your chance to meet and greet a live bald eagle up close and personal!

One of the many residents at Grant’s Farm, an African Sulcata Tortoise (photo: Paige Davis)

Grant's Farm is an exciting place to visit with lots of critters to see.  With elephants, parrots, giant tortoises, baby goats, zebras, camels, and more, it is a great stop for animal lovers!  Come by for a visit, always free!

Submitted by Paige Davis, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

365 Photo Project-October 2014

October at the World Bird Sanctuary has been a very busy month.  With special events and a busy travel schedule I have not had that many photo opportunities. 

I did however take one morning in between storms to take a leisurely walk on WBS property.  As staff, sometimes we get so focused on the area where we work (such as the Nature Center) that we do not stop and look at the other amazing birds we work with on a daily basis, at least from a photographer’s perspective.  I have to admit it is a very challenging process to pick just a few photos to feature here.

Sole, the Peregrine Falcon (photo: Cathy Spahn)

My first favorite photo is of one of the newest birds on our education team; Solo, the Peregrine Falcon.  Solo is a juvenile Peregrine Falcon whose egg was laid in a nest in Clayton, Missouri.  Before the eggs were hatched the female falcon suffered a severe wing injury and did not survive.  WBS rescued the three eggs and hatched all three in our incubators.  One baby did not survive; one was placed in the nest of another wild falcon pair and was fostered by them.   Unfortunately, Solo was hatched with a few deformities that do not allow him to use his feet properly and his beak is slightly askew; therefore, he has difficulties tearing food.  Because he could not be released he will spend his life as an education bird.  He is a great bird and can teach everyone so much.  On this particular morning when Solo was put outside in the Weathering Area at the Nature Center, he started flapping his wings, and I took the opportunity to get some photos.  I managed to take this photo of him with his wings out.  This photo was my favorite from my morning walk.

Rochester, the Common Buzzard (photo: Cathy Spahn)

The next photo I took a few minutes after photographing Solo is a beautiful photo of Rochester.  Rochester is a Common Buzzard that is in training to join our education team.  Rochester is a sibling to Rodrigo a Common Buzzard that’s in training for the programs WBS presents at Zoos, theme parks and aquariums around the nation.  WBS recently also acquired Rochester’s and Rodrigo’s parents. Their parents are interestingly colored; one light colored bird and one dark, almost charcoal bird.  Rodrigo looks like one of the parents, while Rochester is a very rufous colored bird.  His beautiful color just gets more striking to me by the day.  We are currently training him to fly and he is really becoming an amazing performer.

Tsavo, the Bateleur Eagle (photo: Cathy Spahn)

The last photo I want to include is of Tsavo, the Bateluer Eagle.  The Bateluer Eagle is considered to be one of the most colorful eagles in the world.  This head shot shows off just some of that coloration.  It also captures his personality perfectly.

I find that at times, since I see these birds every day, I sometimes take them for granted.  This kind of walk gives me a chance to step back and appreciate the beauty of the animals that I work with every day.

Submitted by Cathy Spahn, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

World Bird Sanctuary is proud to be a host of STL250's Cakeway to the West!

As of 2014, St. Louis turned 250 years old. 

To celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the founding of St. Louis, a project known as stl250’s Cakeway to the West has been in the works. Exactly 250 cakes standing four-feet-tall and weighing an approximate 250 pounds will be placed all around the St. Louis region. The locations of the cakes are of vast importance as it helps to celebrate some of the organizations, businesses and historic landmarks which have helped to shape the city of St. Louis in the past, present and the future.

Photo: http://www.stl250.org/cake.aspx

The World Bird Sanctuary is honored to be recognized as one of those locations hosting a cake. The cake has been delivered to the World Bird Sanctuary and it looks magnificent. Many thanks to St. Louis artist, Mark Swain for his beautiful decorative work.

Joe Hoffmann, Sanctuary Manager, with Tsavo the Bateleur Eagle, and  Rich Mallien, WBS Volunteer, with Magwire the Bald Eagle, next to our lovely cake

The location of the World Bird Sanctuary cake is at the flag pole located next to the Visitor's Information Center. Be sure to stop by and take a look at our beautiful cake.

While you are here don’t forget to take a tour of the World Bird Sanctuary and get to know one of the 250 places St. Louis recognizes as a place you’ve just got to visit. Bring your friends and family for a wonderful day of education and fun. Admission and parking are free!

Click here to find out more about Cakeway to the West and find other cake locations.

Submitted by Alisha Cole, Social Media Intern

Sunbathing -- Avian Style

My first blog entry as a relatively new employee for the World Bird Sanctuary gave me a bit of trouble. 

I was not sure what would be a great topic for my first entry. Obviously, it has to be interesting.  It has to be captivating and it has to make you want to read my entries.  I thought I could talk about my favorite bird; discuss fun facts and the importance of the species.  I could discuss my animal occupations and how I came to the Sanctuary or tell you about my first day on the job.  Maybe, in the future I will use those topics.  But for the first entry, I am currently being inspired by the snow falling down and how I wish I could be in the sun, soaking it in like so many of our birds do when the weather is warm.

Skinner, a Turkey Vulture, sunning (photo by Gay Schroer)

All birds adapt their own posture for sun bathing.  Some stand and open their wings while others may lay flat on the ground.  In both cases, body feathers are often fluffed up and the feathers along the wings are spread out.  Besides just soaking in the sun, these postures serve other important purposes.

For one, the preening oil along the feathers is allowed to spread.  This is the same oil that keeps the feather integrity, has a waterproofing effect, and an antiparasitic effect.

Dewey, a Bateleur Eagle enjoying the sun

Secondly, it also forces parasites out from within the plumage.  At the Sanctuary, we do routine checks on our birds to eliminate the possibility of parasites.  For birds in the wild, this is a helpful technique to help rid them of the nasty vermin.

Besides the healthy benefits that go with sunbathing, it is also hard not to admit that the behavior just looks awesome.  It is not everyday that you get to see these birds sitting still with wings stretched. 

Keeoo, an African Augur Buzzard (photo by Gay Schroer)

The snow may seem endless at times, but when the sun starts to peak through, make a visit out to the World Bird Sanctuary and you may get a glimpse of a sunbathing bird.

Submitted by Dawn Kernrich, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

Not Just Another Dark Shadow

There are about 60 species of eagles in the world.  One of the eagles at the World Bird Sanctuary is an exceptional bird who has an incredible personality.  His name is Shadow and he is a Bateleur Eagle (Terathoplus ecaudatus). 

 Meet Shadow, one of our Bateleur Eagles

There are four types of eagles: snake/serpent eagles, booted/true eagles, sea/fish eagles, and harpy/buteonine eagles. Bateleur Eagles are in the snake-eagle family.  These eagles are one of the few animals that will eat venomous snakes.  Their tough skin helps to withstand bites and their behavior of puffing up their feathers keeps snakes from actually biting them.  Instead of biting their skin, they would only get a mouthful of feathers!  I think that is very impressive!

 Here, on another Bateleur Eagle,  you can see the coloration pattern for the female of the species--also, note the short tail

Bateleur is French for acrobat or tumbler.  These eagles are very acrobatic when flying during aerial courtship displays.  The shape of their body, and their short tail which acts as a rudder, allows them to do sideways barrel rolls in the sky.  They have a large wingspan ranging from 5 ½ to 6 feet and a very short tail, around 3 inches long!  Males have black primary and secondary feathers on their wings (primaries being furthest from the body and secondaries closer), whereas females have black on the top and grey underneath their secondary wing feathers.   The males weigh around 4-5 pounds; females surpass them at 5-6.2 pounds.  Besides size, this feather coloration is the only way to distinguish males from females. 

Here you can see an example of the facial color change ....excited to be picked up by handler

Aside from the long wings and short tail, Bateleurs also have a distinctive red face and feet.  Their skin will change from a bright red when they are excited to a pale orange or yellow when they are uncertain or frightened.

 ....uncertain about being placed in a new environment.  Photos taken within minutes of each other

Bateleur Eagles are native to central-western and southern areas of Africa.  The tan coloration of feathers on the back can vary in shade depending on which region the eagle is from.  Below you can see a picture of Shadow showing off his impressive colors and wingspan. 

 Shadow displaying his impressive wingspan

Bateleur eagles are a near threatened species. A BirdLife International study (2009) estimated the total global population of mature birds at 10,000 to 100,000 individuals. The total regional population for southern Africa, including Swaziland, is now probably less than 700 pairs (Barnes 2000). From 1980 to 2000, there was an estimated 75% decline in total numbers in southern Africa (Watson and Maritz 2000).   For more information about population densities click here. 

These beautiful birds mate for life-just like the Bald Eagle native to North America.  Another interesting fact is that they will sometimes travel up to 200 miles a day looking for food.  Their diet consists of reptiles, eggs, crabs, insects, small mammals, birds, carrion (dead animals), small antelope, and sometimes fish.  These birds are definitely carnivores!

Shadow came to us through U.S. Customs.  He was once wild in Africa, but captured and taken out of his home illegally.  He is at least 25 years old this year.  The lifespan of these birds range from 20 to 30 years in the wild.  The oldest Bateleur Eagle in captivity lived to the ripe old age of 55.  On average, the lifespan in captivity is 40-50 years old.

In 2010, Shadow was at Grant’s Farm with me helping educate the public.  Grant’s Farm is located in Grantwood Village near St. Louis.  This year he is back again with Whitney Cowan, who is a new addition to our staff this summer.

Shadow is available for adoption in our Adopt a Bird program.  To adopt Shadow click here (Link) or for more information call 636-861-3225.  All adoption donations are tax deductible.  I invite you to visit Grant’s Farm this summer to see Shadow up close and personal!  He is an amazing bird.

Submitted by Lisbeth Hodges, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

MEET TSAVO

Tsavo is a male Bateleur Eagle who was a wild caught bird from Cameroon.  He was  hatched in 2002 and came to us from the Jardin Zoologique du Quebec in Canada, where he had been trained to free fly in their bird show.

We received Tsavo in the Fall of 2008 at the age of 6 years old. He spent the summer of 2009 with us at the Grant’s Farm bird show as a bird that perched on the glove for the show, but we felt that he showed great promise as a flier for a show. 

In 2010 we decided to test Tsavo’s ability and temperament as a flight bird.  We began by training him to do short glove-to-glove flights from one trainer to another.  Gradually he progressed to longer and longer flights.  By the end of the summer of 2010 Tsavo had established himself as one of the stars of our Milwaukee Zoo show.

This year Tsavo is proving his “star quality” by being one of the featured performers in the “Birds of Prey in Flight” show at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri.  At each of the three shows, Wednesday through Sunday, now through 29 October, Tsavo performs six amazing flights from the top of this huge amphitheater, down to the stage, and back again.

  

When he’s not wowing the crowds at one of our zoo shows Tsavo loves to take sloppy, splashy baths, spread his wings, flap, and sun himself.  To read more about Tsavo in some of our other blog posts enter the name Tsavo in the search box at the top of this page.

Tsavo, as well as all of our other birds, is available for adoption.  To adopt Tsavo click here to go to the Adopt A Bird page on our website, then click on the photo of the eagle, choose Tsavo, click Add to Cart and follow the directions for payment.  Adoption donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Your adoption donation will help to feed, house and keep this magnificent bird flying in the coming year.

Adopt-a-Bird Parents receive:

·      A personal visit with the animal you adopt!!!! Call ahead to schedule a time for your personal visit.

·      Certificate of Adoption

·      Color photo of the animals you’ve adopted

·      Sponsorship card

·      One Year’s subscription to Mews News

·      Life History and Natural History of the animal

·      10% Discount off WBS merchandise

•            Invitation to Sponsors-only events such as Camera Day

·      Discounts on WBS Special Events such as Owl Prowls, Nature Hikes, etc.

·      WBS Decal

ADOPTION DONATION FOR TSAVO:  $150.00

Submitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer/Photographer

The Rookie Files: Tsavo

Greetings from Milwaukee all you loyal readers! A new season of educational bird shows produced by WBS Trainers has opened at the Milwaukee County Zoo, which means a lot of new things. Including new people, new behaviors, a new location, a new script to learn and of course a new batch of rookies including Tsavo.

Tsavo perched in a tree

Tsavo is a nine year old, male Bateleur Eagle. He made his show debut for the World Bird Sanctuary as a bird that just sat on the glove in the Grant’s Farm show last year. This year we are a little more ambitious and he’s flying from glove to glove. Before we could fly him though, he had to pass a series of tests. First we attached him to a creance line ( a long spool of heavy string tied to his jesses).  This allowed him the freedom of flight, but should he make an unexpected detour we would be able to stop him. Next in the series was placing him in various trees ( which we found out he’s scared of) and on rooftops ( also not a fan) and calling him back into the theater. Finally we had him do some very long flights in an area where he couldn’t see the theater and had to come straight to our glove. I’m happy to say that he passed all of his tests with flying colors!

Telemetry equipment needed to monitor some of our free flying birds

 Now, I’m sure you’re wondering “what’s with all the tests and trials?”. The simple answer is that Tsavo is a bateleur eagle, which in the wild will travel anywhere from 300-500 miles in a day in search of food. Since Tsavo is meant to travel such long distances we want to make sure he has a good recall to his home base, the theater. As an added precaution we also attach a transmitter to his leg before the show starts. That way if he gets frightened by something, or blown off course by a freak gust of wind, we can easily find him.

Close-up of Tsavo showing his unique facial area

He’s also a very unique looking bird, with a bright red face and feet. Bateleur eagles can actually change the color of these two areas depending on their mood. The blood vessels are very close to the surface and they can control blood flow to these vessels. A bateleur’s face can be anywhere from an orange-yellow when they are calm and relaxed to a brilliant red when excited ( like say during breeding season). These red feet are also unique because they have shorter toes and thicker scales on the tops of their feet than other birds of prey. These adaptations help to protect them from the bites of venomous snakes, their favorite tasty treat in the wild.

In the wild those red scaly feet would protect him from the bites of his favorite prey

Tsavo does some beautiful flights in the show, flying to the speaker and then right over audience members. His species is capable of some truly gorgeous spins, tumbles, and barrel rolls during courtship, due in part to their short tail (only about 3 inches long) and their very long wings. In fact Bateleur actually means acrobat or tumbler in French. Tsavo may not perform any courtship flights in the show, but we still encourage you to come out to Milwaukee to see him. His excited bawking noises before he takes off are worth the trip. Besides, where else other than Africa is a Bateleur Eagle going to fly over your head?

Submitted by Leah Tyndall, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

DEWEY

Anyone who works with animals will tell you that the most difficult part of the job is when you lose one of the animals to whom you've become so attached.  No matter the circumstances, it never gets any easier.  This morning it is with a heavy heart that we say good-bye to Dewey, our magnificent Bateleur Eagle.

Dewey was received at the World Bird Sanctuary in 1986 as a confiscation.  We determined by plumage at the time we got her that she was a 1985 hatch.  That would make her 26 years old--a ripe old age for a bird of prey of her size.

Once we knew Dewey was going to be a great education bird, she was sent to Busch Gardens, Florida, where we had just started our bird show.  For the next 17 years Dewey was in every show we presented at Busch Gardens...an amazing 68,000 shows, give or take a few!!  In fact, Dewey got her name from the Anheuser-Busch wine cooler, Dewey Stevens, which was very popular at the time we acquired her.  


Most recently Dewey free flew at our Little Rock Zoo bird show, but she started free flying at the Milwaukee County Zoo in the spring of 2003, just after our Busch Gardens, Tampa show closed.  She was also in shows for many years at Grant's Farm here in St. Louis.  Whenever she first appeared on stage you could always hear a collective "wow" from the audience. 

In addition to all of the above day to day appearances, Dewey has also been seen by literally millions of people when she was featured on the Rain Bird float in the Tournament of Roses Parade – twice!

With many birds of prey you cannot distinguish between males and females because the plumage is very similar.  Back when we acquired Dewey she was all brown, which is the color of all juvenile Bateleurs.  The only way to tell whether or not Dewey was a boy or a girl was to surgically sex the bird, which involves anesthesia and a qualified veterinarian.  However, with Bateleur Eagles the adult female has silvery white coloration across the top side of the secondaries (the large wing feathers closest to the bird's body), as you can see on the beautiful picture of Dewey below.  Since we didn't really need to know if she was a male or female, we just waited until she acquired her adult plumage at age 7. 

Dewey always seemed to prefer women to men, and loved to bathe and sun herself.  If you were lucky enough to catch Dewey while she was sunning, you would have seen the beautiful wing coloration of the female of the species.


Dewey will be sorely missed by staff and audience members alike.

Submitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer/Photographer in collaboration with Jeff Meshach, Assistant Director

Adopt A Bird Spotlight: Shadow (Bateleur Eagle)

Shadow's Story

Species: Bateleur Eagle
Hatch Date: Unknown

Shadow arrived at the World Bird Sanctuary on on January 18, 1987, as a young bird, from a program in Florida. He was quick to learn the routine for birds in our education program. Bateleur eagles are very striking animals, and Shadow has become a great favorite with his audiences. Since he is an exotic species, and not adapted to Missouri's cold weather, he enjoys the comfort of a heat lamp during the winter.

Bateleur eagles are known for their spectacular courtship flights, the male often performing 360 rolls while the female flies on her back. Some African tribes revere this eagle. They believe that they will be victorious in battle if the eagle flies over the enemy! Even though it is fairly common throughout most of its range, it has become quite rare in the southern part of its range due to habitat loss and persecution by humans.

Since Shadow is not always on display at the Nature Center, and often spends his summers at our zoo shows, adoptive parents should call WBS Adopt A Bird Coordinator at 636-861-3225 to arrange a good time for their visit.

To adopt Shadow, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $150 and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-bird: SHADOW. 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

bateleur eagle
Terathopius ecaudatus

Description adult male—head and neck black; back, upper-tail coverts and tail chestnut; median and lesser-wing coverts brown with whitish tips; greater coverts black; primaries black above, pure white below with a black tip; body below black, under-tail coverts chestnut; under-wing coverts white; bare skin of face, cere, and legs—bright red; eyes brown; very short tails and long wings; develop adult plumage at 5-6 years

Sex: female—similar to male, but whole of upper-wing coverts brown with grey secondaries, with white on inner web; black tips on white underside of wing quills—narrower than those of the male

Age: 20-25 years

Length: 24 in.

Wingspan: 5-1/2 – 6 ft.

Weight: 4 – 6-1/2 lbs.

Habitat: open woodlands and tree savannas

Status: Threatened

Range: throughout Africa south of the Sahara, occasionally wandering to South Arabia

Behavior: monogamous; build large stick nests in trees or on top of nests built by other birds; female lays 1 egg; incubation is 52-59 days; young fledges in 3-4 months, but may spend up to 4 more months with parents; best kown for their spectacular aerial displays

Diet: mainly carrion; also reptiles, mammals and small birds

Vocalization: generally silent, but capable of making loud screams

√ The Bateleur’s feet and facial color can vary from a pale color to brilliant red, depending on the mood of the bird

√ Native name for this bird is Chapungu. They believe it is good luck if the bird flies over their house or village

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

The show's on the road!

WBS has programs at two zoos this summer, the Stone Zoo in Boston and the Milwaukee Zoo. Our Boston birds hit the road on Wednesday and I thought I'd post some pictures from last summer's show. Here are some pictures of Shadow, our Bateleur Eagle.

Flying in a program

Sunning between shows

Still sunning!

The Boston programs begin on May 24th, so if you are around the area, stop by to meet our birds! Here's the description from Stone Zoo:

Lord of the Wings: Birds of Prey
Show Opening May 24

The birds will swoop back to Stone Zoo for a return engagement of the memorable and educational Lord of the Wings: Birds of Prey live, free-flight bird show. Birds from around the world will demonstrate natural behaviors including unique survival techniques and food foraging, as well as specialized physical adaptations that make them some of the most formidable birds on the planet. This is an experience not to be missed! Lord of the Wings opens May 24 and runs through Labor Day. Daily show times are 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. All shows are free with paid admission.

Education spotlight: Bateleur Eagle

Family Accipitridae, Terathopius ecaudatus

The bateleur eagle (bateleur comes from the French, meaning acrobat or tumbler) is an African eagle most famous for their tail, or lack thereof. With a tail only two inches long, they are capable of amazing stunts in flight, doing complete sideways barrel rolls. They are also known as the Snake eagle because they are one of the few predators of venomous snakes. They use their extensive plumage to "puff up" when striking a snake so that even if the snake bites, it only gets a mouthful of feathers. They stand 22 to 28 inches tall and have a 5 to 6 foot wingspan.

The video below is of Shadow, our bateleur eagle. Shadow was taken illegally from his home in Africa, confiscated by U.S. Customs, and given to the sanctuary. He now works as an education bird. Here you see him doing his display. He can be a bit territorial about his perch. He displays by puffing up very large, standing tall and then dipping his head to his toes. You can hear him call as he displays.