The Top Eleven

The Top Eleven Things You Can Do To Become A Super Bird Nerd!

WBS receives no federal or state funding.  Your Friend membership will help to support all aspects of our mission. In the photo above volunteer Jena Baumgarten educates visitors about Sassy the American Kestrel and her species. (photo: Gay Schroer)

Become A Friend Of World Bird Sanctuary – World Bird Sanctuary receives no state or Federal funding to do all we do.  That includes seeing 400+

birds per year at our wildlife hospital, conducting field studies such as banding and tracking bird populations, breeding birds both for reintroduction to the wild and for education purposes and presenting world class education programs to public and private audiences.  World Bird Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3), non profit, tax exempt organization.

Your WBS Friend Membership Includes:

*            One year’s subscription to our newsletter—the Mews News—printed three times per year.

*            Reusable WBS shopping bag

*            10% discount on all World Bird Sanctuary merchandise in our gift shop

*            10% discount on all public programs offered at World Bird Sanctuary, such as Owl Prowls, Nature Hikes, etc.

*            Invitations to members-only events held at World Bird Sanctuary

An individual membership costs just $35.00, a family membership is $50.00.  Click Here to become a friend.

Your $25 donation feeds me for one week  (photo subject - Captain, a young Bald Eagle) (photo: Dawn Griffard)

 DONATE!

*            $25.00 feeds one Bald Eagle for one week

*            $10.00 feeds a Screech Owl for one month

*            $20.00 buys bedding for our rabbit for two months.

Your donated dollars go a long way to take care of our animals.  Click Here  to make a donation.

Your inscribed brick will be installed in our amphitheater and will be a lasting tribute to the honoree (photo: Gay Schroer)

Buy A Brick! – celebrate a special occasion, a bird-loving family member, your business or organization or your family by buying a brick to be installed in our amphitheater for all visitors to see!  Or commemorate the life of a loved one who has passed on.  Bricks cost between $125.00 - $425.00 depending on size, inscription and logos.  Click here to order your brick. 

You can adopt Goblin (or any of our other animals) for a year  (photo:  Dawn Griffard) 

Adopt A Bird! – All of the birds and animals that call the World Bird Sanctuary home are available for adoption.  An adoption fee helps us take care of your specially chosen animal for one full year.  In addition to the warm fuzzies you’ll have knowing that you are helping your favorite animal at the sanctuary, you’ll also receive the following!

*            Certificate of Adoption with a full color photograph of your special animal

*            World Bird Sanctuary sponsorship for one year

*            One year’s subscription to our newsletter – the Mews News – printed three times per year

*            Natural history and life history of your special adopted animal

*            Plush bird toy

*            Reusable WBS shopping bag

*            10% discount on all World Bird Sanctuary merchandise in our gift shop

*            10% discount on all public programs offered at World Bird Sanctuary, such as Owl Prowls, Nature Hikes, etc.

*            Visiting privileges and photo opportunities with your special new member of your family (just call ahead first to make sure your adopted friend won’t be out on a program).

To Adopt A Bird or other resident animal Click Here or call 636-861-3225 and ask for Marion.

Sign Up For A FREE Schnucks eScrip Card – Every Purchase Counts!

The World Bird Sanctuary can benefit every time you shop at Schnucks Supermarkets.

Sign up for an eScrip card and Schnucks will donate up to 3% of every dollar you spend to World Bird Sanctuary.  There is no cost to you!  Just present your card (which you can easily keep on your keychain)

You can get an eScrip card at any Schnucks store and activate it with World Bird Sanctuary as your beneficiary.

Fill out on-line at www.escrip.com

Or download the form and we will send you one – it couldn’t be easier!

Rehabilitation of just one bird is costly .  Help to defray the cost and at the same time personally return a bird to the wild. (photo: Joe Hoffmann, WBS Hospital Manager, looks on as Dr. Stacey Schaeffer treats an injured Great Horned Owl) (photo: Gay Schroer)

Return to the Wild – Take part in the release of a rehabilitated bird!

Returning a bird of prey back to the wild can cost up to $1,000 in care and rehabilitation.  Your contribution of only $150 helps the sanctuary defer some of those costs and gives YOU the opportunity to participate in the release of a wild bird of prey!

Invite family and friends to join you in releasing a bird of prey at your home or nearby park.  Celebrate a wedding, birthday, anniversary, family reunion, school or corporate function with this special gift.

The World Bird Sanctuary Wildlife Hospital is a cornerstone of the World Bird Sanctuary and is entirely funded by donations from the public.

Help us give our patients a second chance to fly.  Click on the following link to sponsor a release today, then click on the Donate button – or call 636-225-4390, Ext. 101.

We train hard to be on the eagle flight team.  Your sponsorship helps to pay for our food, housing and training (Clark the Bald Eagle practices glove to glove flights)  (photo: Gay Schroer)

Sponsor Our Eagle Flight Team

Our Eagle Flight Team flies for special occasions such as St. Louis Cardinal’s ball games, corporate events, St. Louis Earth Day, Veteran’s Day events, and various local, state & government events.

Our team consists of four Bald Eagles:  Lewis, Clark, Buford and Norbert, who need their regular round-the-clock care along with travel and other expenses.  Your team sponsorship helps our eagle team with these expenses, but also celebrates the glory of the Bald Eagle’s survival in the wild in North America!  Together as a nation, we have brought these precious creatures back from the brink of extinction.

Every time our eagles fly it reminds all who experience the sight why these beautiful birds are our national symbol.  To sponsor an Eagle flight Click Here

We are so excited about our newest t-shirts.  They feature photos of our own birds!  Come check them out at the Raptique Gift Shop (photo: Dawn Griffard)

Purchase Items At Our Nature Center Gift Shop – The Raptique

Our gift shop features a variety of items for kids and adults alike.  Choose from plush birds and animals, geodes, pins, patches, hats, custom t-shirts (some featuring our own birds), toys, collectibles, hand painted glass mugs and wineglasses, jewelry and more!  All proceeds for the gift shop go directly to the support and care of our birds and animals.

During your visit ask one of the naturalists how I help the environment…I am a very interesting fella!  (Photo above is Kinsey the Turkey Vulture) (photo: Dawn Griffard

VISIT!

Come enjoy our sprawling 305 acres of oak-hickory forest.  Bring the family, take a hike, have a picnic at one of our picnic tables or under a shelter, talk to our birds and animals, watch the wild birds and animals, chat with one of our staff naturalists or volunteers.  Breathe deep the surrounding sweet air.  Become familiar with us and our animal family – become one of us.

Volunteers fill many niches at WBS-from working in the hospital to doing clerical & carpentry work.  For working with the birds volunteers receive on-the-job training from our experienced staff members.  (photo: Gay Schroer)

Volunteer

The World Bird Sanctuary offers many ways to volunteer with us.  You can be a Naturalist, an Animal Care Technician, a Rehabilitation Technician, a Docent, or assist with bird banding, maintenance or clerical work. 

Junior volunteers can start at age thirteen and can help as a Naturalist, in education programs and with animal maintenance.  To learn more about our Junior Volunteer program or to download a Junior Volunteer application Click Here.

Volunteering with us is a gratifying experience.  Some of our volunteers have been with us for twenty years or more!  Come fall in love with our birds and our lifestyle.  You’ll be glad you did. 

To learn more about our volunteer program or to download an application Click Here.

Submitted by Dawn Griffard, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

Volunteer Spotlight: Bobby Zitzmann

The World Bird Sanctuary would not be able to properly care for our birds without the help of our staff and volunteers.  They are hardworking, dedicated, and most of all passionate about everything they do.   To show our appreciation, we want to spotlight individuals who make day-to-day work at the World Bird Sanctuary run smoothly.

As of June 15, 2014 Bobby Zitzmann has been a volunteer for the World Bird Sanctuary for exactly one year.  Thanks to his dad, who is good friends with founder Walter Crawford, as well as being a trustee for the Wildlife Hospital, Bobby has grown up hearing about and being around the World Bird Sanctuary for as long as he can remember.

Bobby is an extremely dedicated volunteer.  During the summer last year, he was volunteering at least four days a week.  Even returning to school didn’t stop Bobby’s dedication; he was in here every Sunday volunteering.  This past summer Bobby was volunteering three to four days a week.  Now that schools are back in session you’ll be able to find him working hard in the Nature Center every chance he gets.

You’ll also be able to find Bobby’s favorite bird in the Nature Center--Murdock the Military Macaw.  Murdock is Bobby’s favorite because no matter what kind of day you’re having, you’ll always get a friendly “Hello!” from Murdock.

When asked what his favorite part about volunteering at the World Bird Sanctuary is, Bobby answered without a pause that it is helping the visitors and answering any questions they may have. This is exactly what we look for in our volunteers and staff!

The commitment to all of our visitors is something in which we take great pride.

We at the World Bird Sanctuary are extremely lucky to have staff and volunteers who are devoted to the care of all our birds.  Thank you Bobby for everything you do for the World Bird Sanctuary!

Submitted by Mary Beth St. Peters, World Bird Sanctuary Social Media & Fundraising Intern

Volunteer Spotlight: Matt Levin

Matt Levin has one of the most interesting histories with World Bird Sanctuary.

Matt’s Mom, Barb. hired World Bird Sanctuary to present Matt’s 5^th BIRDDAY PARTY.  A World Bird Sanctuary BIRDDAY PARTY includes 4 live creatures at your party.  If you are a Reptile lover you can have Reptiles at your party and or birds.  Matt’s party was presented by Naturalist Laura Austen who worked for WBS for many years.

Matt enjoyed his BIRDDAY PARTY so much that he later was seen out in his back yard with a gardening glove mimicking the World Bird Sanctuary Bird Trainers.  It is one of Barb Levin’s favorite stories from Matt’s childhood.

Matt later became a Junior Volunteer at World Bird Sanctuary at the age of 13.  He volunteered multiple days a week in the summer months and could also be counted on to help during all holiday school breaks.

Matt became friends with all the staff.  He is a great guy who works hard from start to finish.  Matt proved so reliable that he eventually helped train the newer volunteers and interns.

During the Summer of 2013 Matt was hired to be a trainer at our Milwaukee County Zoo bird show.  He helped train and fly our birds and present the educational Zoo show.

Matt currently attends Truman State University during the school year.  This year, 2014, Matt is helping at our Grant’s Farm bird show 2 days a week.  He also is working behind the scenes at WBS on the other days of the week.

All of the staff at WBS are fond of Matt and so grateful for all of the time he donates to our organization. The eager five-year-old has grown into a witty, responsible adult.

If you have a youngster who loves animals perhaps a World Bird Sanctuary Birdday Party is just the ticket to inspire him or her.  Call 636-225-4390 extension 101 to book your BIRDDAY PARTY           

Written by Michael Zeloski, Director of Education World Bird Sanctuary.

Volunteer Spotlight - Sherry Seavers

Sherry Seavers began a multi-faceted volunteer career with World Bird Sanctuary in 2008, after a visit to World Bird Sanctuary.

During her visit, Sherry, a graphic designer, noticed that some of our brochures needed updating.  With a little trepidation, Sherry approached us about helping us redesign our brochures on a volunteer basis.  After all, she didn’t want to seem critical, but it was obvious that we needed help – and she was willing to help.  With a resounding, “Yes!  Please!” Sherry embarked on a massive project to update our logo, brochures, and eventually, our website.

Sherry's company, S3 Media, specializes in graphic design and web development and hosting services for non-profits.  What would have been a simple redesign of a few pieces of printed material turned into a long-term project to modernize our communication channels, including our website.  Sherry pulled her husband Mike into the work, too.  Mike is a hot shot computer programming guy – Mike makes our website work, Sherry maintains it and makes it look good.   You can see the fruits of their labor at www.worldbirdsanctuary.org – a website so suited to what we do that other similar organizations have copied the format!

Sherry with Kona, her personal assistant, in her office

 In addition to volunteering graphic design and web-building talent, Sherry is a regular volunteer in our wildlife hospital.  She helps treat sick and injured birds, cleans up after them.  Sherry has also volunteered to bring rescued birds to our wildlife hospital on occasion, since we do not have the manpower to run a rescue service.

Sherry working on a bald eagle in the wildlife hospital 

It is impossible to quantify the value of Sherry’s volunteer contribution to World Bird Sanctuary.  In monetary terms, it is more than we could have afforded to rebuild our website, but the impact is certainly greater than that.  The website and brochures have increased awareness of World Bird Sanctuary and increased the number of visitors that have come to the sanctuary to learn about birds and what we do to save them.  In addition, Sherry’s work on our business cards, logo, brochures and website combined has established a recognizable brand for World Bird Sanctuary across all of our communication pieces and channels, strengthening our public profile and our credibility in the public eye.

According to Independent Sector, an advocacy group in Washington D.C. – the value of a single volunteer hour to an organization is $22.14.  With Sherry’s five years of consistent volunteer work at World Bird Sanctuary, and her many hours behind-the-scenes working on our printed materials and websites, she is truly an integral member of our wonderful volunteer team!  

To find out more about how YOU can volunteer Click Here.

Submitted by Catherine Redfern, World Bird Sanctuary Director of Development

Bald Eagle & Volunteer Team Up At Great Rivers Museum

 Patriot, our 17-year-old female Bald Eagle, and Volunteer Sandra Murray impressed guests who visited the Great River Museum recently on a cold wintry day.

  Patriot (Photo by Gay Schroer)

Patriot is a large female Bald Eagle who came to the World Bird Sanctuary when her nest tree at Mark Twain Lake blew into the water.  Patriot's siblings drowned.

Patriot, who was a gray fuzzy chick back then, was plucked from the icy waters of the lake and rushed to the World Bird Sanctuary Wildlife Hospital in an attempt to save her life.

When Patriot was brought in to the World Bird Sanctuary’s Wildlife Hospital she was treated by a team of WBS staff, volunteers and vets.  Then she was placed in a human Isolette where she was kept warm and dry just as you would a human baby.  At times she seemed close to death.

There were times when she looked lifeless and I can remember Joe Hoffmann, another World Bird Sanctuary staff member, saying, “Don't be surprised if she is not alive in the morning.”  Joe and I were a lot younger then and we were in charge of the hospital patients on the weekends.  Even though the odds were against her, the efforts of many staff members and volunteers, and coupled with this bird’s seeming indomitable spirit and will to live, Patriot pulled through. 

 Patriot and Sandra Lowe Murray, WBS Volunteer/Naturalist (Photo by Mike Zieloski) 

Because of the lung damage she sustained Patriot was not releasable and is now a vital member of our Education Team.  She has worked at Grant's Farm, Sea World of Ohio for 6 years and has been at Home Plate for the Baseball Cardinals for the singing of the National Anthem.  She has also been to hundreds of schools and other public and private events.

One of the most moving parts of Patriot’s job is when she appears as the guest of honor at many Eagle Scout Ceremonies where we thank the young men for building their Eagle Scout Project at World Bird Sanctuary.

 Patriot and volunteer Sandra Murray (Photo by Mike Zieloski)

Sandra Lowe Murray began volunteering with World Bird Sanctuary in May 2011.  Sandra teaches guests, other volunteers and her coworkers about birds and other creatures.  If I remember correctly, the photos that I took on this day of Sandra and Patriot were very exciting--this was the first day that Sandra held Patriot for a program.

  National Great Rivers Museum, Alton, Illinois (photo by Mike Ziloski)

Sandra frequently assists with World Bird Sanctuary programs at The Great Rivers Museum and our displays at the Convention and Visitor's Bureau located in Alton, Illinois.  Everyone who meets Sandra is impressed with her enthusiasm for wildlife and learning. She is an excellent photographer as well.

As the winter Bald Eagle season winds down, I reminisce about all the great guests from Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana with whom Sandra and I were able to share our love of Bald Eagles.

I love the winter season because of the snow and the Bald Eagles.

Submitted by Michael Zieloski, World Bird Sanctuary Director of Education

Eagle Release

At the World Bird Sanctuary a Bald Eagle release is always a cause for excitement!

On August 30 as I entered the site on my way to the office for my usual volunteer duties I was stopped by Sanctuary Manager, Joe Hoffmann, who asked if I had my camera with me.  All staff and volunteers at WBS wear many hats.  My other hat, in addition to office duties, is as one of several staff photographers.  Everyone knows that I seldom go anywhere without a camera in tow.  Joe told me that they were releasing a Bald Eagle at Lone Elk Park in about thirty minutes!

Drawing names from a hat to determine who will release the bird

The eagle being released this day was a juvenile from the Lake of the Ozarks.  She had fallen out of her nest too early and was not yet able to fly or hunt on her own.  (We believe this bird is a female due to her size—females are larger than males.)  After two and a half months of perfecting her flying skills in one of our large exercise mews we felt she was ready to be released.

Usually a Bald Eagle release is cause for much fanfare, with dignitaries and news media present.  However, this time it had been decided to make this a quiet in-house affair and to give the members of our Tuesday Crew the honor of releasing this bird.

 Tuesday Crew member Bill Kleyboecker won the honor of releasing the eagle

The Tuesday Crew members are an indispensable part of our organization—retired tradesmen who literally keep our organization together with their various construction skills.  They volunteer their skills and expertise every Tuesday come rain or shine.  Today one of them would get to release this majestic Bald Eagle back into the wild, cheered on by the rest of the “crew”.  The choice of who would do the actual release was decided by drawing names from a hat.  Crew member Bill Kleyboecker was the lucky winner.

Removing an uncooperative bird from a crate is never easy

Everyone gathered expectantly at the Lone Elk visitors’ center building.  The time had come to remove our young eagle from her crate—not an easy job since she saw absolutely no reason to cooperate!

 A beautiful release!

Once our youngster was properly positioned Bill lofted her into the air and she burst out of his arms with strong forceful wing beats, making a beeline for the trees at the edge of the lake—and freedom!

 Free at last!

Moments like these are what remind us why we do what we do.  If you would like to volunteer at the World Bird Sanctuary call 636-225-4390 and ask for Teri, or go to our website, click on the “About” header, and click on “Volunteer Program” in the dropdown menu for more information and an application.

Submitted by Gay Schroer, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer/Photographer

Turtles and Livvy Jones

World Bird Sanctuary volunteers come to us in all ages, shapes, sizes, and with a multitude of backgrounds, talents, and interests.

"Junior" - an Ornate Box Turtle

Recently Livvy Jones, who is a college Senior at Washington University and one of the multi-talented volunteers at the World Bird Sanctuary, invited the World Bird Sanctuary staff to her College Senior Art Gallery Exhibit.  

I have seen firsthand Livvy's passion for conservation and the environment.  We do not currently have any turtles on display at the Nature Center, but I’ve noticed that Livvy seems to be exceptionally fond of handling Rustle, our Nine-banded Armadillo.  She would hold him, sometimes for a half hour at a time, to accustom him to being handled, and I would see her frequently observing our Russian Tortoise which is kept in one of our behind the scenes areas.  However, I had only recently learned of her fascination for Box Turtles.

 My coworker and friend, Sara Oliver, and I decided to attend the exhibit located at the Des Lee Gallery, 1627 Washington Ave#804, in downtown St.Louis, Missouri.  When we arrived Washington Avenue was alive with eateries, music and dog walkers.  It was so nice to see Downtown St. Louis hopping!

  "Winston" - a Three Toed Box Turtle

With Box Turtles on our minds we headed into the gallery to see Livvy's artwork.  She was one of six artists displaying their work.  Livvy’s focus was on the land loving Box Turtle--specifically the turtles she photographed in her home state of Oklahoma.  Livvy said she photographed most of the turtles on her farm in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma.  Livvy's Mom told me that as a child Livvy urged her to stop for every turtle she saw.  This sounded like a great way to see the differences of all the Box Turtles on her property.  Oklahoma has two species of Box Turtle...the Ornate Box Turtle and the Three-toed Box Turtle. 

"Claire" - a Three Toed Box Turtle

The gallery exhibits were well attended, I'm guessing that there were 200 people at any time in amongst the artwork.  Livvy had the first exhibit on the right as we entered.  It was well lit, with nice vibrant colors, and we were greeted by Livvy as some other guests strolled away.  Wearing a fabulous dress and looking very elegant, Livvy was the only part of her exhibit that wasn't looking like a turtle.  She introduced us to her parents who made the migration from Oklahoma to St. Louis at a very early hour. Livvy had 11 pieces total on exhibit--7 paintings, a jewelry box designed, painted, and shaped like a turtle, and 2 hand painted chairs with the Ornate Box Turtle color pattern.  One of my favorite pieces was the tablecloth designed like a Box Turtle’s shell.  I envy people with such talent.

A tablecloth intricately stitched to resemble a Box Turtle shell  

The gallery this day was vibrant, with the energy of the college aged crowd viewing the artwork and sampling the attractive food table replete with grapes...you gotta have the grapes.  Livvy was a most gracious host as she greeted everyone.  She even made Chocolate Turtles for her guests to sample.  Sara and I arrived too late to sample the chocolate turtles, but understood due to the hungry college types abounding.  Livvys' Mom observed one college-age looking girl make three laps around the gallery, each time discreetly extracting a chocolate turtle as she went by. We all laughed...imagining this hungry chocolate lover circling the gallery.

  

I asked Livvy to describe her passion for the Turtles.  The first two times I asked I received no response. I guessed it was too personal or too big to sum up.  It is part of her soul.  I thought about myself and my love of wild birds. Yes it is all consuming and too big to put in a few words. How does one sum up their life's passion?  Later on I was able to get Livvy to give me an abbreviated summary.  She says she "likes to paint animals because she wants to have them or own them.  You can't own them"...so she "makes objects that are OWNABLE".  She then laughed and said "you’re not going to write that?"  I said "that is an interesting word (OWNABLE)."  She also referred me to her recent creation of her website: LivvyJones.com.

  

Recently as the Meramec River flooded and reached its crest at 27 feet, the road under Highway 44 at Hwy 141 flooded.  It got me to wondering about Box Turtles? ...What do Box Turtles do when the waters rise?  Or do they even go that low in the flood plain?  They are mostly terrestrial.  Do they float to the top and swim away?

Livvy has a mindset for conservation.  She volunteers with us, she is considering becoming a veterinarian, and she may donate one of her pieces of art to the Turtle Survival Alliance turtlesurvival.com.

What an enjoyable evening spent with Sara, Livvy, her parents, and Livvy’s Turtle Art.  My favorite image was "Winston" the long orange throated turtle.  Sara's favorite was Claire, I believe.

Livvy's exhibit title was "Talking Rather Than Screaming."  It’s a real joy to see this young woman’s commitment to conservation through her artwork.

The next time you visit the World Bird Sanctuary Nature Center if you see a young lady walking around holding an Armadillo or a very large Russian Tortoise, chances are it’s volunteer Livvy Jones. 

Submitted by Michael Zeloski, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist