Living Wild in Georgia

Flights, Kites and Questions answered

9/24/2014

Need to start off answering a question that has been posed several times in the past months. Folks call asking " When I call the Ga. DNR call center why does the person tell me to put the wildlife I found back in the woods and let nature take it's course"? So many rehabbers have dropped out that the call sheet has huge gaps in the listing. Rehabbers are listed by county, Ga. has 149 counties, and it is difficult for the call center to connect you with the nearest rehabber. Sometimes they will give a rehabber number only to have you call back and say these folks no longer rehab. Then the call center is faced with you being in possession of wildlife. Since it is illegal for you to keep it they simply tell you to return it to the woods and let nature take it's course. Ga. DNR is spread thin and tasked with many responsibilities, I have the greatest respect for them.

You can avoid calling the call center by going to the Ga. DNR website and downloading the current list of licensed rehabbers and their contact info. Look under "find a wildlife rehabilitator".

The Mississippi Kites are on their own. On Tuesday about 12:30 I started setup for release and just before 1:00 opened the doors. It would have been a waste of time to attempt to photograph them. I was stunned by speed and fluidity of motion that transpired. As if a special signal was issued personally to each one they followed the mature Kite as he headed out the door. The 2nd year Kite was followed by the 2 first year kites. All 4 were dots in the sky headed due south before you could focus a camera. This isn't scientific sounding but it's true. Once the door was open this whole event was over before you could say "lickedty- split". They are free in clear skies headed for the Gulf of Mexico.

Andrea's broadwing got released yesterday afternoon. We did a soft release so he is around. Need to keep an eye on him and his hunting skills. This one and a older sibling were picked up by Andrea as they huddled together on the side of a highway. She saw the oldest one get hit by a car. In spite on our best efforts he had to be EU. So this little guy is on his own.

Tried to get something in here for size contrast but he would have none of it. He is smaller than a crow. He is actually slightly taller than a soft drink can. They are not loud noisy raptors and are often overlooked. For years Broadwing Hawks were thought to be only migrants in the fall and summer. We now know they are nesting here.

Still waiting to set free the Great Horned owls, those children are so slow. Hoping very soon they can be hootin' in the wild for Halloween.

Meantime we are gearing up for the migration. Lots of northern raptors headed this way. Intakes always increase this time of year.

The whiteheaded Redtail on Hwy 18 has not been seen for a while. Think she may have moved on south.

This time of year is great to visit with friends and neighbors. A good cup of coffee and quiet conversation might lead to some interesting sightings. Might even find out you got Broadwings! Listen quietly in the evenings for the soft whinnying sound of screech, beautiful music.

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Mississippi Kites are almost ready!

9/19/2014

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The Mkites are almost ready. There is one slow child who seems to like being hand fed, but all the others are ready. These small raptors are very social and stay in groups so Jr. has to start feeding himself so they can all go together.

I was able to catch them in one area with the camera and actually get some pictures. The following pictures are from 2 days ago. Keep in mind their size, they are bigger than doves but smaller than crows.

This is Jr. the 1st year Mkite. Notice his very light coloration. Also notice between his eyes and beak there dark depressions, or pits. This serves Mkites the same was the mylar stripe serves falcons by cutting down on reflections.

This picture has a very mature male on the left and a second year Mkite on the right. The mature Kite has clear red eyes. Notice the drastic color change from the previous picture to the mature kite in this picture. This has caused problems in folks properly identifying juvenile Mkites. Notice the Mkite on the right you can see the pit in front of the eye.

Same two again. Very good color comparison. The mature Mkite is holding his wing at an odd angle because of a pellet rifle wound that broke the bone. He has healed and is fully flighted.

Here is one more of Jr.

Here is the other juvenile, who does know how to self feed. He came up from Laurens Wildlife in Dublin with a fractured wing.

While these pictures aren't absolutely perfect they are a great close up of the new raptor in the neighborhood. I carried the camera in my pocket for 2 weeks trying to get some pictures. This series was the only success. Mkites are so flighty they will scatter if you look at them wrong, so I must have been looking at them just right. Hope you enjoy these and understand why I seemed so frustrated trying to verbally describe the coloration.

The goal is to get them out in the next 2-3 days while there are still big insects for them to eat.

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Catch up!

9/16/2014

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Time to start getting caught up on all the happenings For those who follow the Bubba and Friends, Inc FB page some of this maybe a rerun.

The juvenile Great Horned Owls finally are completely feathered out and acting like they need to be somewhere else. There future is being planned.

Fortunately the Barn Owls did not get turned loose in July. I almost blew it! They were 3-4 weeks behind in development. Their level of aggression was consistent with older birds giving the impression they were about release age. They didn't get premature release because of weather issues. During the delay it was discovered that their hunting skills were a 1 on a scale of 1-10(10 being excellent). They are now preparing to increase the Pike County Barnie Club by 3.

The baby vultures are all out and free!!

The Mkites are behind the curve this year. The two youngest have only now started to self feed. They are now using the older Mkites for role models and seem to be doing well with less and less assistance. Fortunately there are still a lot of grasshoppers and large insects around to stimulate them. A more detailed story will follow, with pictures. The goal is to get them out of here before the night temps get lower.

Have more questions coming in about different things. Want to get them organized so I present them to you in intelligent format.

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THE T SHIRTS!!!

The shirts are going into production. After a number of ups and downs we finally found a maker who understands small non profs and will work with us. The t shirts will be black with the little owl face that adorns several pages of the website. The back of the shirt will have our name on it. The printer is also going to let us mix sizes on the order.

Adult Ts are $25.00 xxxl xxl xl l m sm

Childrens are $20.00

If your local we will deliver your Ts.

If we need to ship USPS is $6.00 for up to 4(4 will fit).

Send check with address and phone number. Attach note of how many and what sizes. Make sure phone number is current so we can call if we questions.
B&F,I PO Box 103 Zebulon, Ga 30295

We will then put it all together and get it to the printer Monday of next week. I know Amazon is easier but they got lot's money behind them. They don't have the face!!

Thanks for your attention, you can have it back now!

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Freedom and More

6/21/2014

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The Red Tail Hawk referred to as Grunt was released this morning and disappeared into the trees before the camera could click. His flight was perfectly level and he moved like a rocket. I didn't explain the "grunt" name and have been questioned about it. A grunt is a slang term for an infantryman and since he was hiking down the road like an infantryman he got named Grunt. So for all you Marines with an 03 mos and Army with 11bravo mos this birds for you!

Here are a couple very shots of the Ban owl siblings. These 2 are on a perch and the 3rd one is on the ground trying to eat AJ's shoes (a most aggressive little guy). Notice the down still protruding from under the feathers. They are not used to being in the light, they are in a covered flight pen that reduces light. Barn Owls prefer the dark.

The next picture is of the aggressive little "shoe eater". In 20 plus years of working with Barn owls I have never seen tis level of aggression in an owl this age. He managed to self release the next night and is now the 1/2 of the 3 1/2 Barnies in rehab. This above shot shows details of their coloration.

The next picture is a very good detailed picture of the 3 GHO babies. Notice at the furry feet.

Hope you enjoy these great photos. Compliments of Tom and Aj.

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Barnies, and Parliaments ?

6/20/2014

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Hopefully the other pictures will show soon. For now I have to push forward because the news is pilling up.

It was mentioned on the Bubba and Friends, Inc facebook page that we receive a cooper's hawk that died in our hands. A few minutes after he died rigor mortis set in quickly. While continuing to exam him for injuries I noticed blood coming out of the mouth. I collected some in a teaspoon, because the spoon was handy, with the intent of making a smear for microscopy. The blood never clotted, even in the very warm temperatures. Warfarin aka rat poison is an anti clotting agent. This substance kills by causing the mouse/rat to bleed to death, the death is not instantaneous. While rodent is thrashing about dying a hunger raptor , or your dog or cat, comes by and ingests part or all of the rodent. Warfarin doesn't break down but is transmitted through the carcass into the next animal beginning the process again. I am 90% sure this death was due to warfarin. Please be careful if you must use this product and do no sprinkle it around the base of bird feeder poles to stop the squirrels. Have heard from a couple sources that this sprinkling is a recommended solution to squirrels and feeder problems. It's not a solution.

This is the backside of a beautiful juvenile male red tail hawk. Notice the tail is not red, the tail becomes red after first moult. This fellow has a "fractured wrist", the bones are out of alignment. With a wrap and a good food he should be releaseable in a couple of weeks.

This is one of two Juvenile red shoulder hawks that we have received in intake. There are two in the flight pen but one refuses to sit on a perch while pictures are being taken. Both are this years hatch and have finally lost the last of the down, adult feathers are taking over.

This is "Grunt", a 1st year Red Tail found "hiking" on Interstate 75 south below Macon. He had a fractured which is healed and he is in flight conditioning. He has very gorgeous coloration in the sunlight.

The juvy Great Horned Owls are continuing to grow. Notice the one on the left finally has "horns". Horns are just tufts of feathers on top of the head, they aren't sharp nor do they contribute to hearing. In Victorian times a group of owls was called a "parliament", a title given in honor of their alleged wisdom. I think it's perfect name because like a Parliament these guys get very little done too!

Who me?

31/2 Barnies

We got in 3 barn owls from Laurens Wildlife.1 has self released but is still coming in for food every evening. These 3 are a sibling group ( Jim that means they are kin!) and stay together , the one who is half in rehab comes in to get his food when these 2 get fed.

The other one is not part of this family group and cannot be placed with them. He also becomes very distressed when you point a camera at him.( Sue have you figured out the 3 1/2 in rehab?)

Hopefully all 4 will be able to get along in the wild. Possible release sites are already being evaluated as their graduation day is approaching.

We have, locally, a place where we have permission to do Raptor programs. Details are being worked out and a dry run is in progress. I am excited about this as we can do 3-4 programs a year and can do special programs for our supporters. More details to come.

We are suppose to be in Georgia Trends magazine in July. Candace Dyer wrote an article and borrowed some pictures. Can you imagine us in a real magazine?

Note- At the top of this page their is place for comments. Click on it and leave a comment. I can answer your questions right here... on this very website. Ain't it a wonderment? Think I have be hanging around Parliament to long.

God bless...

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Strange year already !

5/31/2014

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We have had an influx of orphans since the last post. Busy busy.

We lost the juvenile GHO who experienced the brown recluse bite. It was not for lack of trying. A 200 lb person can absorb the bite better than a 2 lb owl. While we were treating the wound the venom was working on his nervous system. Thanks again to all the folks who consulted on this case.

Barred Owl- (Strix varia) We have received 3 of these gorgeous owls

The first was an auto injury . He was a mature male and had no chance of survival.

The second one was recovered from a barbed-wire fence. This was the first case I've seen of an owl with BOTH wings hung in the wire. A lot of bone was exposed in both wings as the tissue was ripped away from his struggling against the wire. Euthanasia was the only option.

The third Barred Owl was found on the edge of a state highway after contact with a vehicle. She recovered quickly and has been released.

The above picture is a file photo.

Barn Owl-(Tyto Albans)

3 young barn owls made their was to us this past Thursday from Laurens Wildlife rescue in Dublin. They are pretty roudy bunch. Remind me of three brothers I know. John, Richie, and Christopher are brothers and like these guys they are all about being boys., but good boys. These Barnies were found under a tarp that was spread across some bales of pine straw. The property owners found them when they removed the tarp. Sounds strange, I agree, but so does Barnies nesting under a bridge. These guys are very young but have mastered the blood curdling Barnie scream and can do it in unison. You won't like it. They have a way to go before I can gladly return them to the wild.

We have also received 2 juvenile red shoulder hawks and a juvenile red tail hawk. The Redtail was found in the debris of a tree that was bulldozed. It's was euthanized due to serious injuries. This young male seems to be doing alright. Question- Did bulldozer drivers ever look at a tree before they push it over?? I am sure the parents were making their presence known.

The Fuzzy Vulture is progressing nicely. He is a full fledged juvenile Black Vulture and he is mastering all the skills. Their growth and development has always been amazing to me.

Several songbird rehabbers have singing a very important message about baby songbirds. The whole thing is confusing to me but is very valid for them. Seems that many folks thing that baby songbirds can be raised to adulthood on bread and milk. As I understand these songbird folks it is very common to receive babies who have been fed this diet. What confuses me is the diet.

Folks think about it for just a moment. Milk is produced by mammary glands which are found on mammals.(mammary mammals, see the connection?). Birds are not mammals so they do not have mammary glands( flying would be tough if they did!). Baby birds are not fed milk by their parents because their parents do not have mammary glands. Why do people try to feed them milk and bread? I have had cases where people tried to feed orphan raptors milk and bread. Same story here. Birds don't drink milk.

Will have more pictures later....Thanks for your attention, you can have back now.

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It's fuzzy buzzard time and no jeopardy contestants here !

5/17/2014

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Warning ! The last picture on this page is very graphic.

It's late in orphan and many babies have started to fledge. I was rather surprised when Jim Heard called me with a rescued baby black vulture and a juvenile red shoulder hawk. He rescued them from people who almost made "pets" of them.

He is a very healthy juvenile, think it's a he, and has enough of a wild edge that he should be an easy release.

The Owls

Here some updated pictures of the juvy Great Horned Owls, their horns are still fuzzy bumps on their heads. These 3 thought they wanted to be Jeopardy Contestants. I gave the 3 of them all day to spell "IQ". They finally decided to just make faces at the camera.

Guess you notice there only 3 of the 4 pictured. The fourth is in a fight for his leg and his life. He has been bitten by a recluse spider, our best guess, and has some serious issues. The following picture is of his 2 days after the bite.

You can see the bite site on the side of his foot. The foot is currently coated with a special formula and wrapped to maintain moisture. Am hopeful about his prognosis but it is going to be a long haul. This is the first time in 25 years I have seen envenomation in a rehabbing raptor.

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Real Stuff and Class of 2014 in one place.

4/24/2014

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After much patience and effort I finally convinced these guys that the camera, the shiny thing that is looking at you, was not going to "steal their souls" got some photos.

Here they are. The top picture is a large female. The middle appears to be a female and a male. The third one is a little runt male with an eagle attitude. Have been trying to catch them together on a perch but they scatter when the evil shiny thing points it's "eye" at them.

There is quite an age spread on these 4 owls. Notice some have more feathers and less fuzz while others have more fuzz and less feathers.

They consume 4-5 25-35gram each daily. That's about 20 mice per day, about 3 (150 mice)bags in 7 days and we are looking at a couple months before any release is possible.

Will detail more as soon as possible. As of now they are very tolerant of each other and are eating well.

You can comments to this page by clicking on the comment button top right side. Leave a question and I

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Fly like an eagle, Freedom taste good!!!

4/3/2014

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After considerable effort and consultation with experts at Laurens Wildlife I am now able to show you the most excellent pictures AJ and Tom took and emailed me. I am glad AJ got these pictures because I was in the flight pen walking around in an encouraging way to stimulate Buckshot to go out the door. The boy was good, he got it quick and was already in flight across the road when I got out.

Notice the power of going from standing still in the previous picture to the leap in this picture and the power flight in the next. This all occurred in a matter seconds!!

This was my last view. AJ saw him as he turned to his right, kicked out of the tree, and with about two good flaps of his wings he was above the trees and headed east. He was a speck over Lamar co. when I last saw him.

This sequence of pictures are all copyrighted but they also illustrate the unpredictable response of a raptor. In the second picture he is looking straight at a huge tree with lot's of big limbs and a good field of view, at least I thought so. In a split second he turned left and went into pine trees. He 's free now and making his own decisions.......

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April Fools Surprise

4/2/2014

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For those of you who were prepared for my April Foolery yesterday and didn't get it please hold on to your preparations for next year. I do love April 1 as it is so much fun. BUT! some events occurred that produced a long awaited out come. A certain eagle's wing has finally healed, at least 90%. He was flying stunts in the flight pen like complete circular laps without touching anything. Since the weather is going to be decent for a few days we opened the door. Here he sits in Pike County a few minutes before he headed east and became a speck on the horizon. His wings were flawless, as they lifted him up, and stayed even in flight. No sign of residual damage.

He was last seen over Lamar County with east coast desires.

The decision to release him here was very complex since so many variables had to be considered. Those of us who saw him when he arrived remember how much blood was on the walls of the transport box from him jumping around and banging his wings on them. This wound finally has tissue covering the bones with most of the dermal layer intact. If we put him in the best transport box available there is still a very good chance he will report the behavior and open up the wound during the 2-3 hour drive. So the decision was made to release him here and let him "do the driving".

This has been one of the most unbelievable cases I have dealt with in 20 plus years of rehabbing raptors. Thanks to all the folks who consulted on the treatment plan. Dr. Gardner and Kathryn Dudek sent pictures of the wound to various Vets and other facilities for any idea that would hurry up the healing process without risking any permanent damage. In the end there was no miracle treatment so patience became the Rx. Now Buckshot is wild and free again, where we all need to be.

Thanks to the Jacksons for transporting him here. Thanks to Tom and AJ for their help( and bringing back fresh fish from Panama City to feed our guest). Thanks to AJ for being available on short notice to do this release. If I forgot anyone in print you are not forgotten in the big picture, he's out! We did it.

God Bless.

PS- I have some very good pictures that I am trying to load. Will try to post in the next couple of days.

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Flights, Kites and Questions answered

Mississippi Kites are almost ready!

Catch up!

Freedom and More

Barnies, and Parliaments ?

Strange year already !

It's fuzzy buzzard time and no jeopardy contestants here !

Real Stuff and Class of 2014 in one place.

Fly like an eagle, Freedom taste good!!!

April Fools Surprise

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