New Box Turtle Exhibit

Thank heaven for volunteers!  At World Bird Sanctuary that phrase is repeated many times a day.  If they could, I imagine our Box Turtles would be shouting it from their new exhibit box.

Joe Dolezal and Dan Cone put the finishing touches on their poject (photo: Melissa Moore)

Earlier this month Tuesday Crew volunteers Joe Dolezal and Dan Cone put the finishing touches on the new Box Turtle exhibit. The turtles reside just below the small exhibit enclosures in front of the windows that look out onto the Nature Center weathering area deck.

Our four Box Turtles are named Rose, Blanche, Dorothy and Sofia (the smallest one) after the characters in the television series, The Golden Girls.  Our “Golden Girls” are Three-toed Box Turtles Terrapene carolina triunguis a subspecies of the Common (Eastern) Box Turtle. 

One of our "Golden Girls" (photo: Melissa Moore)

When constructing the new Box Turtle exhibit Joe and Dan and Don Marcinkiewicz, who designed and installed the electrical components, took into account the specific needs of this species:

•            Reptiles cannot regulate their own body heat, so you have to produce an ideal temperature for them within their enclosure.  There should be a heat bulb that produces a temperature of about 85f.  This should be to one side of the enclosure so that they can move closer to or further away from the heat source as needed.

•            Water and humidity is important. There must be fresh water within the enclosure constantly.  There should be a large shallow body of water that they can soak in and you must be able to use a spray bottle on the enclosure several times daily to keep the humidity level up.

The turtles are free to use their pool whenever they feel the need (photo: Melissa Moore)

•            Box Turtles do not like glass, and will often try to climb through it pointlessly.  The enclosure should have walls that they cannot see through to give them better peace of mind.  Our enclosure does have one wall of Plexiglas for better viewing, but this is offset by the fact that the majority of the exhibit has numerous hiding places if they desire.

•            There needs to be plenty of artificial brush and bedding that they can burrow into.

Volunteers Joe Dolezal and Dan Cone admiring the results of their handiwork (photo: Melissa Moore)

The World Bird Sanctuary’s new Box Turtle exhibit meets all these criteria and more.  Many thanks to Joe, Dan and Don, members of the World Bird Sanctuary’s Tuesday Crew….we don’t know what we’d do without you.

The new habitat more than meets the criteria for a healthy and happy turtle exhibit (photo: Gay Schroer)

For more information about this species Click here.  

The next time you visit the World Bird Sanctuary be sure to look for our “Golden Girls” in the Nature Center.

Dave & Kathy King

Dave and Kathy King have been volunteering with World Bird Sanctuary since the year 2000.

Dave and Kathy at the WBS Holiday Party which honors staff and volunteers

In 1999 World Bird Sanctuary Executive Director Walter Crawford and I led a chartered bus tour up and down the Mississippi River to view wintering Bald Eagles.  This was where we first met Dave and Kathy King who had signed up for the tour.

We first met the Kings on an eagle viewing bus tour - photo by Mike Zieloski

That day traveling up and down the Mississippi proved to be a great day for viewing Bald Eagles, ice, and waterfowl.  But the best part of the day was meeting Dave and Kathy, who became volunteers the next year and have been helping us ever since.

Dave holding Patriot the Bald Eagle - photo by Mike Zieloski

These two long-time volunteers are fun loving and are always ready to help at any World Bird Sanctuary event, including preparing meals for staff, interns and volunteers for many of our special events.  For many years they have run our food concession stand for Birds in Concert every Thursday evening in August, as well as the food concession for our Annual Open House event in October.

During many WBS special events you're sure to find Kathy serving up food for the hungry crowd

Dave fires up the grill and cooks the meat while Kathy serves up a variety of delicious and eye appealing accompaniments to Dave’s main course. 

Be sure to stop by the food concession stand and meet Dave and Kathy when you attend Open House or Birds in Concert.  Dave is sure to put a smile on your face with his easy-going friendly manner and wry quips.

  

Submitted by Michael Zeloski,  World Bird Sanctuary Director of Education

Making a Difference

 There are many times in life when you should take the time to say, “Thank you for making a difference!”  Today, I am taking that time to properly thank my supervisor, teacher, mentor and friend, Joe Hoffmann, Sanctuary Manager.

 Volunteer Sherry Seavers and Sanctuary Manager Joe Hoffmann with a patient

I have been volunteering at World Bird Sanctuary’s Cathyrn G. Favre Wildlife Hospital for 4 years, helping with the rehabilitation of injured and sick birds of prey.  I began this journey afraid, insecure and unsure of myself.  I was terrified at the idea of handling a trained or wild bird of prey.  With Joe’s help, I was able to overcome that fear.

Throughout the years, Joe has taken great care in teaching many volunteers, including me.  He takes the extra time and effort to ensure each of us can handle the responsibilities given to us at the hospital.  We do everything from cleaning to feeding, administering medicine and handling birds of prey.

Joe challenges all of us at our own pace and knows when we are ready to grow and become stronger.  One day he told me, “You are getting that eagle today,” and I nervously laughed.  He told me, “You can do it!  I will back you up! Everything’s going to be fine and you’ll do great!,” and in fact, it was!

 This is something I never dreamed I would be able to do!

I nervously put on my protective gear, stood in front of that cage door, took a deep breath and went in!  Joe backed me up and I was now holding a wild Bald Eagle for the first time.  Tears just started pouring down my face, not only because I was holding a Bald Eagle, but because I never thought I would be strong enough to do that.  The one thing I can always trust is Joe will always be there to ensure my safety.  He does this with so many volunteers and it’s impressive to see people shine in a way they didn’t think possible.

I am very lucky to have such a great mentor that sees strength in me that I don’t see.   I am still amazed at what I am capable of doing and I owe this whole experience to Joe.  Without his constant dedication to the betterment of volunteers, I wouldn’t be the strong, confident and humble volunteer at World Bird.

Submitted by Sherry Seavers, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer

Manchester United Methodist Church Helps WBS

Recently a church group from the Manchester United Methodist Church contacted the World Bird Sanctuary and volunteered their services for an annual “workday”.  WBS was grateful to these volunteers for all their help.  Here is their group leader, Vickie Foster’s, description of their day at the World Bird Sanctuary.

“We had the pleasure recently, of working at the World Bird Sanctuary during our church’s Faith in Action Day. 

 Members of the work party clean a weathering area while two eagles supervise

“A crew of 25 members from Manchester United Methodist Church worked from 8 until noon. We had all ages participating, including families and children.  We like to have a place to work that has wildlife and animals because it is always so popular with the kids. The team enjoyed the day thoroughly.

“Our church had worked at the sanctuary during last year’s workday also.  We were excited to be back again.  We cleaned the cages for the “education” birds while they were out on a field trip.  Everyone pitched in and swept, scrubbed and moved the cages.  We had the company of a raven in his cage and he was very calm despite all our noise.

“Then we moved into the outdoor aviaries and pulled weeds.  This gave us a chance to see several tethered eagles up close. Such magnificent creatures!  I even saw an eagle taking a bath – just like he was a little robin in a birdbath, splashing all around.

“We had a great time during our workday and especially wanted to thank Teri Graves.  She was so well organized, informative, fun and kept us on track that day.  It was a fantastic day for us all.”

If your church or organization is looking for an interesting community service project the World Bird Sanctuary usually has a project that will work for you.  For more information call 636-225-4390 and tell the operator that you have a group that wants to volunteer to do a community service project. 

Submitted by Vickie L. Foster, Guest Contributor

Volunteers From A.O. Inc. Help WBS

Twice a month Sarah Davis, the TBI Program Manager/Job Developer for A.O. Inc Employment Services, and her clients volunteer at the World Bird Sanctuary Monsanto Fund Environmental Education Center.

Sarah usually brings a couple of her clients to improve their skills as part of their rehabilitation program.  Sarah from A.O. Inc assists people with brain injuries.  She helps them by exposing them to nature and birds of prey at World Bird Sanctuary.  Her clients sustained their brain injuries in a variety of ways, but the people she is working with are recovering and want to be put to work. 

The pictures of Sarah Davis were taken in October when Sarah was helping fill our many bird feeders while a couple of her clients were sweeping or vacuuming the Nature Center and amphitheater for WBS.  Sarah and her clients have helped to improve our site for the many guests and wildlife that access the feeders and buildings every day. 

Sarah and her clients helped us spruce up the site for Open House in October, 2011.  One of her clients, a person with no legs, helped us rearrange seating for Open House by moving benches, exhibits, and chairs.  This client/volunteer even carried a bench down the stairs.  He was so gung ho that he wouldn’t even let me help him.  He proved that his handicap could not keep him from making a difference.  He and Sarah also told me that he is a Water Ski instructor for others with injuries.  Impressive!

We cannot thank Sarah Davis and A.O.,Inc and their clients enough for improving our site for our guests.  Sarah’s clients gave something back by volunteering.  I hope each one of them finds something that challenges them in a good way and provides them with prospects for gainful employment in the future.

If you would like to contact Sarah Davis she can be reached at 314-835-0226 or email her at sdavis@aoinc.org

Submitted by Michael Zeloski, World Bird Sanctuary Environmental Education Center Manager 

Wow, Charlie, check that out!

“Wow, Charlie, check that out!  That’s not something you can see every day.” 

Definitely not something you see every day--a man walking around with a Eurasian Eagle Owl on his fist.

This is one version of the same sentence that often comes out of people’s mouths as I’m walking by them with a bird on my glove.  I smile every time I hear that because I know that it’s true.  Even though I get to see this kind of thing every day, most people don’t.  It’s important to me that my newfound job is one that gives me and other people immense happiness, along with the ability to have not-so-common experiences. 

I say newfound because only recently have I started earning money for spending all my time at the World Bird Sanctuary.  One year ago I spent a good twenty five to thirty hours a week at the sanctuary for free because it gave me so much joy.  I had the raptor fever. 

For nine months I volunteered but in January of 2011 I had to go away to college in Arizona.  Throughout the whole semester I worried about my return home.  I needed to get a full time job upon my return and I had no idea how I was going to juggle forty hours of work plus time at the sanctuary.  Then, some crazy twist of fate occurred at the sanctuary and soon I had an email waiting for me asking if I wanted a full time seasonal job at WBS.  Obviously, I took it.

   

Now I fully appreciate all the work that the staff at WBS does.  Responsibilities run high here and hard work is key.  It’s not just flying birds and cleaning up and preparing food.  It’s fixing broken equipment, medicating animals, speaking to visitors and answering questions.  Now that I’ve spent a few days running the Nature Center by myself, I also fully understand just how important our volunteers and interns are.  That’s something I never thought much about when I was a volunteer. Alas, they keep the sanctuary alive and the staff sane.

I get to fly a Harris's Hawk in one of our programs

My biggest responsibility increase is speaking in shows (Raptor Awareness, Wings for Tots and Amazing Animal Encounters are the programs that I speak in).  I’m eager to do it and am having a blast with it, but it’s not easy.  Suddenly I have to know a lot more about these birds than I did a year ago.  Suddenly I’m thrown in front of crowds that are hungry for the information that I can give them.  Suddenly people are looking to me for knowledge.  Suddenly I’m the expert. 

After every show I get the pleasure of talking to people and listening to the stories they want to share with me about their experiences with raptors, or answering their questions and going into more depth than I could during the show.  I’m forced to be on my toes at all times and up to date on my information.  I’m glad for the extra push that keeps my mind active.

Unfortunately, I only get a few months to do all of this.  I said before that my position is seasonal.  August will be my last month here at WBS and then I’m off-- back to Arizona to study Ecology, Cultural and Regional Studies and Adventure Education.  I’m sure I’ll have a lot of awesome not-so-common experiences while in Arizona but I will undoubtedly miss the sanctuary and all of its staff, volunteers, interns and birds.  Until then though, I’m going to suck in all of the awesomeness and try to put up with waking up early every morning (something I was never really good at).

Submitted by Nathan Thoele, Seasonal World Bird Sanctuary Staff

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer at World Bird Sanctuary and be part of something meaningful.

Visitor: You must love your job!"

Naturalist: Yes, I do, and you can too!

  Seasonal staff member Jaimie Sansoucie began her career with WBS as a volunteer

Volunteers are vital to the success of the World Bird Sanctuary and are involved in every aspect of helping us to achieve our mission.

Animal Care and  Education Volunteer Opportunities

Our volunteer program offers something for everyone, including the unique opportunity to work directly with birds and animals:

Our volunteer program offers something for everyone:

- Naturalist (animal handling & visitor education)

- Docent (visitor education and interaction only; no animal handling)

- Animal care technician (care for animals in our behind-the-scenes areas)

- Field studies technician (bird capture; banding; recording & release)

- Rehabilitation technician (care for wild birds admitted to the wildlife hospital)

  Longtime volunteer Jena Baumgarten and Acorn, a red phase Screech Owl, answering questions from a seniors group

Skilled Worker Volunteer Opportunities

A very important part of our volunteer corps is the "Tuesday Crew" – a group of retired tradesman who keep our site functioning and maintained, including plumbers, carpenters, welders, electricians, mechanics and more.   If you are a retired tradesman with a special skill to offer, and you would like to join this vital group of volunteers at World Bird Sanctuary, we'd love to hear from you.

 Members of our Tuesday Crew completing a project 

If you would like to find out more about becoming a volunteer at WBS, click here for more information or call 636-225-4390 ext. 103.

Group Service Projects also available.

We also offer one-time service group service project volunteer opportunities for your church, social club, scout group or school:

Public Event Days

Date: World Eagle Day in March; National Trails Day in June; International Vulture Awareness Day in September and Open House in October; 7am – 4pm

Approximately 1,000 - 3,000 are expected to attend each of these events.  Help needed includes:

Face painters

People to help control parking

People to help conduct visitor satisfaction surveys

Help with free kids craft activities

Help with sales at food concession stands

Printing photos on demand at the photo opportunity stand

Line Maintenance Days – Spring & Fall

Date: March (Spring Preparation) and October (Winter Preparation); 9am – 4pm

We clean, repair and prepare bird exhibits on our display line in preparation for spring.  Tasks include:

Remove shadecloths and weatherproofing from exhibits and shelters

Clean bird baths and wading ponds

Weeding and new plantings in bird exhibits

Rake leaves in public display areas

Clear/maintain hiking/walking trails that traverse our 305-acre property

Mew Maintenance Days – Spring & Fall

Date:  April (Spring Preparation) November (Winter Preparation) 9am – 4pm

We clean, repair and prepare bird housing in our behind-the-scenes areas in preparation for spring.  Tasks include:

Remove/erect shadecloths and weatherproofing on exhibits and shelters

Pressure-washing housing walls to clean them

General repair and maintenance of wooden housing.

Use your time and enthusiasm for the outdoors and conservation to make a difference – become a WBS volunteer today!

A Volunteer’s Perspective

 A friend of mine first introduced me to the World Bird Sanctuary in December of 2009.

Until he told me about volunteering there, I had never heard of this organization.  I like to volunteer and I like animals so I decided to give it a shot. 

When we first tried to sign up for the mandatory orientation it was January, and January in Missouri, as we all know, is snowy and icy.  It seemed that we had one snow or ice storm after another in January, and icy road conditions forced the site to be closed for an unprecedented number of days.   It took until February for us to actually get into the orientation, but it seemed to take forever.  That was probably due to my impatience interfering with my memory.  It was without a doubt worth the wait, because come to find out--I love it here!

 Learning to handle birds on the glove was the first big step.  This is Flip, a Red-shouldered Hawk.

 When you become a volunteer you have to be there for 40 hours before you get to handle any of the birds, so I devoted almost every day after school to going to the sanctuary and getting in as many hours as I could as fast as I could.  After about a month I was able to handle birds and I was very excited.

The first bird I got to handle was Acorn, an Eastern Screech owl with a staff member to supervise me.  It didn’t take too long and I was approved to handle on my own.  The next step after that is learning to fly the trained birds.  The first bird I was able to fly was Jet, an American Kestrel. 

Actually learning to fly a bird was amazing!   This is Jack, a Harris' Hawk.

I caught on pretty quickly, and started doing programs with staff members, traveling to venues throughout the entire Midwest.  My first program was at a summer camp with Mike Zeloski.  After that I went to Michigan, Kansas City and many more local places.  I had been a volunteer for over a year in the Education Department when just a few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be offered a full time, seasonal position as a member of the Department.  Of course I jumped right on it.  Since then I have been learning how to present “Birdday” parties and badge programs for scouts.  Speaking in font of people, I think, is going to be my biggest challenge of the summer, but public speaking is a good skill to have.

In the fall I will be attending college at Prescott College in Arizona where I will be majoring in Environmental Studies and minoring in adventure education and possibly equine studies. “Equine” is another word for horse or a member of the horse family. I will be going on a month long backpacking trip for orientation and, I’m sure, many other super cool things, but I’ll be back to the World Bird Sanctuary.  

For more information on volunteering click here.

Submitted by Jaimie Sansoucie, World Bird Sanctuary Seasonal Staff Member

What The World Bird Sanctuary Means To Me

Someone once asked me what the World Bird Sanctuary means to me?  Simply put--everything.  It’s hard to put everything into a short blog so I will give just a little bit of explanation.

All I have ever wanted to do since I was a little girl was to be able to work with Bald Eagles.   I used to dream about working with them, especially after the movie Continental Divide came out back in 1981, and then seeing the devastation of the oil spill on the Exxon Valdez in Alaska in 1989.  I remember worrying so much about the population of eagles. 

Volunteer Jennifer Jones holding Liberty, the Bald Eagle

WBS made my dream a reality.  I still remember the day that I held Liberty, one of WBS’s education Bald Eagles, for the first time, and holding back my tears of joy until the end of the presentation.  I still tear up to this day.  I have an extreme sense of pride and honor knowing that I am a part of something as important as educating the public, both young and old, about the importance of not only bald eagles, but all birds of prey and the environment.  Every time I do a program with Liberty I am extremely proud and honored to be given the opportunity to be with him and to represent WBS and our Nation’s Symbol.

I can actually say I am at peace when working at WBS.  Certainly, there is a lot of work to be done, but it is good work, and a kind with a sense of accomplishment, like the first time I held Liberty about 7 years ago.  I can truly say this feeling has never changed.  I still get goose bumps when a child comes up and tells me some fact they learned during one of my programs.  Then there is the little girl who tells you she wants to be like you and work with eagles, too, when she grows up.  That little girl almost made me cry.

Jennifer Jones presentiing the Dupont Volunteer Recognition check to Director of Facilities, Roger Holloway (left) and Sanctuary Manager, Joe Hoffmann (right) 

WBS is a part of me.  It is not only a sanctuary for birds but it is my sanctuary as well--a sense of peace for me when it seems everything else is crazy.  All I have to do is see Liberty, or another one of my favorite WBS birds—Keeoo the Augur Buzzard--and I am better.  So, when I had the opportunity to be able to possibly win a $1000 donation through DuPont for Volunteer Recognition, I went for it with no hesitation and wrote about the sanctuary and what they do and how I was involved.  The DuPont Volunteer Recognition program recognizes employees who are contributors not only at work but in the community as volunteers.  I am proud to say that on November 9^th I found out that I was one of DuPont’s Honorees and won $1000 for the sanctuary's Kathryn G. Favre Wildlife Hospital.

It means a lot to be able to give this money to the sanctuary, a place where the staff works so hard and perseveres against all obstacles.  I truly wish for the sanctuary and its wildlife hospital to remain open for future generations.  This donation may be just a drop in a pretty big bucket, but a drop I am very proud of.  The sanctuary has given me so much-- probably more than they know--and now I can give them a little something back for all they have done for me.

Submitted by Jennifer Jones, World Bird Sanctuary Volunteer

Ian Wright, the Lower Site Volunteer

This is a blog to commemorate the fact that one of WBS’s best volunteers, Ian Wright, has reached a major milestone in his career: he has just turned sixteen and can handle the raptors!

Ian Wright holding Willard, the Red-Tailed Hawk

I believe that the World Bird Sanctuary has the best volunteers on the planet.  If someone wants to challenge me about this, I only have to point to Ian as an example. Ian Wright, who attends Parkway West High School and likes science, has a deep fascination with birds.  In order to observe them more closely, Ian has spent at least one day a week volunteering at the Education Training Center, also known as the “ETC” or “lower site” for the past three years.

 

Ian was thirteen years old when his parents began driving him to the Sanctuary every Sunday morning.  While most other teenagers slept or immersed themselves in the eleventh hour of some video game, Ian was literally getting his hands dirty on pretty much every imaginable aspect of animal care.  As Ian says, “If you have a weak stomach, this job may not be the best choice.”  Ian’s back and stomach indeed proved strong, but for three long years, Ian could not actually handle any of the raptors. Bird Sanctuary rules require that everyone who handles birds be at least sixteen years old.

On Easter Sunday this year, Ian finally became old enough to handle raptors.  Ian’s cheerful personality and good humor has given me the momentum I need to finish Sunday, which happens to be the last day of my workweek, off strong.  So, I really looked forward to helping him learn to handle the raptors.

We started off with Timber, the Eastern Screech Owl.  Like the other birds, Timber recognized Ian and was not alarmed by him.  But, he did not expect to see Ian with the glove, so Timber’s eyes widened and he, “got tall” when he noticed the glove.  But Ian’s calm, gentle manner soon put Timber at ease and the owl stepped right up to Ian’s hand.

I felt so thrilled to finally see Ian holding a bird.  Ian seems to show a natural ability with the birds and his handling skills have developed quickly.  Ian now handles several of the birds that live at the lower site.

Submitted by Leah Sainz, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist 

Tuesday Crew

In an organization like the World Bird Sanctuary there are many unsung heroes--those people who will do whatever is necessary without expecting recognition or praise.

One group of such heroes is our Tuesday Crew.  As the name implies, they show up every Tuesday, rain or shine, to tackle the myriad construction and maintenance tasks that need doing.  Our list is always long.

These men come in many different ages, shapes, sizes and backgrounds.  Most of them have some construction background--some of them don't.  What they all have in common is the willingness to do whatever is needed to maintain a main facility and other buildings that sprawl out over several hundred acres.

The other day I caught up with them when they were trying to work out the logistics of building the most efficient shelving system for our new walk-in freezer.

The next day's project might find them building a wall or hanging a door.

Another day might find them installing a ceiling fan in our offices, or repairing one of our rehabilitation flight cages.  Whatever we need done, they always seem to find a way to get the job done, no matter how impossible the request may seem.

The thing that impresses me the most about these gentlemen is their camaraderie and sense of humor.  They always seem to be having a good time no matter what they're doing.

The World Bird Sanctuary is always in need of people with carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC or mechanical know-how.  If you fit this profile and would be interested in volunteering your services Click Here for a volunteer form, or call 636-225-4390, Ext. 0 and ask for Teri, or email her at tschroer@worldbirdsanctuary.org

Volunteering in the Wildlife Hospital

Volunteering at the World Bird Sanctuary's Wildlife Hospital is a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

How do you see yourself?

A Naturalist? Conservationist? A Birder? A Falconer? Pre Veterinarian? Or maybe just an average Guy or Gal?

Craig Lanham handfeeding a shot Red-tailed Hawk with Sanctuary Manager, Joe Hoffmann.

How do you want others to see you?

Knowledgeable about Birds of Prey? Passionate about living creatures? Compassionate about the Planet?

What inspires you?

Eagle Fishing in a river? The Hoot of an Owl? An Injured Falcon with a broken wing or a very ill Black Crowned Night Heron. What about a Red Tailed Hawk suffering with gunshot wounds by a Poacher. What about seeing these birds released back into the Wild?

The World Bird Sanctuary’s Wildlife Hospital sees roughly 300 injured, orphaned or sick birds of prey a year come through its doors. Some are fortunate enough to respond to treatment and are returned to the wild. They return to their home ranges. They get another chance to be exactly what they are made to be!

Craig Lanham preparing a Great-horned Owl for release.


By becoming a volunteer at the Hospital I get to care for the truly magnificent wonders of the Planet. By being a Volunteer I get to be part of something bigger than us all, the Natural World. By being a volunteer at the Hospital I can become what I aspire to be. You can too.

So….. how do you see yourself?

Click here to find out more about volunteering at World Bird Sanctuary.

Submitted by Craig Lanham, Volunteer, World Bird Sanctuary Wildlife Hospital

A Day At The Hospital - Part 2...

Each year our Wildlife Hospital receives between 250 to 300 patients.  Some, like the little red tailed hawk in our last posting, are fortunate and have no serious injuries.  Others are not so lucky.  Those patients may spend weeks or even months in our care being treated for injuries, and if possible, being rehabilitated for release.  

All of this intensive treatment requires a large investment of our time, money, and man-hours.  The World Bird Sanctuary is fortunate to have a wonderful group of staff, volunteers, and interns who are dedicated to the care of these animals.  However, each and every volunteer and intern who wishes to work directly with the birds must receive a large investment of our staff's time to insure that they are taught the correct procedures for handling the animals in our care.  This is to ensure the safety of the animals and the humans who care for them.  

Following are some photos of such a training session.

One of our veteran staff members demonstrates the technique for removing a defensive hawk from it's enclosure while one of our new interns watches 

closely.

Once our intern has been coached in the techniques of safely restraining a protesting bird of prey, our staff member administers an antibiotic.

Mission Accomplished!!  Our intern has learned a valuable lesson in bird handling, and our patient has been given the medication needed to hasten his recovery.

And then, of course, there's the ever present paperwork!

What Is A Volunteer??

By definition, a volunteer is a person who willingly and without pay gives their own time, expertise and talents.

However, a great many people are hesitant to volunteer because they don't believe they are knowledgeable or talented enough.  Nothing could be farther from the truth!!  If it weren't for the volunteers who generously share their time, abilities and talents with us, organizations like the World Bird Sanctuary could not exist.  So, to those caring individuals who so generously share their time with us we would like to give a profound "Thank you!".  

To those of you who may have had the passing thought that "I'd like to do that, but don't have the education or knowledge" -or- "I'd like to get involved with that organization, but don't really want to handle the animals", don't hesitate any longer.  The World Bird Sanctuary welcomes any and all volunteers.  

Want to work with the animals and educate the public, but don't have the animal handling experience?  We have classes and will train you.

Don't particularly want to work with the public, but want to work directly with the care, training or breeding of the birds?  We have behind the scenes opportunities for you, along with the training needed.

Want to work with the care and rehabilitation of the many injured birds brought into our hospital each year?  We have just the position for you.

Do you like to educate the public and like being outdoors, but don't necessarily want to handle the birds?  A docent position may be just the spot for you.

Are you a bird watcher who has always thought bird banding would be really interesting?  You may want to join our banding team. Camaraderie and training are provided.

Are you a retired secretary or office worker who wants to do something worthwhile and keep up their office and computer skills?  Working in our office may be just the ticket for you.

Do you have construction skills of any kind?  We are always in need of plumbers, carpenters, electricians, etc.  

Are you a dedicated gardener, (or an apartment dwelling gardener who no longer has a patch of soil to till?).  We always have groundskeeping work to be done.

We even have a Junior Volunteer program.  Junior volunteers cannot handle birds until they are 16, but they can start learning about the animals they will be handling, and can assist with the daily chores in the education and animal management departments as young as age 13.  This position is educational for the youngsters  and teaches responsibility.

No matter what your skill or talent we can usually find a spot you.  

So--don't hesitate--don't be shy--Go to our web page and fill out one of our volunteer applications.