Birdwatching by Evelyn

Part of our mission here at the refuge is to educate the public about our native wildlife. Did you know that bird watching is one of the fastest growing hobbies and is an excellent way to learn and appreciate these wild creatures? In these financially stressful times, it is also a great way to spend enjoyable family time together on an inexpensive outing.

Identifying birds is often challenging, but the more practice you have, the easier it will become. Invest in a field guide, such as The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Eastern North America by David Allen Sibley.

Here are a few things to remember when observing birds.

1. Keep your eye on the bird; don’t immediately go to your guide.

2. Listen to the bird’s calls (short vocalizations) and song (longer, more melodious). It is one of the best identification tools.

3. Estimate the bird’s general size and shape. Compare it to other birds you know well. Is it bigger than a crow or smaller than a robin?

4. Make note of any facial markings -- stripes or patches of colors -- and look at the characteristics of its bill – long or short, curved or straight.

5. Look for bars on the wing and remember the shape of the tail. What color is the bird’s belly and back? Is the tail forked, squared off or rounded?

6. Observe the color of the legs, as well as their length. Does the bird have talons or are its feet webbed?

7. Study the bird’s movement and its flight pattern. How does it walk? When in flight, does it swoop up and down, or glide smoothly?

8. Try to determine its feeding habits. Does it dig at tree bark looking for insects or does is forage in your lawn.

9. Remember where you saw the bird. Is it in a wetland or woodland?

10. Record your observations, noting the date and time of day.

You are now ready to get started on this popular pastime. Take a long stroll and keep your eyes opened. Our feathered friends are everywhere.

~Reprinted from Pet Tails Magazine

Baby bird update

It's a cardinal! It's a female and is getting fat and sassy. She is hopping around and getting ready to fly. Compare the first pic to this one and see what a difference a week makes!

What to do if you find a baby bird

If renesting the baby is not an option:

- Place the baby in a softly-lined covered box with ventilation.
- Place the box in a warm, dark, quiet indoor location away from all humans and pets.
- Do Not attempt to give it food or water, no matter how much it begs!
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. You can find a state directory by clicking here.
Please DO NOT try to raise the baby bird yourself!! They need special food and special care around the clock. Again, contact a wildlife rehibilitator as soon as possible.

New bird arrival

One of our own new volunteers brought a very tiny baby bird in this morning. She found the bird on a morning walk with her dog. The baby bird was on the ground, under a tree, and appeared to be unharmed. She could see a nest far up in the tree, but it was empty and hanging at a crazy angle. No way could she return the bird to the nest. So, she put it in a shoe box, kept it in a warm, dark, quiet room, and brought it to EWR. Evelyn quickly assessed the baby and put it in a tiny, knitted yarn nest. It is now in a cage, in that nest with some older baby birds, and Evelyn will be starting the bird on baby bird formula. Paws crossed for this little baby bird!

Raccoons out and about

The first batch of raccoons are now out and about. They have been immunized and are now free to go out during the day to explore and learn life skills for raccoons. They don't go too far yet as some remain focused on the bottle. But, they will wean themselves off soon and become wild things once again. It has been so hot here in Virginia, some of them don't stay out for long as they want to come back to EWR for a cool bath or a good hand wash session!

Hoppin' down the bunny trail......

Well, not exactly hoppin'....not yet anyway! A couple of very tiny, baby bunnies came into the refuge nursery this morning. They are being fed round the clock. Sleep and eat, sleep and eat...but hopefully they will be hoppin' down the bunny trail very soon!!!

Mi Mi LePew, the baby skunk

Mi Mi is a sweet baby skunk who was brought into a local Vet office and Evelyn has agreed to take her into rehab. Since skunks are not native in Virginia Beach, once Mi Mi is ready, she will be transported to the western part of Virginia, where there are plenty of skunks for her to interact with.
Skunks only spray when they are threatened, so we are very careful that Mi Mi always feels safe and secure!! She is a joy to be around. She loves to play and to be cuddled and fussed over. Evelyn is happy to oblige!
photo courtesy of Mary Reid Barrow

UPDATE ON MIMI!
Mimi is now with another wildlife rehibiltator in western Virginia who specializes in skunk rehab. Good luck, Mimi!