Welcome from Missi, Avian Ambassador at Wild Bird Rescue, Inc.

I came to Wild Bird Rescue in the summer of 2009. Some woman found me on the ground and picked me up. Good thing she knew what to do. She took me to Wild Bird Rescue. At the door, a nice lady named Lila, picked me up and took me into a room called the infirmary. After a complete exam, Lila put me in this large box called a carrier. I stayed there for a few weeks while everyone decided what to do with me. Because I had completely lost my left eye, I would not do well if released back into the wild. The Migratory Bird Act of 1918 says I have to be releasable or be euthanized. Lucky for me Wild Bird Rescue decided to keep me around as their first education bird. I like to be called their Avian Ambassador...I think that sounds more important. Don't you? I will be going out to schools in the fall to help with presentations. I wonder if I get to use PowerPoint? I hope you enjoy keeping up with my trials and tribulations while I am learning how to work on the glove.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

December 19, 2010

Even though it's not baby bird season, our rehabbers are always working and planning ahead.  Today our dedicated rehabbers got together to review protocols and start writing new ones.  Diets are always being updated or changed, new medications are coming out to replace outdated ones, and training opportunities abound.   Because of these advances, we are seeing higher release rates and more success stories.   Rest assured, when the 2011 baby bird season gets here, Wild Bird Rescue and its group of dedicated volunteers will be ready.  Phee Phew!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

December 12, 2010

Saturday we had the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the Brittani Maye Gossett Memorial Aviary a.k.a my aviary where I live.  Brittani Gossett and her family were killed in a tragic plane crash.  Cutting the ribbon is Melanie Gossett, Brittani's grandmother.   I am so proud of my new mew.  My wish is that Brittani's memory will live on through me.  Phee Phew!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

December 8, 2010

One rehabber recently described this time of year as the “bent and broken” season.  Sadly most birds we see in the winter have been injured.  We might get in a Great Horned Owl which has been hit by a car or find a Cedar Waxwing that struck a window.  The cost of feeding and veterinary care of these injured birds can be quite expensive.  That’s why it is so important for your giving to be year round.  Just think…what would Wichita Falls be like without a place like Wild Bird Rescue?  Phee Phew!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

December 2, 2010

This handsome turkey vulture was one of our birds brought in to us by animal control.  It was found on the ground and couldn’t fly.  X-rays showed a clean break and the bones were aligned nicely.   It just needed some R & R and then time in a large flight aviary to regain its strength.  We transported this turkey vulture to South Plains Rehabilitation Center in Lubbock because they have a flight aviary large enough for a bird this size.  Our goal at WBR is to someday have a raptor aviary large enough so we will no longer need to transport larger birds which come to us.  Phee Phew!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

December 1, 2010

Wild Bird Rescue took in a nestling barn owl which fell from its nest high up in a warehouse.  Since we were unable to get it back in the nest, two of our volunteers transported it to South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Lubbock, Texas where they have a foster mother owl.  This is a face only a mother could love!  I should be jealous because Lila is holding it.   But since its now at another facility, I guess I've got nothing to worry about.  I hope Gail Barnes at South Plains enjoys her early Christmas present from us!  Phee Phew!