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.
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.
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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