 |
|
|
|
Eastern gray squirrel ambassador Skeeter has been busy preparing his winter den
|
Wildlife's preparations for winter mimic ours, or ours more likely mimic theirs. Stashing food, slowing down, buttoning up and weather proofing homes, or even heading to warmer climates. Here are some quick tips on keeping wildlife safe this season, and read on about our upcoming Holiday Bazaar, patients in the clinic, intern opportunities, and more!
- Close up access to sheds, porches, etc. now before "nuisance" wildlife set up shop
- Keep food and trash out of roadways, protecting predator and prey
- If possible leave up dead standing trees, they make great winter homes
- Keep up raptor silhouettes on windows to protect winter migrators like dark eyed juncos and snow buntings
|
Help us kick start our year-end appeal and reach our $60,000 fundraising goal. We could not do this amazing and critical work without your support! To make your gift:
Online: Click the button below
Via Phone: 207-361-1400
By Mail: Center for Wildlife, P.O. Box 620, Cape Neddick, ME 03902
We are thankful for each and every one of you for being people that take action to make a difference in their world. As we prepare meals for all of our patients and ambassadors next Thursday, we'll be thinking of you. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
|
|
Announcing our Holiday Bazaar
Saturdays, 11/26-12/17
Post election season, you may be left with a feeling that you want to give back and have a direct impact on your world. Or perhaps you would love to just relax with friends, sip cocoa, and enjoy some retail therapy. The good news is you can do either at our "magical shop in the forest": our annual Holiday Bazaar!
We'll turn our raptor enclosure into a gift shop that is enveloped with the smell of pine needles (and maybe porcupine), the sound of holiday music (and owl calls), and the sights of wild animals up close and personal. Our unique gift shop in the woods offers you the chance to shop local and save wildlife in one trip. Here are some highlights to look forward to at this year's event:
- Henry's shopping booth (virtual shopping of exclusive t-shirt designs)
- Tours and photo opportunities with our owl, hawk, falcon, Eastern gray squirrel, and porcupine ambassadors
- Activities each weekend including children's author read aloud and signing
- Local artisan art and products from Jupiter's Labyrinth, Nina Herlihy, Jenness Farm, and more
- The chance to adopt an ambassador and sponsor their care
- Hot cocoa and baked goods
We hope to see you there!
A Gift of Caring
Our ambassadors live in large outdoor habitats that accommodate their needs, and travel to schools, libraries, senior centers, and other places in the community as part of our environmental education programs. Our inspiring friends also serve as foster parents to wild young of their species, showing them the ropes so that they can return successfully to the wild knowing who they are as a species, and how to survive. Through our Adopt an Ambassador program, these beautiful animals will continue to be the bridge that connects the community to a world that is usually only seen from a distance.
Adoption pays for the food, habitat and facilities maintenance, and staff time required to provide sanctuary and care to these magnificent creatures. Each of our ambassadors are available for adoption. You (or your gift recipient) are also welcome to come by and visit many of them between 9:00a - 5:00p each day. Click here to learn more, and to give a very unique and meaningful gift this season!
Thank you Business Sponsors
As you're out shopping this holiday season, you may be interested in supporting local businesses that support our work and local wildlife. Here's a list of our 2016 business sponsors:
Platinum
Gold
Silver
The Goldenrod
Tucker Associates
Macro Polo
Wild Birds Unlimited of Scarborough
York's Wild Kingdom
Woodin & Company Store Fixtures
Want your business to be among these community leaders?
Click here to give at the Platinum ($1,500 and above), Gold ($1,000), or Silver ($500) sponsorship level and become our partner for local wildlife and the community!
Email Emma with any questions about our program, or partner benefits.
|
|
|
|
Owls
Each spring, owlets hatch out of their eggs and are tenderly cared for by their parents. Their mothers keep them warm and protected, while their fathers ensure they have enough to eat. When they grow old enough to stretch their wings and learn to fly, they move as a family to "summer hunting grounds" where the parents will supplementally feed them until they get the hang of hunting on their own. As the light wanes, many prey species fly south or head to hibernation, leaving food scarce.
This combined with a snow cover means that first year babies (and even mates) do not stay together after the fall. They head off on their own, and fight to find unclaimed territory. Hearing lots of owl calls? It is most likely the sound of young owls wondering "Is this spot claimed?". Adults may or may not answer "Yes, it is. Move along!".
Because of all of this movement, and shrinking habitat availability due to development, Center for Wildlife sees many raptor patients in the fall and winter. Read on for profiles of two of our first fall/winter patients.
This tiny owl stands as tall as a can of soda, and weighs 1/15th of a pound. He was found on the ground, struggling to stand or right himself. Upon examination our staff surmised that he somehow escaped the talons of a larger raptor. He suffered many wounds and ruptured air sacs. His wounds were cleaned, sutured, and are healing, but of concern was the wound across his uropygial gland (oil gland). This is what allows owls to keep their feathers clean and in the correct shape for silent flight. Three days later he is perching on his own, and the gland is swollen and red but we are more confident that it will be functioning!
Barred owl
This barred owl was admitted two days ago after being found in the road, hit by a car. The couple that rescued him found him laying on the side of the road, listless and not moving. Upon admission our clinic staff found that he has severe head trauma, along with lacerations and blood in eyes and his mouth. He was given fluids for shock, eyes were flushed, and given medication for pain and swelling. Our veterinarian, Dr. John Means, looked at the owl's eyes yesterday and found that there is damage to the eyes, but hope for recovery. He is not eating on his own, but has begun standing by himself without leaning. We are hopeful that this owl that has endured so much can fly free through the forest once again.
|
|
|
|
Interns
"Winternship Opportunity"
Center for Wildlife is very unique in its dual mission of wildlife medicine and education, dedication to WILD-ONe and other research/data, volume of patients and species, along with offering an internship program. We offer hands-on learning and training to 30 interns throughout the year in spring, summer, and winter blocks. We still have a couple of positions open for our winter internship, one that focuses heavily on our raptor and adult mammal species. The internships run from 11/6-2/4, or 1/15-4/15, and part-time opportunities are available as well. Click here to learn more or apply today.
Become and Intern Host!
|
|
Center for Wildlife is calling for local families to consider adopting a Wildlife Care Intern for 10-13 weeks this fall/winter, or upcoming spring or summer. Our Internship Host Program began over 6 years ago and our community has hosted over 100 students and given them the chance to fulfill their dream of working with wildlife. We receive 70+ applications each year, and thanks to local families opening up their homes and hearts to young professionals, we've hosted interns from Wyoming, California, Michigan, and all over the country. Without hosts these opportunities to gain education and hands on experience at our Center (one of only a few dozen across the nation) would be lost. Host families provide housing and utilities, the intern is responsible for transportation and meals.
Interested? Email Diana to set up a meeting and site visit!
|
|
Upcoming Events
November 25th
(4:00p-5:30p)
Owl Prowl Series
Our popular Owl Prowl Series is back! This fun event introduces participants to the amazing adaptations of native owls. We'll meet under our education pavilion to learn about native owl species, their ecology, adaptations, and meet local representatives up close! Following the presentation, we'll take a short walk into the surrounding habitat to call for owls and listen for whooo might call back.
This event has a suggested donation of $7 per participant
**Email Katie to reserve your spot today
November 26th
(1:00p - 4:00p)
Holiday Bazaar
Browse nature-inspired gifts like wild-crafted hemlock wreaths, handmade acorn earrings, organic jams, wildlife holiday cards, wildlife baby blankets, beaver-carved walking sticks, Ambassador Series books, herbal goodies from Jupiter's Labyrinth, and much more. Meet live animal ambassadors, staff and board members. Shop local, save wildlife!
**This event is FREE
|
|
|
|
|
|
