The first of our two new flight cages is nearly finished! All that's left is to add some perches and obstacles that prevent the birds from flying in a straight line. (It's important that they be able to make turns and maneuver around things.)
These special enclosures allow us to exercise the birds in rehabilitation during all kinds of weather, and better prevent them from being injured than the traditional method of creancing, in which a bird's feet are tethered to a 50- to 100-foot line, the bird is tossed into the air, and the details of its flight (or non-flight) are noted. The new flight cages provide a more natural way for the birds to exercise and gain strength, so we will be able to return birds to the wild much faster, and that's a wonderful thing!
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“Nature is made to conspire with spirit to emancipate us
.”
~
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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NEXT MONTH:
MEET THE NEW EDUCATION BIRDS!
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FORT WAYNE PEREGRINES
Another Good Year, We Think
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Well, another peregrine nesting season has come and gone. This year, unlike previous years, COVID-19 resulted in downtown Fort Wayne office buildings being almost empty during the time the chicks would have fledged.
In the past, we've gotten reports of sightings from people who work and play downtown. This year, we don't know for sure whether all four chicks fledged successfully or not; however, the security team at the I&M Power Center Building has always kept a keen eye out for the falcons, and we received no reports of a "bird down" from them or anyone in the apartments nearby. We hope that, wherever they are, they are healthy and are in a place with good hunting.
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A SPECIAL NOTE FROM GIGI,
OUR VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
As things have been slowly opening up, Soarin’ Hawk will do the same with our orientations. For the time being, rather than doing one large orientation, we will be having smaller gatherings.
If you have previously sent in a request to become a volunteer, you should have received an email from me to schedule an orientation.
Thank you!
Gigi Stewart
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RESCUE OF THE MONTH - American Kestrel
06192020
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On June 19, the rescue line got a call from Anderson, IN about a hawk that the caller had found in his driveway. He said he had brought the bird inside, and for 3 days he put it out in his backyard, hoping it would fly away.
It didn't.
Anderson is out of Soarin' Hawk's coverage area, but when our rescue coordinator learned that the bird hadn't been fed in 3 days, and the caller wasn't sure if the bird had drunk any water, the bird needed help ASAP! Volunteer Bill O. drove over halfway to Anderson to get the bird (which was an American Kestrel) and bring it to our ICU, where it was found to have no injuries. It was just a fledgling that had just left the nest and was still learning to fly. After observing him for a few days to make sure he was okay, he was transferred to our rehab facility, where we will make sure he can catch his food and fly, then release him.
Please, please remember:
If you find an injured bird or animal, you give them the best chance at survival by contacting a DNR-permitted rehabber as soon as possible. By law, you may keep the injured one for 24 hours before being subject to legal action.
While you search for a rehab,
do not feed or give it water
, and put it in a quiet place, away from activity and noise.
If you have difficulty finding a rehab, call the Soarin' Hawk rescue line (260-241-0134) and we will help you try to find someone.
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WHAT HAPPENED TO PRIOR "RESCUES OF THE MONTH?"
February's
Cooper's Hawk
(01022020) still would not fly after he returned to the falconer for a second time. Unlike other hawks, Cooper's Hawks do not do well as education birds. He fought hard: first to live, then to perch, then to walk, against all odds. Our collective hearts were broken when the decision was made to euthanize him. Fly high and free, little Coop.
March's
Red-Tailed Hawk
(02202020)
is still in our rehabilitation facility. His vision has not improved.
June's
Screech Owl
(05212020) has been moved to our rehabilitation facility with the other orphaned screech owls. They all will stay with us until they are old enough to be released.
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HAPPY ENDING!
This Red-tailed Hawk (05312020) was picked up on Wilt Street and was believed to have been hit by, or flown into, a car. He was on the side of the road and moved to a grassy area. Some area residents called Ft. Wayne Animal Care & Control. Aiste M., another area resident, called Soarin' Hawk. Volunteer Kim N. took the bird to ICU and found that there were no apparent fractures; however, there was a small cut to one of toes on his right foot, visual signs of blood in his mouth, evidence of feather mites, and possible vision issues in his right eye. He was given medication for pain, powdered for mites, and given Ivermectin for parasites.
After he recovered from his injuries, he was moved to our rehab facility, where he practiced flying to regain flight strength. Finally, on June 28, he was ready to go home, and Kim N. and Aiste released him in Swinney Park.
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CELEBRATING YOUR GENEROSITY
Thanks to June donors . . .
Anonymous, P. Davich, K. Jakes, Kendallville Vet Clinic, M. Kennedy, M. Long, A. Manfredini, E. Meyer, V. Meyer, B.&M. Montgomery, The Perkins Family, Targeted Services, M. Wickersham, N. Yoeman, A. Zepke
. . . and thanks to the donors who give each and every month!
Amazon Smile, L. Dearing,
Bob Rohrman Subaru of Ft Wayne
, Indian Creek Vet Clinic, S. McInnis
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What a surprise! The Cooper's Hawk in your backyard, along with his raptor friends, is a direct descendant of the group of dinosaurs that also includes the mighty
T. rex
.
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We were able to rescue this beautiful screech owlet, thanks to donations from folks like you. Won't you make a donation now so we can help others like this little owl? No contribution is too small!
Your donation is tax deductible.
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Veterinary services provided by
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