Thanks for all the feedback! We are going to fly right before long.
As of this posting we have taken in 120 raptors and released 88 back into the wild. For people who follow numbers these numbers are somewhat deceptive.
Our release success reflects the lack of severe injuries, ie crushed bones etc, that have appeared in intake this year. The vast majority of the injuries were legitimate injuries, but were correctable.
I have heard of organizations that pick and choose their intake patients so their numbers will look good. This organization does not. We are not rehabbing 24/7 365 for numbers. Our efforts are directed at keeping OUR wildlife in the wild. I learned years ago that you can't make a decision about a raptor until you have it in your possession.
The migration is in full progress. Notice the numbers of hawks on powerlines and power poles. If you look carefully you can see Kestrels, the smallest falcon, sitting on power lines. Around central Georgia Kestels usually show up just about the time winter hits.(Did you notice the temps today?)
With these temps it is a daily struggle to keep water pans thawed out. Food intake has double as the in house raptors struggle to maintain normal body temperatures.
It is now warm enough so I can get out here and start all over again.
Later
As of this posting we have taken in 120 raptors and released 88 back into the wild. For people who follow numbers these numbers are somewhat deceptive.
Our release success reflects the lack of severe injuries, ie crushed bones etc, that have appeared in intake this year. The vast majority of the injuries were legitimate injuries, but were correctable.
I have heard of organizations that pick and choose their intake patients so their numbers will look good. This organization does not. We are not rehabbing 24/7 365 for numbers. Our efforts are directed at keeping OUR wildlife in the wild. I learned years ago that you can't make a decision about a raptor until you have it in your possession.
The migration is in full progress. Notice the numbers of hawks on powerlines and power poles. If you look carefully you can see Kestrels, the smallest falcon, sitting on power lines. Around central Georgia Kestels usually show up just about the time winter hits.(Did you notice the temps today?)
With these temps it is a daily struggle to keep water pans thawed out. Food intake has double as the in house raptors struggle to maintain normal body temperatures.
It is now warm enough so I can get out here and start all over again.
Later