Meet Consuela

Meet Consuela

Naturalist Trina Whitener introduces us to Consuela, an Orbweaver spider who took up residence on her truck in the World Bird Sanctuary parking lot.

Click Here to view her video.  

New Kid In Town

If you have been out to World Bird Sanctuary this past summer you may have noticed an area of the exhibit line that was roped off.

 If you took the time to stop and look at the area you might have noticed a small brown fuzz ball on legs in the early part of the summer, and toward the end of the summer a teenager sized crane hanging out.  Our two injured Sandhill Cranes (Grus canadensis) Shawnee and Menomenee, originally from Wisconsin, hatched their first chick this summer.

 New Sandhill Crane baby (photo: Cathy Spahn)

Sandhill Cranes are found throughout North America.  The northern populations are migratory.  Sandhill cranes have the largest wildlife spectacle we can see here in North America.  As the cranes migrate From February to early April hundreds of thousands to over a million Sandhill Cranes will pass through and temporarily stay in a small area of Nebraska along the Platte River.

I have always enjoyed cranes, but when I first saw their gathering along the Platte River I fell in love with this amazing species.  Seeing the amazing amount of birds, hearing their call, and then watching this bird dance I could not help but fall in love. 

There are 6 subspecies of Sandhill Crane; 5 of them are found here in North America. 

Sandhill Cranes stand between 34-48 inches tall and have a wingspan of 73-90 inches.

When our two cranes first arrived at WBS I worked on doing some basic training, which helped with getting them more comfortable around me.  With the help of me rewarding them with superworms (a beetle larva that kind of looks like a worm), the cranes became more relaxed and would allow me to enter the cage.  As long as I kept 6 or more feet between them and I, they were comfortable.

Over the last few years they have become more vocal.  This year they laid a few eggs, and one of them hatched.  This little one we nicknamed Clyde after the middle name of Walter C. Crawford Jr, our Founder and Executive Director, who passed away in July.  This youngster was one of Walt’s last projects with us.

As with all birds, Sandhill Cranes grow rapidly...almost ready for release (photo: Cathy Spahn)

Clyde, our youngster, has now been released at the Squaw Creek Wildlife Refuge in the northwestern part of Missouri.  In fact, Clyde is the first ever, captive bred Sandhill Crane to be released into the wild in the State of Missouri.  Clyde seems to be integrating well with a small flock of Sandhill Cranes that resides in that area.

If you like Shawnee or Menomenee (named after places in Wisconsin where they are from) you may adopt one or both of them.  To adopt a bird Click Here, or call 636-861-3225 and ask for Marion.

 

Submitted by Cathy Spahn, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist

Birdlore: The Great Garuda

Mythology has a mixed bag of giant raptor legends, like the Thunderbird and the Roc, or creatures that looked like they came out of a blender with mixed characteristics, like the Piasa Bird.  

Another bird-like creature depicted in Hindu and Buddhist mythology is the part-man, part bird deity, Garuda.   The bird characteristics are usually referred to as eagle-like or kite-like depending on the source.

Garuda, half-man and half-bird (photo: the wikipedia files)

In Hinduism, Garuda was born from a huge egg with the torso and limbs of a man, and the talons, wings, and beak of an eagle.  His father was Kasyapa, an ancient sage, and his mother, Vinata, mother of all birds.  He was born with a radiance that made the gods cry in fear for the end of the world and at their request, Garuda diminished his splendor.

Before his birth, his mother was tricked into slavery with a bet by her sister-in-law, Kadru, mother of serpents.  In a bid to free her, Garuda asked Kadru and her serpent sons what he must do for his mother’s release.  Kadru decreed he must bring them the drink of the gods, amrita, so that she and her sons may become immortal.

However, the amrita was jealously guarded by Indra, King of the gods.  The elixir was protected by a massive fire covering the sky, a spinning mechanical door with spokes on the side blocking the way, and two large venomous snakes guarding the elixir’s resting place.  Not deterred, Garuda fought and defeated the host of gods with his power and drank from many nearby rivers to put out the fire in the sky.  He decreased his size to pass through the deadly spikes of the spinning door.  He snuck past the giant venomous serpents by blowing dust into their eyes.  Garuda took the elixir into his mouth without swallowing it and rose to the heavens.

On his journey back, Garuda was met by Indra, King of the gods.  Indra struck Garuda with his thunderbolt, but Garuda remained unharmed by the strike except for the loss of a single feather.  Faced with the reality of Garuda’s true strength, Indra called for a cease in fighting and formed a pact with the bird-man.  Garuda would be allowed to deliver the elixir to the serpents to fulfill his end of the deal and earn his mother’s freedom.  In return, Garuda would make it possible for Indra to reclaim the elixir from the serpents.  Indra also permitted Garuda to hunt the snakes as food.

Delivering the elixir, Garuda convinced the serpents that a bath of purification was required before partaking in the drink of the gods.  In the serpents’ brief absence, Indra descended from the sky to retrieve the elixir and left for the heavens.  When the serpents returned, they licked the grass on which the elixir had rested, slicing their tongues.  All modern snakes have forked tongues as a result. 

From that day forward, Garuda was a friend to the gods and enemy to snakes everywhere, devouring them at every opportunity.

To learn more about the contemporary bird species that inspire these amazing myths and legends, come to the World Bird Sanctuary and speak with one of our amazing Naturalists.

Submitted by Jessica Bunke, World Bird Santuary Naturalist/Trainer

Mississippi Trip

On September 25, 2015, World Bird Sanctuary staff member Kelsey McCord and I packed the van with birds and all of the support equipment that goes with traveling for shows, and off we went on our adventure to Mississippi. 

This was our first year at the Arkabutla Lake Eagle Fest and my first ever trip to Mississippi.  We had a nice drive to Mississippi and arrived mid to late afternoon on a Friday.  Once we arrived at our hotel we got the birds set up in the hotel conference room.  It is always nice when the birds have their own room.

Lake Arkabutla (photo: Cathy Spahn)

On Saturday September 26, we got up early and headed to our program located at Arkabutla Lake.  Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc very nicely provided some fencing for the display area, so we set out the birds for their all day display from 10-4.  Because of close by trees we did not have to worry about shade for the birds, so we put the provided tent over the table we had set up with information about World Bird Sanctuary. 

Mortimer the Turkey Vulture was fascinated with the pinecones and pine needles (photo: Cathy Spahn)

Once we were set up we walked down to the shore of the lake and realized just how beautiful and large the lake is.  We had perfect temperatures for the display and programs.  Both Jersey the Barred Owl and Patriot the Bald Eagle were fascinated with something in the woods.  Mortimer, the Turkey Vulture, on the other hand was so excited to discover pine cones and pine needles.  He had a blast picking up the pine cones and tossing them and then chasing them.

We did two, 30-minute programs, free flying MacGyver, Harris Hawk and Mortimer, Turkey Vulture, and those two birds awed the audience.  Patriot then made her appearance.  You could see the excitement and awe in everyone’s face.  After the program I gave people the chance to have their photos taken with Patriot and Kelsey. 

After the first program there was a sunny spot in the birds’ weathering area and Patriot put on her sun display and started sunning herself to the delight of the passers-by. 

The best reaction I have ever had from a program came at the end of the second program.  As I finished the program Kelsey turned with Patriot and was walking out of the pavilion.  A young boy, about 8-10 years old, spoke up very loudly, saying, “That was Awesome!”  That was the best compliment of the weekend.  We had a ton of compliments, everyone loved the birds and the program, but that one moment was the best.

My first WILD nine-banded armadillo (photo: Cathy Spahn)

After we packed up at the end of the day and thanked everyone, we got on the road, and that is when the day got even better and I photographed my first wild nine-banded armadillo.  We did not think the trip could go any better and then that happened.

We are looking forward to returning to this great festival at a beautiful peaceful location!

Submitted by Cathy Spahn, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist/Trainer

The Great Horned Owl

We are steadily approaching the autumn season.  The weather is changing, the foliage is turning into beautiful orange and red colors, and we see as well as hear more presence of our nocturnal friends, the owls. 

Missouri is home to various species of owls.  One of the most interesting of all the owls, in my opinion, is the Great Horned Owl.  All you have to do is look at one to see why they have earned the name, “Great Horned Owl.”

Junior, one of the resident Great Horned Owls here at the World Bird Sanctuary (photo: Gay Schroer)

The Great Horned Owl is one of the larger sized species of Owls, with documented weights ranging from 1.5 pounds up to 4.5 pounds.  As with most species of raptors, the females usually weigh more than the males.  Great Horned Owls have a long life span.  They can live well into their late 20’s in the wild, while there have been documented captive Owls that have lived up to 50 years of age.   Junior is 29!

After they leave the nest, these birds do not have any natural predators due to their size and strength.  They are capable of lifting more than their own body weight.  Because of this, their appetite goes well with their name, “Great!”  These guys do not eat nuts and vegetables.  They are strictly meat eaters.  They will eat pretty much anything that moves.  Great Horned Owls have the most diverse diet of any other species of owl.  This means they are capable of surviving in almost any type of habitat.  So whether you live in an urban area or a rural community, it is possible to have a Great Horned Owl sighting.

At a WBS Owl Prowl you may meet Junior or one of our other resident Great Horned Owls (photo: Gay Schroer)

If you would like to learn more about our nighttime friends, the owls, look into scheduling an Owl Prowl with us.  Owl Prowls are available on select weekends starting in November and run until the middle of March.  You can learn more about our Owl Prowls by going to the World Bird Sanctary website and clicking on the Events tab or giving me a call at 636-225-4390, extension 101.  You never know who or what you might find while attending an Owl Prowl.  We hope to see you there!

Submitted by Erica O'Donnell, World Bird Sanctuary Education Programs Coordinator

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 Little Angel

The American Kestrel was one of my mother’s favorite birds.  This small member of the Falcon family can be seen hovering over the grassy areas along roads and highways.  To me they look almost like an angel, still in the air, as they hunt for bugs and mice below.  

Sassy, one of the WBS resident American Kestrels (photo: Gay Schroer)

Kestrels seemed to have been more common years ago when we had more cloverleaf interchanges and the grass was cut short.  The trend today by most highway departments is to let the medians, interchanges and roadsides grow up in native plants, which are only mowed once or twice a year. The World Bird Sanctuary has placed hundreds of nest boxes along highways to accommodate Kestrels looking for homes.

Population studies have shown conflicting data and have shown yearly variations in populations.  Some population drops were regional phenomena.  Other drops seemed to coincide with the rise in the population of Coopers Hawks, which would indicate loss by predation. Luckily we have recently seen increases nationwide in kestrel numbers, but they seem to be a fragile species in some areas.

These small falcons sometimes appear to hover in mid-air when hunting (photo: Gay Schroer)

Besides national studies, which were instituted in recent years by the government and some universities, the World Bird Sanctuary has noticed reductions in the number of American Kestrels admitted to our wildlife hospital.  This has taken place over a number of years, so we thought we might investigate. 

We have many interns each season at the Sanctuary who are assigned special projects as one of the goal of their internship, and we try to give them interesting projects to do while they are here.  Kim Sage was the intern chosen to research these yearly fluctuations in kestrel admissions, not only at World Bird Sanctuary, but at centers throughout the country. 

Kim contacted fifteen centers to see if they could dig through their files and see how many kestrels were admitted in recent years.  They reported that admissions had fallen in most areas of the country, probably meaning kestrel numbers dropped in that part of the country.  In the Northeast kestrel admissions were already starting to rise by the time we published our report in our Mews News newsletter, and the other studies finished.

We still don’t seem to get the historic numbers of kestrels at the hospital that we once did, but we admit 20 to 30 each year.  Most of the kestrels we receive at the World Bird Sanctuary Wildlife hospital are collision victims, most likely hit by car or truck (or sometimes even trucks that might be carrying cars).  Another large group is orphans. 

These little Falcons seem to be making a strong comeback, but you might not see them in the same areas where we were accustomed to seeing them--by the highways. 

On your next long car trip watch in fields where the grass is short and you might see a little angel hovering over the ground.

Submitted by Joe Hoffmann, World Bird Sanctuary Wildlife Hospital Manager

Aggression: Part 1

There is a very common question that we get at zoo show programs, especially when we have a bird on the arm.  “Does the bird ever bite you?”  The short answer is yes, but the better question is “why does the bird bite you?”

I hate the phrase “aggression” or “the bird was being aggressive”.  Okay, allow me to rephrase, I dislike when people, especially new trainers use those phrases as they tend to lump together any sort of negative display from the bird. 

Over the years I have found that birds may be aggressive for a number of different reasons, and unless the reason is identified, curbing the negative behavior becomes increasingly difficult. 

Questions that I like to ask both myself and people that I am training when trying to identify the cause of aggressive behavior are:  How was the bird “being aggressive”?  What exactly was it doing?  When did the negative behavior start exactly?  Was there an instigating moment?  What was the trainer doing?

Feed me human!  (photo: Leah Tyndall)

The first form of aggression is food aggression.  This is when a bird tends to react in a violent manner because it wants food.  Everyone gets a little grumpy when they are hungry and birds are no exception.  Food aggression can vary from rushing a trainer who has food, to biting at the glove when it does not contain food.  The key is to reward the birds not when they are charging or footing, but when they are exhibiting calm behavior. 

We also redirect their aggressive tendencies into a different behavior.  For instance one of our Black Vultures used to rush at people all of the time since he had accidentally been rewarded for doing so at his previous location.  We taught him to perch on a branch or stump, wait for 10-15 seconds and then he would be rewarded.  He found this to be a much faster and easier way to get his breakfast, rather than charging at people.  That often caused them to leave, taking the food with them. 

Training Zeuss (photo: Mike Cerutti)

Birds that become aggressive to the glove are no longer rewarded from the glove; instead they eat from a cup or a “food glove” which is on the opposite hand from the handling glove.  This is how we trained Zeus, our Golden Eagle.  The use of a food glove also had the added benefit of creating a disregard for our bare hand.  This allows us to check his feet and change his equipment without any issues.

Birds also become defensive if they think you are trying to take food from them.  This often leads to a behavior called mantling.  This is when a bird hunches over its food and droops its wings so that the food is not visible to other birds.  If any creature dares approach their prize there is usually a loud vocalization followed by the bird striking out with either its beak or feet. 

Yup...looks like a rat to me! (photo: Leah Tyndall)

On occasion it does not even need to be food, the bird just perceives it that way.  The other day Buford our Bald Eagle was sitting backstage on his perch and he relieved himself.  I decided to grab a paper towel to clean it up once I picked him up.  Apparently that paper towel looked exactly like a rat because Buford immediately jumped for it, feet first.  He didn’t stop until I tossed him the paper towel, he realized it was not a rat and promptly spit it out.  After that he was a prince.

Aggression is sort of a catch all term for a bird reacting in a hostile or violent way.  It can have many root causes, only one of which I have touched upon here. Come back next month as I discuss territorial aggression, perceived threat aggression, and dominance aggression.  Actually, maybe come back for several months, this might take me a bit.

Submitted by Leah Tyndall, World Bird Sanctuary 

Beak or Bill?

Beak or bill?  This is a question I have asked myself a number of times.  It is something that a lot of people use interchangeably.  However, there is a difference between the two. 

Beak or Bill?  They come in many different shapes and sizes (photos: Gay Schroer)

According to Oxford Dictionaries, a beak is a bird's horny projecting jaws, or other animal such as a turtle or a squid.  A bill is the beak of a bird when it is slender, flattened, weak (doesn't hurt when it bites you), or belongs to a web footed bird or a bird of the pigeon family. 

 In other words, a bill is a type of beak, but not all beaks are also bills.   This is like all macaws are parrots, but not all parrots are macaws. 

Osiris the Egyptian Vulture (photo: Mike Cerutti)

Beaks and bills can come in a large variety of shapes and sizes.  To me, the most impressive beak is that of a raptor--although, not all raptor beaks are the same.  

Some beaks can be longer and narrower, like on Osiris, our Egyptian Vulture. 

Reese the Great Horned Owl (photo: Mike Cerutti

Other raptor beaks can be short and stout like on Reese, our Great Horned Owl.  This is one of the things I love about raptor beaks, the variety in which they come. 

Nemo, an African Grey Parrot (photo: Mike Cerutti)

Parrot beaks are hooked like raptor beaks, but have a rasping edge on the inside of the top beak for filing away the shells of nuts that are too tough to crack open. 

A Northern Cardinal (photo: Carmen Volante)

Many songbirds, like Cardinals, have short stout beaks for breaking seeds open and killing insects. 

When you visit the World Bird Sanctuary, you will see a large variety of beaks and bills on our birds and even our turtles!

Submitted by Mike Cerutti, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist/Trainer

Fabulous Feathers

We learn at a young age that birds have feathers. Feathers help a bird to fly.  While I’m not about to refute that fact, it must be said that there is so much more to feathers that makes them truly fascinating.

First of all, there are seven different kinds of feathers.  There are wing feathers, tail feathers, contour feathers (which cover the bird’s body), semiplumes (slightly fluffy), down feathers (REALLY fluffy), filoplumes and bristles (long skinny whisker-like feathers).  Each different kind of feather serves a different kind of purpose.

Keeoo the Augur Buzzard displaying the overlapping pattern of wing feathers and the rudder-like tail feathers (photo: Gay Schroer)

Wing feathers help form the shape of the wing into an airfoil to gain lift, and tail feathers act as a rudder to help a bird steer.  Of course, this assumes that the bird in question can fly at all.  In some species, such as the ostrich, flight is not an option.  Oftentimes, when this is the case, the wing and tail feathers are not stiff and flat, but have evolved to become more ornate for use in territorial or courtship displays.

Another view of how Keeoo's wing feathers overlap (photo: Gay Schroer)

Contour feathers form an interlocking, overlapping pattern over the bird’s body.  This helps to streamline the bird…and keep it waterproof.  Thanks to the pattern of the contour feathers, only the waterproof tips are exposed, allowing water to bead up and roll right off of the bird.  This is especially important in waterfowl, which would otherwise be soaked and cold.

A Snowy Owl is a perfect example of the insulating properties of feathers--even the bottoms of their feet are feathered (photo: Gay Schroer)

Semiplumes and down feathers are located underneath the outer feathers, where their fluffy barbs act as insulation.  The delicate fluff on these soft feathers creates small pockets of air next to the bird’s body.  These pockets of air under the contour feathers help insulate and keep the bird warm as outside temperatures cool down.   Down feather coats and comforters keep us so warm the same way.

A White-faced Barbet (Photo: wikipedia)

Filoplumes and bristles hardly look like feathers at all.  They have no barbules branching out from the central part of the feather, also called the rachis, so they resemble whiskers more closely than feathers.  This is rather appropriate, since the purpose they serve is similar to that of whiskers.  Filoplumes, which have teeny-tiny barbules at the very tip of the feather, help to sense the position of the contour feathers; and bristles, which have almost no barbules at all, are often found on or around the bird’s face.  Bristles may act as whiskers but also likely serve to protect the bird’s eyes and face, much like our eyelashes.

So yes, birds have feathers.  One could leave it at that, but why on earth would you want to, when there is much more to be learned once you delve into the fascinating and fabulous world of feathers?

Submitted by World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist JoHanna Burton

Editors Note:  The World Bird Sanctuary, and the blog in particular, are sad to say farewell to Naturalist JoHanna Burton who is leaving us to move across the country  We wish her godspeed and know that with her strong work ethic she will do well in any future path she chooses.

A Summer To Remember

At some point in our lives we have all been stamped with the title of being a “first timer.” Whether it is your first time attending college, working at your first real job, or being a part of a major accomplishment, there is always a first time for everything.

This year especially has resulted in a lot of “firsts” for me, including my first time as a speaker and bird trainer for the World Bird Sanctuary bird shows presented at the Milwaukee County Zoo.  I started off as an intern for the World Bird Sanctuary, or WBS, during the fall after I graduated from college.

My internship taught me a lot about handling, and caring for birds of prey, as well as all the educational aspects.  I learned a lot, but I still wanted to learn more, so I entered into my next “first” as a trainer for the Milwaukee County Zoo bird shows.

Clark the Bald Eagle ready for takeoff (photo: Sandra Lowe) 

I fell into the role of a trainer immediately when arriving at our bird show headquarters.  There, I began establishing relationships with all the birds.  Each bird had a different personality.  So, while one method may work for one bird, that same approach did not work for all of them. 

For instance, I learned that talking in a stern, dominant tone of voice worked well for Vader, our black vulture, and Skinner, our turkey vulture in order for them to obey my commands.  However, Hugnin, our white-necked raven, as well as Carmen and Trinidad, our military macaws required a more up-beat, happy tone of voice.  Along with the tone of voice, I had to have a strong, confident demeanor with all the birds. This is because birds of prey can sense any signs of tension or fear, which can ultimately result in a negative response from the bird.

Clark the Bald Eagle launching into a spectacular flight practically at eye level for the audience (photo: Sandra Lowe)

Learning all of this helped boost my confidence when it came to my next “first” as a speaker.  However, speaking in front of crowds was my number one fear, so learning to overcome this obstacle challenged my confidence once again.  With the help of my coworkers, especially my supervisor Leah Tyndall, my confidence in speaking strengthened with every practice show I did. 

I received a lot of tips that helped me along the way.  One particular tip I received was from the director of WBS, Jeff Meshach, after an extremely embarrassing and nerve wracking practice show in front of him.  I was extremely confident and full of excitement throughout the show, until I reached the part where I needed to use my glove, or Kalem, for the first time and to my dismay I did not have it with me!  I quickly asked for one of the other trainers to fetch my glove as I tried miserably to form coherent sentences.

However, once I received the glove I began to break down even more, so much so that I asked for a moment to recuperate. First, I heard Leah in the background yelling “It’s ok Candice!”  Then Jeff, sounding completely surprised, encouraged me to keep going.  I took a deep breath and then continued on.  My voice became more confident with every bird I presented.  Once the show was over, everyone gathered around Jeff to hear his thoughts and recommendations. He was extremely proud of the show I presented despite the minor hurdle I had to overcome.  The tip that Jeff gave to me was to keep speaking and remain calm no matter what happens.

I took this encouragement to heart, which helped fuel my confidence for my first show in front of an audience.  My first show was one of the many great shows that I would be presenting for the remainder of the summer.

The experience at the Milwaukee County Zoo bird shows has helped me to overcome my fear of speaking in ways that I can’t even fathom.  I would like to thank my boss and Director of the World Bird Sanctuary Jeff Meshach, Supervisor Leah Tyndall, and everyone else who has supported me for helping me overcome my fear and making this summer one to remember.

Submitted by Candice Aton, World Bird Sanctuary Naturalist/Trainer