Boy have I interracted with a lot of animals today! I did a 4½ hour shift at Wildcare today and it was mayhem. I was the only volunteer there with the shift manager Molly for most of that time. The avian room was in disarray because a major release and transfer was going on. We released 14 robins, and when I mean "we", I mean we. The avian outdoor area that housed them doesn't have a convienent way of releasing the birds, so we had to catch all of them individually and take them out the door. We transferred the bluebird fledges to and outdoor tent as well although they are still hand-feed. Inside, we still have 2 of the original 6 Chimney Swifts (the others found homes) which eat every 30 min. There were 2 Cardinals and 2 Robins who needed 20 min feedings as well as 2 tiny Hummingbirds who were brought in still in their nest!! On a 30 min feeding schedule were 2 Carlolina Wrens, 3 Robins and 2 Mockingbirds and a Catbird. On a 40 min feeding schedule were the 6 Bluebirds, 1 Grackle, 1 Cedar Waxwing, 6 Robins and 2 Blue Jays. I'd get finished with one group only to have another need feeding. Then on top of it, I'm running around outside releasing birds, taking birds out for some "sun time" and whatnot.
After Wildcare, I released a Starling at Target. Even though I don't like the idea of another Starling out in the world, it was pretty cool to release a bird. After doing some shopping there (hey, if you ever shop Target, look for the clearance racks--I find terrific stuff for cheap!) I went to Marsh for a salmon fillet for dinner. Then I went over and picked up Jeanjamin (aka Ben the Dog). He'll be staying until Sunday.
When I got home I checked the nest box. We had 70 mi/hr winds here last night along with some fierce rain, but they are just fine. As I type, Papa periodically shows up on the deck hook and then swoops off to find a tasty insect for the little ones. I lost the email that contained links to the photos, so we're out of luck as far as pictures go. Maybe Paul will snap one when he gets home.
Posted by Elizabeth at July 14, 2004 04:33 PM