Megan checks off

Bird TLC's Events Coordinator, Megan Pool checked off on the Northern Goshawk yesterday. She did a very good job and will make an excellent education presenter.

To get checked off, Megan must do a presentation in front of her peers and have at least 1 member of the Education Committee in attendance. She must show that she can handle the bird and tell us about its species. When she's done she also must answer questions from the audience.

Megan did all that. Now she must do 2 presentations observed by another presenter and then she's on her own.

Congratulations Megan!

For more pictures. click here.

Memorial release for Fran Reed

Several dozen friends of Fran Reed turned out at the Bird TLC property on 9/27 for a memorial release of a rehabilitated eagle back to the wild. As I walked through the crowd I could here many stories being told about Fran.

The weather was perfect. The rain that had been coming down stopped for a day. The leaves were in their full fall colors and we even had an eagle do a fly by checking things out.

The eagle that was released was in a hurry to get back to business. She left the release box and headed for Potters Marsh non-stop.

The crowd stayed around for a while afterwards and enjoyed apple cider, snacks and a few more stories. It was a beautiful day for a release and a beautiful memorial.


For more on Fran Reed in the ADN, click here.

A Request from Megan

Mt. Ash Berries needed!

Now is a good time to start collecting and harvesting the Mountain Ash berries for our feathered friends this coming winter, especially the wax wings. And last winter I believe that we ran out of the berries. So if anybody is out and about and wants to pick some and bring them in, we would be much obliged.

Thanks!!!

Megan

How about 2 eagle releases in a weekend?

Our first release was on Saturday at the Bird TLC property. It was a memorial release for Rachel Tolley. Her family and friends all gathered for the release and then her ashes were scattered on the property. The bird released is the one I brought back from Soldotna on my way back from the Kachemak Bay Shore Bird Festival. On its intake exam it bit the heck out of my finger. When we caught it to take it to the release, it bit the heck out of Megans finger.

The next release was Sunday at the Alaska Sea Life Center in Seward. They got an eagle in while we were caring for the Ocean Beauty eagles. They held onto it until we got some room at our clinic. The bird had developed pox, an avian disease that is very contagious to birds and also can be deadly to the bird.

She recovered and we asked ASLC if they would like to release it. We couldn't have picked a prettier day in Seward for a release.

As our friend Susan at Susan Gets Native says "Releases are the BEST!"

Photo Credit: first picture Britt Coon / Bird TLC

Photo Credit: second picture Dave Dorsey / Bird TLC

New volunteers

From left to right, Cindy, Amy, Erika and Beki. Amy and Beki are fairly new to the clinic at Bird TLC. They both come with some excitement and help fill the gaps in the crews left when some of our other volunteers had to go back to school.

Here they help with Captain Hook, our bald eagle that came to us a a few months ago with a halibut hook stuck in his mouth. He's recovered from that but was reinjured while out at the flight center. We don't know what happened but he has an abscess on his right elbow, probably caused by another birds talon.

Cindy is draining the abscess while Erika shows Amy and Beki how to restrain the feet and head. Once that was done Erika shows them how to hold the bird while Cindy inserts a pill (antibiotic) into the birds mouth. The business ends of an eagle are its talons and beak. They can do lots of damage if they aren't restrained properly.

So far this year we've taken in 72 eagles and each one has had to have been restrained several times for exams and treatment. Some have to be examined or treated this way everyday depending on what they are here for. You holding the talons or head properly not only keeps you from being hurt but also those who are working with you.

I look forward to working with you Amy & Beki and I'm sure the birds are glad you're there also. We have a few other new folks out there that I'll catch up with later on.

Appreciation Potluck & goodbye birdies

We had our Volunteer Appreciation Potluck and Bird Release Party on Saturday at the Bird TLC property. The weather was a little chilly, but other than that it was nice. We had a good turn out and a good time.

We released the young Great Horned Owl that came to us with a broken leg a few months back. He took a few seconds to come out of that kennel, but when he did it was like a bullet. With the attitude he showed us while he was with TLC, he'll do just fine in the wild.

Next we released the Bad Boyz's. These guys came to us with no flight time. They were so young they had trouble standing up. Cindy had me take them to the flight center 2 weeks ago and boy howdy did they catch on.

They were released one at a time. We use a release box to release eagles. It's much safer for the bird and more people get to participate. The first one flew to the bluff and caught a thermal and just glided for a bit. Then he turned around and did a fly by and head across the street out of sight.

We released the next one about 15 minutes later. He came out of the box low and headed to the bluff and caught the same thermal. He glided back and forth for a bit and then flew along side of Potter Marsh out of sight.

Here's hoping the brothers hook up with one another again. They both still have some learning to do, but it wasn't going to be with us at TLC. They needed to do it on their own.

It's great that we got to do this with our volunteers. Like most non-profits, we wouldn't be around if it wasn't for them. I've said it before and I'm going to say it again " Are volunteers are the best!"

Photo Credit: pictures 2 & 3 by Dick Williams / Bird TLC

Photo Credit: pictures 1, 3 & 5 by Dave Dorsey / Bird TLC

More pictures here.

Gov Palin when......

It was a year ago Tuesday that Governor Sarah Palin helped us release 2 rehabilitated bald eagles at the Bird TLC property. It was delayed a day due to bad weather. Cindy called the Governor on her cell and she said she was still wanting to do it, it just had to wait until after they got out of church.

She arrived at the property driving her kids in her Suburban. She got out and grabbed a red hoodie with the Alaskan Grown logo on it and put it on. She made it a point to walk up to everyone and introduce herself. We knew who she was but she seemed like she was just another person. Who knew a year later she would be running for the number 2 seat in the country.

Bird TLC is not a political organization and you won't see me doing political post. But you will see me post about a person. What we saw was a down to earth mom helping out a not for profit organization and showing her kids a really neat event. She didn't arrive with her nose in the air. She seemed like the mom next door.

Volunteer Appreciation Potluck and Bird Release Party!

Volunteer Appreciation Potluck and Bird Release Party!

Bird TLC Property, Saturday at 2pm!

Please bring a dish to share.

We will raffle off the release opportunity for two bald eagles and one great horned owl, and there will be prizes, too.

Bottled water will be provided, but if you want anything else to drink – it’s BYOB (bring your own beverage)!

If you would like to have a seat other than the cement benches, please bring a lawn chair or camping chair.

If you still need bird credits this is a good opportunity to bring your bird out.

Photo Credit: Britt Coon / Bird TLC

Cindy gets new toys

Well, Bird TLC got new to us toys. In the picture you can see Cindy's excitement and how she can hardly wait to put this re-breather to work. There was a whole pile of little things donated by a veterinarian who's office was moving and he cleaned house.

To some people it might be junk or trash, but to us it's updating our older stuff to just old stuff. Hand me down veterinarian equipment keeps us going and our birds have a better chance for survival. We have an average of slightly over a 50% release rate.

And it isn't just the medical equipment that makes a difference. Office equipment and supplies, cleaning equipment and supplies, kennels, blankets, towels and I could go on and on. Here's a link to our wish list that will give you a better idea. The list is at the bottom of the page.

Donating supplies and equipment helps us to better utilize the limited amount of funds we have. We are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit and all of these donations are possibly tax deductible. We aren't tax people, so check with yours.

Speaking of limited amounts of funds, I don't talk about this often on the blog. We have some GREAT organizations and people who donate to us and it's appreciated. But unfortunately, the need for money is getting more and more. On average we admit 50 eagles a year. So far this year we have taken in over 70 eagles. We have also taken in over 480 other types of wild birds, from chickadee's to hawks and owls. We don't just take raptors, we take all wild birds that are native to Alaska or migrate through Alaska.

If you live outside of the Anchorage area and it's not feasible for you to come to our clinic to donate, we would appreciate your financial help online. If you notice on the side bar there's a donation button. You can donate to Bird TLC through PayPal 24/7. You can donate as little as $5 or as much as you would like. You can also order one of our limited edition 20th. Anniversary pins. All proceeds go to the birds.

We know that times are tough right now, we feel it also. If you can't donate, we understand. But if you can, you'll be able to know that your help keeps Bird TLC helping Alaska's wild birds.

Eagle release photo by: Britt Coon/ Bird TLC

Bye Red

9/2/2008

The Red-tailed Hawk release turned out to be quite a show today! At about mile 125 on the Glenn Hwy (just north of the "Hawk Watch" area) I took a dirt road off the main drag, in order to get far away from traffic. I found a great little place in a hilly area where I decided to release him. I opened the kennel door and he sat in the doorway just studying the surroundings for a few minutes, then flew up to the top of a Spruce nearby . Within a minute, a Northern Hawk Owl (one of my personal favorites!) began to dive-bomb him! The hawk seemed to fend him off just fine, but the dive-bombing continued for a good 10 minutes, the Hawk Owl cussing and chattering all the while. He obviously was quite perturbed and twitterpated with the situation - I suspect there were youngsters nearby. As if that wasn't enough, out of the blue a Northern Goshawk swooped down at the Red-tailed! He circled once, then flew directly over my head and checked me out, as if he knew I was the cause of all the commotion.

Anyway, when I left about 15 minutes after releasing the hawk, things had settled down quite a bit, but I could still hear that relentless Hawk Owl chewing the Red-tailed out. Those little Hawk Owls are ornery little cusses, huh?

Sorry for the blurry pictures.......too much excitement to capture it terribly well.

Ellen

This was taken from an email from Ellen, a long time Bird TLC volunteer.

BE 08-55 back to the WILD

Diamond Animal Hospital has been a supporter of Bird TLC for a few years now. Every year Dr. Seba, owner of DAH, buys a table at our auction and gives the tickets to his staff.

One of the perks this year for buying a table was to get a rehabilitated wild bird release. They were lucky this time and we had a bald eagle, BE 08-55, ready for release. As usual for Dr. Seba, he let his staff do the release and they selected Eagle River Nature Center.

Prior to the release we had coffee and donuts. We also got to meet some of the employee's family members. From there we went down the nature trail to an observation deck that looks like it was made for a release. Four people from DAH were picked to open the release box and then we had a picture perfect release.

Thanks to Diamond Animal Hospital for their support of Bird TLC. Without people like them we would be able to do what we do.

Photo Credit: Ginny Smith / Eagle River Nature Center Volunteer

More pictures of the release at http://birdtlc.smugmug.com/gallery/5880575_rXGyT#365377866_QDiJa

The Bad Boyz of Flight C

Cindy had me move the baby eagles from Fairbanks out to the Flight Center on Wednesday afternoon. They are getting bigger and needed to go there to get their exercise. They are at the age where learning to fly and compete is an issue.

We put them in flight C. It has 3 mature eagles that aren't well flighted due to their injuries. These guys can learn from them and compete with the mature birds for food and place. Being flighted, the boys can escape the matures if they need to by going to a higher perch.

I visited with them for a while and the matures seemed to be more curious than anything. I made the boys fly back and forth several times and they do well flying. However, their landings need a lot of work.

These guys will be releasable. The question right now is when. Right now is not the time, but we have winter moving in on us. Our unwritten policy is not to release birds during winter. We really don't want to release birds that are young and inexperienced. We also don't want to keep them over the winter. The longer they are in captivity they are susceptible to injury.

We'll keep you updated.

It's a little snowy

It's not unusual for us to get a bird in and we don't know how it got its injuries. Alaska is the largest state in the union with a population of about 665,000. Our population is smaller than Rhode Island. What I'm getting at is that there's plenty of open space.

This juvenile Snowy Owl came to us from Barrow. We think it's a he because of its size, but we don't know yet. He was found dragging its wing when it walked and obviously couldn't fly. It had several fractures to the right wing.

Dr. Todd Palmatier figures the wing could be saved, but the little guy probably won't get well enough to release. Because of the location and type of break, he decided to go with an external fixitor. If you remember, we used an external fixitor back in July on a Great Horned Owls leg.

Dr. Michael Riddle is a volunteer DVM at TLC also. He came along to observe the operation and assist. The operation took about 1 1/2 hours and we think it went well. We all have our feathers crossed.

We had lots of ER supplies and equipment donated recently, so it was a tight squeeze for the humans in the exam room, but there was plenty of space for this guy. Check out that he still has its immature coloring.


In celebration of our 20 Years of TLC, We have a special pin available. Go to our main webpage at http://www.birdtlc.net/ and you can order yours for $5.00 plus $1.00 s&h or you can save a buck and buy one in person at the Bird TLC Office. Tell them a little Snowy Owl sent you.

20 Years of TLC

WOW! What a day. We celebrated the 20th. Anniversary of Bird TLC, showed our last respects to One Wing, our beloved mascot of almost 20 years who passed away earlier this year and just had a good time.

For Education Birds, there were Bald Eagles, a Golden Eagle, Great horned Owls, Snowy Owl, Saw-whet Owl, Short Eared Owl, a Raven, and a Stellars Jay.

We had guest who were volunteers in the past 20 years, supporters big and small. We had a event called "The Early birds", that featured TLC Education Birds that started before 1995. We heard some good stories out of there. Mary Bethe told the timeline history of Bird TLC and had some pictures to show.

DR. Scott, the founder of Bird TLC, was blessed by the Native Elders. People lined up to shake his hand, show their respect and thanks for the organization he founded.

We had a Merlin release by Erin and then a Bald Eagle release by Dr. Scott, Barbara and 2 visiting Native Elders. 18 years ago, Dr. Scott wrote a poem called "One Wing", I've posted on here before. He was reading it to the crowd, but before he started he said "If you don't want to see a grown man cry, leave". Well, as he read it I don't think there was a dry eye around.

He also told some fond stories of his past with One Wing that definitely kept the crowds attention. He had a special bond with that bird.

Then it was time to spread the ashes. Bird TLC Volunteers and some of our invited Native Elders and Drummers set One Wing free.

Thanks to the Native Drummers visiting from Anchorage and Fairbanks. They were AWESOME! Thanks to Bill Smith who's taking some of One Wings ashes back to Valdez, close to where he was found. Thanks to Kaladi Brothers Coffee for coming out and donating their services. Also, Thanks to Salmon Run Express for their awesome food.

Check out the following for more pictures...

Bird TLC

Britt Coon

John Gomes

Squirrel Chatter

20 Years of TLC

Bird Treatment and Learning Center Celebrates 20 Years of TLC:
Bird TLC has been returning birds to the wild and educating the public since 1988.


What: 20 Years of TLC: A Bye-Bye Birdie Event
Where: Bird TLC Property above Potter Marsh (aka Old Rabbit Hutch)
When: Saturday, August 23, 2008 11-4pm

Come celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Bird Treatment and Learning Center and the end of the migratory bird season.

This event will include live education birds on display from 11-1pm with a special presentation featuring some of the oldest birds in our program at 12:30. Various speakers will speak on the history of our organization, the importance of wildlife rehabilitation and the significance of our community partnerships over the years. We will hear Dr. James Scott, DVM, founder of Bird TLC will share his memories. There will be activities for children in a kid’s activity tent from 11-1, and food and beverage available from local vendors. Bird TLC merchandise will be on sale at a discounted price. And, of course, a Bye-Bye Birdie Event wouldn’t be complete without a rehabilitated bald eagle release which will take place around 3:00pm.

This occasion also lends the opportunity for Bird TLC to say farewell to our dear friend One-Wing who recently passed away. One-Wing was one of the first bald eagles to come through the center after the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in 1989. Due to injuries sustained One-Wing could not be released and became the mascot and blood donor for other unfortunate eagles. He was with us for close to 20 years until this past spring when he passed away due to natural causes. Native drum groups and elders from around the state will be present to help us commemorate his passing with an ash spreading ceremony.

This event is free and open to the public. We hope you will join us in celebrating 20 Years of TLC! For more information call Bird TLC at 562-4852 or visit our website at www.birdtlc.net.

Wraps and bandages

We're not all veterinarians at TLC. As a matter of fact we only have two who volunteer regularly. The rest of us are salesman, therapist, artist, retired, wives, husbands. etc. So Cindy has hands on training for us as often as she possibly can to get us or keep us up to speed.

This past Thursday we had a class on "Wraps and Bandages". During the weekdays, Cindy would be the person handling the W&B's, but at night or on the weekend you might be the one. So you better know what your doing if you want a happy patient.

This is my second class. I take it about every year. I pick up a lot of birds at night and on weekends, but seldom do they require a wrap or bandage. I still need the practice, training and fun.

Here's hoping that most of us won't need that training, but if we do I think we'll do just fine.

Photo Credit: Ruth Dorsey / Bird TLC

Substitute Osprey Mom

Bird TLC Clinic Volunteer on Wednesdays, Erika is helping this baby osprey learn to eat on it's own. This is one of two that came to TLC about a week ago. This one was injured the worst. It had a broken wing and two burned legs from a forest fire. The wing has healed, but the burns are being a little trying.


The other was placed in a nest near Hatchers Pass by Matanuska Electric Assn. employees today.

Bird TLC website

Sorry I've been a little lite on the blog and visiting other blogs lately. I've remodeled the Bird TLC main website. It's taken up a little bit of my time. Thanks to TLC volunteer Patrick Clark for doing the headers.

About 5 years ago I was very new to Bird TLC. My wife Ruth was volunteering on Mondays crew. I would go into visit and see the different things going on, but hadn't found a spot to dig in at yet. I helped doing some repairs and did some begging at the local chain stores.

For about a month they had a sign posted on the office managers door asking for a volunteer webmaster. I had always tinkered with computers, my first was a Commodore 128, but I had never taken on a large scale project. So I finally asked about it. Glenda told me the last webmaster was too busy to keep it up. The website was down, old and outdated. I had not a clue on how to do the job, so I said "I'll give it a try". On the way home I stopped at Barnes & Noble's and bought Webmastering for Dummies.

At that time I could check out what they did have and make any changes with Microsoft Word. I got all the pages how I wanted them and updated all of the information. I just didn't know how to get it on the web. I figured it was a good time to get a return on my investment in #2 son, Ryan. He was going to UAA and computers was one of his courses he was taking. He came over and we were online in a matter of minutes.

From there it was all trial and error. I settled in and kept it updated. I figured that would be the ticket if I got one of those fancy website awards. I applied to everyone I could find. Most never answered. But I did find one guy who was really helpful. I've lost track of him over the years, but he picked the website apart and told me what changes I needed to make for it to be a good website. I stayed up all night making the changes.

After a few years I thought the website was too limiting. We needed to tell stories of what was going on. It needed to be like a journal and it had to have pictures. It also had to be easier than a website to update. It had to be friendly and not stuffy. I researched for a while and then I decided to launch "The Bird TLC blog" on July 17, 2004. For the longest time I thought I was the only one reading it, but I kept going. I figured if I got one new reader, I was making headway. The word about our organization was getting out. 4 years later and sometimes I still wonder.

I've met a lot of good blogging friends over the years. I've also made a few in person because of it. I like looking at the Feedjit Live Traffic Feed and Map on the sidebar. I see people from all over the world. I think the word about Bird TLC might be getting out.

Bird TLC Nursery

We got in 2 baby osprey today. They're very young and I don't have the full story yet. TLC was very bust when I went by today and I couldn't stay long. Cindy had visitors and then had to leave to get x-rays taken of a patient.

Our baby eagles from Fairbanks are doing fine. They seem like they're getting bigger everyday. Our other one from Soldotna (not pictured) is holding it's own for right now.

This baby Stellar Jay was being a hand full. He would run all over the cage, turn its head upside down or backwards before it stood still long enough with its head in the right direction so I could get a pix.

Kids, what are you to do?

One Wing honored with songs and celebration

By Rebecca George
Published Sunday, July 27, 2008

FAIRBANKS — One Wing, the bald eagle who amazed local veterinarians when he survived the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 with only one wing, died in early May after thriving for 19 years following the spill at the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage.

In honor of One Wing, Fairbanks Native drum group Soaring Eagle, along with many others from the Alaska Native community will perform traditional honor songs at a ceremony that both celebrates the courageous life of One Wing and commemorates the center’s 20th anniversary.

Soaring Eagle drum leader Bob Maguire saw the eagle as the true symbol of courage and sacrifice.

“He needs to be honored in the right way,” Maguire said.

Many in the Alaska Native community refer to One Wing as a special eagle brother because of his strong spirit.

A teary-eyed Maguire said “One Wing fought so hard to be free, and that’s how he destroyed his wing. But the bird kept lively as ever even though (the doctor) drew blood from the eagle countless times.”

Veterinarian Cindy Palmatier was the primary caregiver for One Wing at the Bird Treatment and Learning Center.

“We had to amputate his entire wing from his shoulder down when we rescued him, because he tore it fighting so hard to fly away free,” she said.

The chance that One Wing would live after his wing had been amputated was slim Palmatier said.

But the stubborn and regal survivor continued to serve as a blood donor to the hundreds of other birds that came in suffering from anemia and other blood disorders caused by the effects of crude oil and amazed veterinarians with his strength.

Despite the overwhelming amount of blood One Wing was transfusing, he continued to grow stronger each day.

“That bird gave and gave and gave way beyond what any bird should be able to accommodate, and we really utilized him heavily to help other birds,” Palmatier said.

The bird quickly earned a place in the hearts of many and was known for his bravery and noble demeanor among the other birds.

One Wing has had quite a following throughout the years thanks to poems written by now retired veterinarian Dr. Jim Scott and Joan Harris, who has written a popular children’s book titled “One Wing’s Gift: Rescuing Alaska’s Wild Birds.”

“People came from all over the country to check up on One Wing, so it’s only right that we finally release him in such a special way,” Palmatier said.

The ceremony will release One Wing’s ashes back to the Eyak Nation and into the Prince William Sound.

At the same time, another eagle will be released, and the members of the Treatment and Learning Center will be celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Soaring Eagle will perform traditional honor songs gifted by Chief Marie Smith-Jones of the Eyak tribe.

Maguire explained that the Eyak honor song holds a special place among the Native community as it was given back to the people about six years ago when they traveled to the now quieted village of Eyak.

“People were singing the song, but had no idea what it was about or where it came from,” he said. “The elders explained to the curious singers the origin and home of the song.”

Maguire explained that the elders told the younger generations the songs were still alive even if people weren’t living there to sing them.

“The songs are in the mountains and trees of Eyak, and that’s where One Wing should be, too,” he said.

The celebration and farewell ceremony will be held Aug. 23 at the Bird Treatment and Learning Center in Anchorage.

In addition to Soaring Eagle, many other Alaska Native drum groups and author Joan Harris and Dr. Jim Scott will be celebrating the life of One Wing.

Copied from the Fairbanks Daily News Miner.