July 30, 2010

Does anyone have a good recipe for Mousesicles?  I sure could've used a cool treat on a hot day like today. Phee Phew!

July 29, 2010

We have our first chimney swift of the season. These little birds are very unique but sadly on the decline in the US. As usual, loss of habitat is the reason for their decline. Many homeowners with suitable chimneys constructed of clay tiles or masonry have capped the top. Most new chimneys are constructed of metal which is too slick for the swift to cling to or attach a nest. Because chimney swifts are usually solitary nesters each nest site is crucial. Fortunately, many people have caught on to the idea of constructing chimney swift towers. Wild Bird Rescue has such a tower at their facility. One pair of chimney swifts nested there this year.

July 28, 2010

Bob and Lila are just lucky I am such an understanding bird.  First you put a Yellow Crowned Night Heron in the mew next to me and now a Killdeer.  At least the heron was quiet.  This Killdeer hasn't stopped squawking since it moved in.  I'll be so glad when our Eastern Screech Owl finally arrives.  Wait...what did you just say, Lila?  Screech Owls are nocturnal!  You mean it will be up all night while I am sleeping.  I'm packing my bags right now!  A bird can only take so much!

July 27, 2010

What is that behind me?  I can barely see it out of the corner of my eye.  Let me try stretching a little more.  Wait...I can see it now.   I have TAIL FEATHERS growing back.  Phee Phew!

July 26, 2010

I want to say "Hi" to Winnie, a very clever young girl. She brought in a baby bird to us in her handmade Wild Bird Rescuing Box. Winnie is learning a valuable lesson about caring for our native wildlife. Because of children like Winnie, there will always be wild birds for everyone to enjoy. Way to go Winnie! When school starts back, I hope you will ask your teacher to invite me out to your class. I love to visit schools. Of course, Lila will have to drive me because she is the one with the driver's license. Phee Phew!

July 25, 2010

Mississippi Kite #7 was brought to Wild Bird Rescue this weekend.  It's so nice to be with all my peeps! Phee Phew!

July 22, 2010

If you are having problems with Mississippi Kites being a little over protective of their nest, I would highly recommend visiting this website.  It explains why we bird sometimes act the way we do during nesting season.   This site also has a really freaky pair of eyes you can download.  I don't understand how this will stop a bird from swooping down on people.  I cut out a pair and pasted them on my head.  I can't see a thing!  Phee Phew!

http://stfranciswildlife.org/SwoopingBirds.html

July 20, 2010

Today two nestling "Bald Eagles" were brought in to Wild Bird Rescue. We get several calls a year about baby eagles which turn out to be nestling or fledgling Mississippi Kites. Currently we have 4 nestling kites. By the end of baby season, Wild Bird Rescue will have rescued and released dozens of Mississippi Kites. I think our baby kites are every bit as majestic and beautiful as bald eagles. But then again, I am a little partial. Phee Phew!

July 12, 2010

I awoke this morning to find myself sharing my mew with a Yellow Crowned Night Heron.  Misery acquaints a man (or bird) with strange bedfellows. ~William Shakespeare

July 11, 2010

I just want to say thanks to Sam for doing such a great job feeding me all week.  You are welcome back anytime Sam.  Phee Phew!

July 8, 2010

Hey…who put this long-legged, wild-haired bird next to me in the education aviary? Are we running a hotel now? Oh, it is a fledgling yellow crowned night heron. Well I STILL think it looks funny and there is a strange fishy smell coming from next door.  Phee Phew!

July 6, 2010

Lila went to pick up one of my kind which was down in a yard. All its comrades were directly above standing vigil over their injured brother. Like the Marine motto to not leave one behind, these six Mississippi Kites did not leave their post above this bird. As Lila was driving back down Southwest Parkway to the Rescue Center with the injured bird, the sky opened up with 75-100 soaring Mississippi Kites circling above the treetops as if to say “Please take care of our injured friend.” Sadly the injured kite had a broken wing and had to be euthanized. It did not suffer and its life ended with dignity. Mankind could sure learn from Mississippi Kites. Phee Phew and Amen!

July 1, 2010

Aaaaahhhhhh...my new mew!