Wildtracks Spring 2015 Edition

Patient Progress > > >
Trumpeter Swan
One cool October night a partnering rehabber brought in a young Trumpeter
Swan that unfortunately lost a battle with some power lines in Boone
as it and its fellow flockmates were heading south for the winter. He not
only suffered from electrocution, but he was also covered in lice and in
shock after falling a couple stories to the ground. Upon his arrival, the
staff at the clinic gave him a thorough physical exam and treated a few
wounds to his bill from the collision. Apart from having some disorientation
and balance issues, the swan was in reasonably good health and was
made at home with a cozy cage, blankets, and food aplenty.
Spirits in the Gardens
This fall we were once again invited by Reiman Gardens to take
part in an event called “Spirits in the Gardens,” in which we have
participated for the past four years. Our permanents brought many
sugar-filled smiles to the faces of the trick-or-treaters, many of
whom had attended the event last year and remembered our birds.
Sora (Red-Tailed Hawk) and Kessie (American Kestrel) greeted the
princesses, ghouls, and goblins as they entered the gardens, while
Harvey (Great Horned Owl) and Screechy (Eastern Screech Owl)
delighted children further along the path. Of course we can’t forget
Ernie, our Virginia Opossum, as he was “Super-Possum” at the
Children’s Garden.
Raising Awareness >>>
After we treated his minor wounds and trauma, we got the okay from our
vets to transfer her to an DNR officer’s private pond. At this pond she can
recover at his own pace, swim freely, socialize with fellow swans, and
hopefully one day return to the skies where he belongs.
The Trumpeter Swan getting settled into
her warm cage soon after her initial physical
exam. It was an eventful and stressful
night so some peace and quiet was much
deserved.
Both Saturday and Sunday were full of tricks and treats, and we
were fortunate to have our staff and volunteers there to happily answer any questions from
the crowds about the permanents and the work we do at the Wildlife Care Clinic. As the
eventful weekend came to a close, we were encouraged by the generous donations we received
from the public, which totaled $150, and were pleased to have fulfilled the curiosity
of all who attended.
Picture: Staff Member Kelsey
with Harvey
Attention Fisherman!
Please clean up after yourself!
Cut up large tangles of fishing line into
short sections before you discard it in a
trashcan, or recycle it. Some places
collect fishing line for recycling.
Cut up six-pack plastic rings. This little
extra effort will help save fish, birds
and other aquatic animals.
Retrieve lead weights
Frequently asked questions
Q: What is wildlife rehabilitation?
A: The rehabilitation of injured or orphaned
wildlife
Q: What kind of animals do you take in?
A: Native species of raptors, songbirds,
waterfowl, eastern cottontail, squirrels, and
many more!
Q: What do I do if I find a baby animal?
A: If there is not apparent injury, observe
the animal from a distance for 24hrs to see
if the parent came back for it.
Patient Spotlight >>>
Great Egret
Long-legs, S-shaped neck, all white feathers, long pointy beak. This would describe a Great Egret.
They can be found throughout the Americas. Great Egrets are found near water, salt or fresh, and
feed in wetlands of fish and amphibians. They wait for their prey to come within range of their
long blade-like bills, then quickly thrust their bill and swallow
their prey whole.
This fall we received an Egret. He was found by a family at
Ada Hayden here in Ames, Ia. He had a fish hook caught in
his back and was stuck to a tree. The family was able to cut
the line and Ames Animals Control
picked him up and brought
him to the clinic. Staff was able
to remove the hook safely. Other
than the wound from the hook,
his health was in great condition.
His recovery was fast and we
were able to release him within a
week back at Ada Hayden!
Pictures:
Left– Great Egret recovering at
clinic
Right– Staff member Jessica
checked him in and was able to
release him at Ada Hayden
We hope to see everyone next year for Reiman Garden’s Spirits in the Gardens Trick or Treat 2015! You can also check
out our Facebook page for additional program and fundraising information. A huge shout out to Reiman Gardens staff for
inviting the Wildlife Care Clinic to participate in this Halloween event!!
Creature Feature >>>
Least Weasel
It may be surprising to learn that our smallest carnivore is also one of our fiercest. The
least weasel is a small mammal with a huge appetite. Its sharp teeth and claws can take
down animals larger than its own diminutive size. Small rodents are preferred prey, but
least weasels will also chase down rabbits, birds, frogs and insects when necessary.
Though a ruthless hunter, the least weasel does play
an important role in its ecosystem. Its feverish hunting
reduces rodent populations, which benefits nearby
agricultural fields. Historical trapping, habitat
loss, and land development have kept the least weasel
population small in Iowa for many years. As a
result, this species is rare and of special concern in
our state.
Because of its size and very active lifestyle of hunting,
mating, and burrowing, the least weasel must eat
roughly 40 - 60% of its body weight every day.