Thank you to commenter (and pal of course) Meb for another of these great animal vids. This one has dolphins, which I think I've never posted on the blog before -- mostly because I usually only post things I have shot myself and I live in scalding hot, non-oceanside Houston.
Dolphins are the BEST! Check out what their Sea World keepers saw them doing one day...
http://wimp.com/dolphinbubbles/
Friday, August 13, 2010
Monday, August 9, 2010
Joy
Well, I can't seem to embed this video but it's a must see. A black lab playing with a young deer. Watched it twice myself. Here's the link at least:
http://www.wimp.com/oneball/
It reminds me of another video I put up on a prior post of an elk playing in the middle of the forest in a little pond probably made by a recent rain. This one splashed and danced around, took a break and did it again. It is just the most magical moment that someone (I assume with a camera mounted on a tree) happened to catch. Please check it out if you have a moment.
http://www.wimp.com/oneball/
It reminds me of another video I put up on a prior post of an elk playing in the middle of the forest in a little pond probably made by a recent rain. This one splashed and danced around, took a break and did it again. It is just the most magical moment that someone (I assume with a camera mounted on a tree) happened to catch. Please check it out if you have a moment.
Love and protect ALL animals, please.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Owlet hatched!
Last night the first egg hatched, and the chick was making itself known with the sweetest little peeps, though buried under Molly's abundant feathers. It's name is Ashley, I believe after a niece or granddaughter in the Royal family... The second egg should hatch anytime tomorrow, Monday....
Guess it will be hard for many to get any work done tomorrow! :-)
Guess it will be hard for many to get any work done tomorrow! :-)
Molly the Owl -- Surprise News!!!
For anyone who had been watching the Owl Cams from my links this spring, just as the babies flew the nest, MOLLY had a surprise second clutch of eggs -- 6 in all. She and McGee are such good parents, I guess it's not that much of a surprise, but there was a nice piece about the owls and Carlos and Donna Royal -- the couple who happened to set up the owl house with cameras in it in their back yard -- were on the TODAY show this morning.
They started out with 5 viewers, all family members, and as we who have checked it out (and could not stop watching) know, they have had over 15 million views from people like us all around the world. It's so compelling -- there is always something happening, especially at night, when Molly starts to vocalize. We know McGee is on his way. He flies in and they interact in very dramatic ways, as he brings her dinner. She dozes but never really sleeps as she carefully tends to the eggs, rotating each of the six again and again, tucking them under her with her beak and so on. They the eggs hatch, one by one -- which is as riveting and stomach churning as any final game of your favorite sports team or season cliffhanger of your favorite TV show. The chicks get named and we watch them grow --and grow and grow -- as McGee starts to fly in with meals more and more. Mom teaches the babies how to eat. Then they get bigger and bigger but they're all crowded into the little box. And finally, one day, each baby steps outside and flaps it's wings. One of those times it takes flight and lands on a nearby stand that may have been set up for that very thing. Then they become able to land on the owl house roof, which looks pretty cool. Eventually the nest is empty... but not anymore!!
Back to addiction watching, owlaholics! Here's the direct link again:
For more personal stories of my own little visits with owls, you can click OWLS from the categories on the right.
PS: I haven't fact checked these but considering the source, I'm sure someone has. Here's a bunch of general info about owls from the Early Show website:
OWLS
Owls are nocturnal hunting birds. They are carnivores and closely related to hawks. Owls sleep during the day and emerge at night to hunt small prey. It is believed that there are a little over 200 species of owls in the world, inhabiting a huge variety of ecological niches, from rainforests to tundra. Owls have a large head and large eyes that face forwards (unlike other birds, whose eyes are on the sides of their head). This eye placement gives them binocular vision and very precise depth perception. Also, there are circles of radiating feathers surrounding each eye, giving them a wide-eyed, alert look. Owls cannot move their eyes within their sockets like we can. In order to look around, they have to move their entire head, which has a range of movement of about 280 degrees. They use their keen sense of sight to find prey in the dark (owls see mostly in black and white). They have an acute sense of hearing which also helps in finding meals. Owls are stealth hunters, they can easily sneak up on their prey since their fluffy feathers give them almost silent flight.
Barn Owls
The Barn Owl is one of the most widely distributed birds in the world, found on all continents except Antarctica. It is a medium-sized owl. White or mostly white underside. Heart-shaped, white face. Back tawny, marked with black and white spots. Long legs. The Barn Owl is one of the few bird species with the female showier than the male. The female is more heavily spotted. The spots may signal to a potential mate the quality of the female. The Barn Owl has excellent low-light vision, and can easily find prey at night by sight. Its ability to locate prey by sound alone is the best of any animal that has ever been tested. The Barn Owl is the best pest control, eating approximately 1,000 mice a year. These owls are often associated with ghost stories because they fly silently, their white coloring makes them appear to be floating in the night, and their call sounds like chains rattling. The Barn Owl dwells beyond the forest and lives in manmade structures such as barns.
Screech Owls
These small owls are widespread and common. The Screech Owl is found in nearly every habitat throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada. It is common in urban as well as rural areas and readily nests in nest boxes. It is one of the smallest species. It has feathered ear tufts and is highly camouflaged. Gray, brownish gray, or reddish-brown. Screech Owl pairs usually are monogamous and remain together for life. Found in most habitats with trees, including urban and suburban areas. They are great insect control, and also eat crayfish, earthworms, songbirds, rodents. A screech owl was featured in the Harry Potter movies as one of the Weasley's pets.
Barred Owls
A large owl of extensive woodlands, the Barred Owl is familiar for its distinctive "who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all" hooting. Head round with no ear tufts. Great Horned Owl is the most serious predatory threat to the Barred Owl. Although they often live in the same areas, the Barred Owl will avoid parts of its territory occupied by a Great Horned Owl. They eat small mammals, rabbits, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. They live in forested areas, from swamps and riparian areas to uplands. Barred Owls typically hunt at night or at dusk by sitting on a high perch and looking and listening for prey, which they catch with a short flight or drop to the ground. Barred Owls can be aggressive, flying at and fighting rivals at the edges of their territory.
Great Horned Owls
Found from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest, from the desert to suburban backyards, the Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and common owls in North America. It is a large owl with prominent ear tufts widely spaced on head. These feathered ear tufts are not ears, but are part of the owl's camouflage. Although they are one of the largest species, they are not heavy because they have hollow bones. The Great Horned Owl is one of the only animals that regularly eats skunks, because they don't have a sense of smell and their eyes have built in goggles that protect them if they get sprayed. They will take large prey, even other raptorial birds, even regularly killing and eating other owls. Broad diet of animals, from small mammals to rabbits, geese, and herons, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates, but mostly mammals. Uses a variety of nest sites, including trees, cliffs, buildings, and the ground. Does not make its own nest. Typically takes over nests in trees made by other bird species. They have a traditional hoot.
Owls are nocturnal hunting birds. They are carnivores and closely related to hawks. Owls sleep during the day and emerge at night to hunt small prey. It is believed that there are a little over 200 species of owls in the world, inhabiting a huge variety of ecological niches, from rainforests to tundra. Owls have a large head and large eyes that face forwards (unlike other birds, whose eyes are on the sides of their head). This eye placement gives them binocular vision and very precise depth perception. Also, there are circles of radiating feathers surrounding each eye, giving them a wide-eyed, alert look. Owls cannot move their eyes within their sockets like we can. In order to look around, they have to move their entire head, which has a range of movement of about 280 degrees. They use their keen sense of sight to find prey in the dark (owls see mostly in black and white). They have an acute sense of hearing which also helps in finding meals. Owls are stealth hunters, they can easily sneak up on their prey since their fluffy feathers give them almost silent flight.
Barn Owls
The Barn Owl is one of the most widely distributed birds in the world, found on all continents except Antarctica. It is a medium-sized owl. White or mostly white underside. Heart-shaped, white face. Back tawny, marked with black and white spots. Long legs. The Barn Owl is one of the few bird species with the female showier than the male. The female is more heavily spotted. The spots may signal to a potential mate the quality of the female. The Barn Owl has excellent low-light vision, and can easily find prey at night by sight. Its ability to locate prey by sound alone is the best of any animal that has ever been tested. The Barn Owl is the best pest control, eating approximately 1,000 mice a year. These owls are often associated with ghost stories because they fly silently, their white coloring makes them appear to be floating in the night, and their call sounds like chains rattling. The Barn Owl dwells beyond the forest and lives in manmade structures such as barns.
Screech Owls
These small owls are widespread and common. The Screech Owl is found in nearly every habitat throughout the eastern United States and southern Canada. It is common in urban as well as rural areas and readily nests in nest boxes. It is one of the smallest species. It has feathered ear tufts and is highly camouflaged. Gray, brownish gray, or reddish-brown. Screech Owl pairs usually are monogamous and remain together for life. Found in most habitats with trees, including urban and suburban areas. They are great insect control, and also eat crayfish, earthworms, songbirds, rodents. A screech owl was featured in the Harry Potter movies as one of the Weasley's pets.
Barred Owls
A large owl of extensive woodlands, the Barred Owl is familiar for its distinctive "who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all" hooting. Head round with no ear tufts. Great Horned Owl is the most serious predatory threat to the Barred Owl. Although they often live in the same areas, the Barred Owl will avoid parts of its territory occupied by a Great Horned Owl. They eat small mammals, rabbits, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. They live in forested areas, from swamps and riparian areas to uplands. Barred Owls typically hunt at night or at dusk by sitting on a high perch and looking and listening for prey, which they catch with a short flight or drop to the ground. Barred Owls can be aggressive, flying at and fighting rivals at the edges of their territory.
Great Horned Owls
Found from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest, from the desert to suburban backyards, the Great Horned Owl is one of the most widespread and common owls in North America. It is a large owl with prominent ear tufts widely spaced on head. These feathered ear tufts are not ears, but are part of the owl's camouflage. Although they are one of the largest species, they are not heavy because they have hollow bones. The Great Horned Owl is one of the only animals that regularly eats skunks, because they don't have a sense of smell and their eyes have built in goggles that protect them if they get sprayed. They will take large prey, even other raptorial birds, even regularly killing and eating other owls. Broad diet of animals, from small mammals to rabbits, geese, and herons, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates, but mostly mammals. Uses a variety of nest sites, including trees, cliffs, buildings, and the ground. Does not make its own nest. Typically takes over nests in trees made by other bird species. They have a traditional hoot.
Thanks to earthsky.org and Shireen Gonzaga for the photo of Molly and babes.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
What Ever Happened to that Duck?
Never got the chance to continue the white duck story. So, as I posted below, I fell when I went against my own rules and jogged around trying to catch this bird. I dusted myself off and tried to enlist a few people to assist me in diverting the duck so I could pick him up but NO ONE responded as they passed. I mean, I was in a Zoo polo shirt, had nice hair, earrings. I looked perhaps like an upright person clearly with a job that involves animals... You'd think they'd at least say something back. Nope.
So I decided to walk him back to the Lake.
I left the carrier where it was, and picked up the blanket I'd brought, stretching it across the front of my body from arm to arm, forming a kind of cloth wall. And I started walking behind him. He marched forward, occasionally looking back at me. If he veered to the left, so did I. Ditto if he veered right, and it got him walking straight again.
We marched past the train tracks, and a sidewalk, the outdoor grills and a swing set, past gravel where people were playing ball and continued over the grass. The duck eventually started quacking at me, the frequency and volume escalating in direct relation to his increasing annoyance with me, I'm sure.
So I decided to walk him back to the Lake.
I left the carrier where it was, and picked up the blanket I'd brought, stretching it across the front of my body from arm to arm, forming a kind of cloth wall. And I started walking behind him. He marched forward, occasionally looking back at me. If he veered to the left, so did I. Ditto if he veered right, and it got him walking straight again.
We marched past the train tracks, and a sidewalk, the outdoor grills and a swing set, past gravel where people were playing ball and continued over the grass. The duck eventually started quacking at me, the frequency and volume escalating in direct relation to his increasing annoyance with me, I'm sure.
Apparently he can't fly, or I'd assume he'd have taken off at some point. Which most likely means he was owned by someone who dropped him off when they got tired of caring for him.
He finally got tired and resigned -- just stopped in his tracks. I slowly approached, and gently picked him up, just like I was taught as a docent at the Zoo. He sat calmly in the blanket as I walked him steadily the rest of the way, though his bill was open a little the rest of the way. Didn't know if he was hot or pissed. Just a few more steps and I could place him into the water. There was another duck already paddling around close to shore and I hoped that was a good thing. Maybe this duck had been bullied and was seeking refuge so far away. Or maybe it just needed to see another duck in the lake to realize he was one himself, and should take like the proverbial duck to water.
Once floating, I watched him for a few minutes. He seemed unsure he wanted to be there but that faded with in 60 seconds. His bill closed, he took a few dunks in the water, and then began to nibble at the greens growing below the water's surface, as naturally as if he'd been there all his life (and hadn't been annoyed by a 5'7" wingless, webless biped)
I headed all the way back in the scorching sun, numb from my chin to my hairline, collected my carrier and bread, then trudged even further to where I'd parked the car. My jeans were ripped, and prime spots were covered in dirt from my fall. So far, the novicane was holding (this paragraph only makes sense if you read the previous post). I got home and fell into bed.
I headed all the way back in the scorching sun, numb from my chin to my hairline, collected my carrier and bread, then trudged even further to where I'd parked the car. My jeans were ripped, and prime spots were covered in dirt from my fall. So far, the novicane was holding (this paragraph only makes sense if you read the previous post). I got home and fell into bed.
Two days later, my tooth is 100% better. I'm driving to work and see a bright white football shaped thing in a similar place in the grass.
(yes Ellen, you're psychic)
THE DUCK WAS BACK!!!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
The Duck is White and I'm Black and Blue
This is a continuation of the story I started about the Pekin duck I found dangerously close to a busy main road at the Park. If you haven't seen it, it would help to click the link to read it first.
The next day, I find myself dying at work. Had a massive toothache out of the blue, radiating into my eye and jaw. Left work for an X-ray and they said I had to see a specialist right then who'd fit me in. I drove back to work first to get some papers to bring with me, and I see a white fluffy butt on that lawn, STILL.
I could not stop now, but I thought about it all the way through the two + hour root canal I had done that afternoon. She shot me up with something just as I was leaving and told me that would help me when the novicaine wore off, but after that I ought to be where I needed to be for the rest of the night because I'd be in pain. Knowing I had an hour or so before I might be unable to function, I had to go save that duck. He was so far from any parking lot, it was going to be a hike, in boiling temps to boot. With a fresh root canal.
The next day, I find myself dying at work. Had a massive toothache out of the blue, radiating into my eye and jaw. Left work for an X-ray and they said I had to see a specialist right then who'd fit me in. I drove back to work first to get some papers to bring with me, and I see a white fluffy butt on that lawn, STILL.
I could not stop now, but I thought about it all the way through the two + hour root canal I had done that afternoon. She shot me up with something just as I was leaving and told me that would help me when the novicaine wore off, but after that I ought to be where I needed to be for the rest of the night because I'd be in pain. Knowing I had an hour or so before I might be unable to function, I had to go save that duck. He was so far from any parking lot, it was going to be a hike, in boiling temps to boot. With a fresh root canal.
I parked in the lot near the fountains, and studied what I had in the trunk. I decided on a carrier, cracked corn, bread, and a blanket. My large net might have been good, but I'd left it at home. I bucked up and began the walk, thinking of my strategy the entire time. I decided to put the carrier down, and gently approach the duck, drop bread pieces and earn it's trust, then pick it up, put it in the carrier and take it to the lake.
Long story short, it didn't work. He was rather skittish and while interested in the bread, there was no way to get close. It's pretty clear that I was in a hurry under the circumstances, and he sensed that. Not my usual whisperer style... so I did what I never do -- I chased him. This is never a good thing. The animal always wins. I was wearing keen sandals, and if you know them you also know they have knobby rubber toe guards. Well I caught that on the edge of the kiddie railroad track and landed hard on my knees, then fell to the side on my right hip.
Here were the knees two days later. The one on my hip looked like I got it skiing (and falling) 0n the icy slopes of New England.
And three days later, the bruises that had astonished me to begin with were MUCH worse -- 5 x larger -- on both knees.
What? Do I have a vitamin deficiency???? And yet, when I think it was all to save a duck, it makes me smile.
And three days later, the bruises that had astonished me to begin with were MUCH worse -- 5 x larger -- on both knees.
What? Do I have a vitamin deficiency???? And yet, when I think it was all to save a duck, it makes me smile.Oh yes, I did end up delivering him safely to the lake. To be continued....
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Danger! Danger!
Tuesday I was driving home from work, which is a whopping 6 minute commute. I drive past about a mile or so of grass on the back end of The Park, continue on a few lights and boom: my apartment.
So I'd just turned onto Main street and within several feet saw a large Pekin duck (the Alfac kind) about to step into traffic. There is no curb, only two lanes in each direction, with a MetroRail speeding down the middle. I quickly checked my mirror and saw I had a few seconds before the fast-moving cars behind me would be on my fender, so I hit my blinkers, hopped out of my jeep, and shooed the single webbed foot that was poised above the hot cement, ready to step itself into feather heaven, back onto the grass (or in this case, a puddle left by an afternoon downpour).
... to be followed by the next step, and the next, as I continued behind him making encouraging motions and sounds until he was safely over the sidewalk, and the kiddie railroad tracks beyond.
As I did this, I glanced over my shoulder at the car several times, realizing it was highly likely someone could not be paying attention and ram right into it as I was busy walking the duck back to safety. But I have my priorities! (If I'd gotten a flat, that's what I'd have had to do, so people could think I had car trouble for a few seconds, and go around me. I've since bought florescent orange, mini construction cones for extra assurance that I would act responsibly toward humans as well, should I need an emergency stop again).
I'd never seen waterfowl on this side (not to mention this far from the H20) in the 4 plus years I've been here. To get to this road, he had wandered past picnic benches, rest rooms, BBQ grills, playgrounds (with their attendant kids, parents and pets), the children's trains' tracks and it's pick up station and two sidewalks spread across acres and acres of grass and gravel.
While I was marching the duck inland, I calculated just how far away the lake was, and realized that I could not exactly leave my car where it was for long enough to get him there. By this time he'd begun to quack loudly, clearly annoyed by me. I got him to another deep double puddle made by the earlier rain. Once his feet were in water and he had something to drink, I decided that would have to do. And he seemed happy enough to stay here. I raced back to the car and drove off, hoping that he would remain safe...
There's much more to this story so keep an eye out for the next installment!
So I'd just turned onto Main street and within several feet saw a large Pekin duck (the Alfac kind) about to step into traffic. There is no curb, only two lanes in each direction, with a MetroRail speeding down the middle. I quickly checked my mirror and saw I had a few seconds before the fast-moving cars behind me would be on my fender, so I hit my blinkers, hopped out of my jeep, and shooed the single webbed foot that was poised above the hot cement, ready to step itself into feather heaven, back onto the grass (or in this case, a puddle left by an afternoon downpour).
... to be followed by the next step, and the next, as I continued behind him making encouraging motions and sounds until he was safely over the sidewalk, and the kiddie railroad tracks beyond.
As I did this, I glanced over my shoulder at the car several times, realizing it was highly likely someone could not be paying attention and ram right into it as I was busy walking the duck back to safety. But I have my priorities! (If I'd gotten a flat, that's what I'd have had to do, so people could think I had car trouble for a few seconds, and go around me. I've since bought florescent orange, mini construction cones for extra assurance that I would act responsibly toward humans as well, should I need an emergency stop again).
I'd never seen waterfowl on this side (not to mention this far from the H20) in the 4 plus years I've been here. To get to this road, he had wandered past picnic benches, rest rooms, BBQ grills, playgrounds (with their attendant kids, parents and pets), the children's trains' tracks and it's pick up station and two sidewalks spread across acres and acres of grass and gravel.
While I was marching the duck inland, I calculated just how far away the lake was, and realized that I could not exactly leave my car where it was for long enough to get him there. By this time he'd begun to quack loudly, clearly annoyed by me. I got him to another deep double puddle made by the earlier rain. Once his feet were in water and he had something to drink, I decided that would have to do. And he seemed happy enough to stay here. I raced back to the car and drove off, hoping that he would remain safe...
There's much more to this story so keep an eye out for the next installment!
Monday, June 14, 2010
There's Something About Mary
Get ready for a dose of sweetness. I just melt into a puddle when I see these movies. Baby squirrel season is long over... it won't come again until Fall, but now I get to sort through various pictures and little video clips I've taken along the way. Too busy while they're in my charge to do it. It's just the most enormous privilege and I still can't quite believe that I get to care for these darling little beings. I dare you to look at these and call them Tree Rats!
I had a trio I've written about. Like any rehabber, I don't name them, because they're wild animals, not pets, and I'm just a temporary caregiver, there to serve their health and growth for a short time until they can be released back into nature. But for the purposes of telling a story on the blog, I usually attach names to animals and in this case, I called this one Mary -- as she was part of a trio with two brothers (Peter and Paul, natch). It's easier to read about PP&M than # 18 19, & 20 isn't it?
I've had infant squirrels, eyes as yet unopened, who lift up their little noses when I've raised the lid of their tank to peer in. Even if they are in a dead sleep, it seems the squirrel's highly developed sense of smell (which later serves them in locating nuts they've buried, even if the ground is covered with snow) lets them know "mom" is there. And since they don't interact with me for the most part except at feeding and cleaning time, mom really means MILK.
But there was something about Mary... she did something to-die-for cute, which was to start smacking her little mouth in anticipation when I'd lift her up. I got the camera one morning and managed to catch it. Here, I'd just put her brother who I'd just finished feeding into a fleece lined bowl with the other brother who I'd fed first. Mary was in a deep little sleep (they look like such angels) and like any sleepy baby, was not sure she wanted to get up for breakfast. I stroked her nose to try to give her a little warning. But once I lift her up she realizes what's happening and does her uh-dorable little smacking thing.
AND NOW YOU CAN SEE THESE MOVIES FULL SCREEN FINALLY!!!! Just click the little arrows in the lower left corner of the screen below.
Aaaaaahhhh so cute! Those little paws pushing out, like Heeeey wait, where are we going? Then a little clip of her sweetly drinking:
A few cc's later and she is conked out, trusting, innocent, peacefully sleeping in my hand. And you have NO idea how utterly soft and feather light these little ones are. And that thin little tail, curling up on reflex. I could watch these 1000 times, while my heart swells and a plethora of little cartoon hearts float around my head.
WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?
I had a trio I've written about. Like any rehabber, I don't name them, because they're wild animals, not pets, and I'm just a temporary caregiver, there to serve their health and growth for a short time until they can be released back into nature. But for the purposes of telling a story on the blog, I usually attach names to animals and in this case, I called this one Mary -- as she was part of a trio with two brothers (Peter and Paul, natch). It's easier to read about PP&M than # 18 19, & 20 isn't it?
I've had infant squirrels, eyes as yet unopened, who lift up their little noses when I've raised the lid of their tank to peer in. Even if they are in a dead sleep, it seems the squirrel's highly developed sense of smell (which later serves them in locating nuts they've buried, even if the ground is covered with snow) lets them know "mom" is there. And since they don't interact with me for the most part except at feeding and cleaning time, mom really means MILK.
But there was something about Mary... she did something to-die-for cute, which was to start smacking her little mouth in anticipation when I'd lift her up. I got the camera one morning and managed to catch it. Here, I'd just put her brother who I'd just finished feeding into a fleece lined bowl with the other brother who I'd fed first. Mary was in a deep little sleep (they look like such angels) and like any sleepy baby, was not sure she wanted to get up for breakfast. I stroked her nose to try to give her a little warning. But once I lift her up she realizes what's happening and does her uh-dorable little smacking thing.
AND NOW YOU CAN SEE THESE MOVIES FULL SCREEN FINALLY!!!! Just click the little arrows in the lower left corner of the screen below.
Aaaaaahhhh so cute! Those little paws pushing out, like Heeeey wait, where are we going? Then a little clip of her sweetly drinking:
A few cc's later and she is conked out, trusting, innocent, peacefully sleeping in my hand. And you have NO idea how utterly soft and feather light these little ones are. And that thin little tail, curling up on reflex. I could watch these 1000 times, while my heart swells and a plethora of little cartoon hearts float around my head.
WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE?
Sunday, June 13, 2010
An Enchanting Story
Hey everyone --
Hey Everybody!
One of our fellow bloggers, Bindu, whose blog is fantastic (called Transient Lives), wrote a blog post when I first dicsovered her, that I never have forgotten. I asked her to write it up for me and send the pictures she'd taken so I could re-post it on the Houston Zoo's blog as a guest blogger. Having just read it again, I am still feeling the journey of the story. It's so well written, I just thought you might want to read it. Trust me, it's worth the click!
See the Post HERE.
And if you care to, please leave a comment and support a fellow blogger! We all live for comments!
Hey Everybody!
One of our fellow bloggers, Bindu, whose blog is fantastic (called Transient Lives), wrote a blog post when I first dicsovered her, that I never have forgotten. I asked her to write it up for me and send the pictures she'd taken so I could re-post it on the Houston Zoo's blog as a guest blogger. Having just read it again, I am still feeling the journey of the story. It's so well written, I just thought you might want to read it. Trust me, it's worth the click!
See the Post HERE.
And if you care to, please leave a comment and support a fellow blogger! We all live for comments!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Otter Love! So Cute I'm Melting!
I don't often put on stuff that's not my own but this is just major smile material. Cheer you up no matter what you're day's been like stuff.
Trust me, this is one of the cutest videos ever. Watch it to the very end though... there's bonus cute stuff when they float away and then come back together.
Trust me, this is one of the cutest videos ever. Watch it to the very end though... there's bonus cute stuff when they float away and then come back together.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Another Good Day
I stopped by The Center Wednesday in the middle of the day... now that I am working full time, and was packing/moving/unpacking in every spare second for the last 8 weeks, AND have had the absolute worst seasonal allergies ever for months, I have not been able to physically volunteer there. I have been doing other things for them and I do miss being hands on.
But I found a juvenile blue jay floundering in the middle of the road with two cars speeding toward it from opposite directions. I thought someone had hit it or it'd fallen out of a nest or had crashed trying to learn to fly. I leapt out of my car, stopped the traffic, grabbed some cloth from the backseat, slowly approached the bird, and it allowed me to pick it up ever so gently.
The mother was doing all kinds of kaw-ing and fluttering from branch to branch overhead. I did follow her onto someone's lawn and held the baby up to the mother, who definitely turned her head so that one eye could fix on the fledgling. I was hoping the bird would just fly up to mom, after being stunned in the street. It's mouth was wide open, and while there was no blood, it's right foot was crunched up beneath her and her right wing was askew. There was no flying to mom, and mom eventually flew further away, though still sounding distressed. I was thinking, broken wing, and was hoping it didn't mean internal injuries instead. So I put it in my carrier and called work.
My fabulous boss suggested I indeed go ahead and take it to the Center, which fortunately was only about 12 minutes drive (with me speeding a little, of course). I noticed that the bird seemed quite calm, and had shut it's mouth, and was not seeming stressed. That was good. When I dropped the bird off, no sooner was it put on triage row that it suddenly came to life. Both feet and wings seemed to work okay! And it was tapping it's beak against the glass, like let me out. I asked, "Do I take it back then, and set it free?" The answer was no. There could be injuries, it could have been a stroke... better to be there where it could be observed and treated if so, and well fed and protected from predators, leading to being set free in a few weeks anyway. Win/win.
So I went to leave, and one of the volunteers happened to walk by holding this:
A most beautiful bobcat. Look at that foot! I'd never seen a bob cat before, and here this little one was, as sweet and docile as any house kitten. I asked if she snapped or bit or clawed and the answer was no... but we all know someday soon, that will be her nature. In the mean time I did have to reach out to touch it's furry head and take hold of one paw, just because...
I'd read on their website about this one who was brought in by a hiker who said it had followed her around the woods for over an hour, no mom in sight. I thought, darn, I will not be able to see something so extraordinary, because I'm not able to be there as much right now. And lo and behold, I got this little blessing.
Add that to the fact that the blue jay did not meet her end on the hot concrete and has another chance to grow up and live and fly, and it was a damn good day.
But I found a juvenile blue jay floundering in the middle of the road with two cars speeding toward it from opposite directions. I thought someone had hit it or it'd fallen out of a nest or had crashed trying to learn to fly. I leapt out of my car, stopped the traffic, grabbed some cloth from the backseat, slowly approached the bird, and it allowed me to pick it up ever so gently.
The mother was doing all kinds of kaw-ing and fluttering from branch to branch overhead. I did follow her onto someone's lawn and held the baby up to the mother, who definitely turned her head so that one eye could fix on the fledgling. I was hoping the bird would just fly up to mom, after being stunned in the street. It's mouth was wide open, and while there was no blood, it's right foot was crunched up beneath her and her right wing was askew. There was no flying to mom, and mom eventually flew further away, though still sounding distressed. I was thinking, broken wing, and was hoping it didn't mean internal injuries instead. So I put it in my carrier and called work.
My fabulous boss suggested I indeed go ahead and take it to the Center, which fortunately was only about 12 minutes drive (with me speeding a little, of course). I noticed that the bird seemed quite calm, and had shut it's mouth, and was not seeming stressed. That was good. When I dropped the bird off, no sooner was it put on triage row that it suddenly came to life. Both feet and wings seemed to work okay! And it was tapping it's beak against the glass, like let me out. I asked, "Do I take it back then, and set it free?" The answer was no. There could be injuries, it could have been a stroke... better to be there where it could be observed and treated if so, and well fed and protected from predators, leading to being set free in a few weeks anyway. Win/win.
So I went to leave, and one of the volunteers happened to walk by holding this:
A most beautiful bobcat. Look at that foot! I'd never seen a bob cat before, and here this little one was, as sweet and docile as any house kitten. I asked if she snapped or bit or clawed and the answer was no... but we all know someday soon, that will be her nature. In the mean time I did have to reach out to touch it's furry head and take hold of one paw, just because...
I'd read on their website about this one who was brought in by a hiker who said it had followed her around the woods for over an hour, no mom in sight. I thought, darn, I will not be able to see something so extraordinary, because I'm not able to be there as much right now. And lo and behold, I got this little blessing.Add that to the fact that the blue jay did not meet her end on the hot concrete and has another chance to grow up and live and fly, and it was a damn good day.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Just Ducky
.... and Geese-y, to be completely accurate.
I took a walk in The Park for the first time in a long time. I've been so busy with all the other ways I've gotten involved with animals that the place that started me in this direction -- The Park and all the animal regulars in it -- have fallen on the back burner. * hanging head* Isn't that just like life... I never want to take things for granted that are that special. So I got myself there, with bread and cracked corn in my pockets.
I've written often about the ones who I developed relationships with, Mr. and Mrs Goose probably getting top billing (had to say it). So the first two I looked for were them. They are the biggest and the loudest, so they are not hard to find, if they're not resting deep within the thicket on the island in the middle of The Lake. Thankfully I saw them right away, padding around in a rather soggy patch of forest, pecking at greens, which seem to be a daily part of their diet.
However, when I held out a little bread, it got their attention!
I included this second picture because it shows both of their faces in profile. It's worth clicking on the picture to open and see how beautiful they are. And she, who is the smaller of the two and in the lower right of the picture, has features that just look more feminine, even though their markings are almost identical. She looks like she has a more almond shaped eye, or up-swept eyeliner on....
And then there was Elvis.... the Muscoy duck. Once in a while I don't see him but overall he is a fixture, never straying from the edges of the reflection pool
And I also saw the third of my top three favorite buddies, the Indian Running duck. I don't have any name for him but as I've written here, he quacks me up with his adrenalized personality. He runs faster than any of the others over to me, and can't stand still be cause he is so revved up. He quacks at rapid speed and also stamps his little orange feet. So funny.
As a result, most of my pictures of him are blurred like the one below, because he's in such constant motion. And he's in the middle of talking to me. Fast talking, fast walking, very verbal... this duck could easily be a New Yorker (said fondly, as I consider myself to be one -- a New Yorker that is).
He looks like he's saying: WHERE WERE YOU??? DO YOU LIKE SQUIRRELS BETTER THAN US NOW????
The answer is, no.
I'm quite smitten with them all.
I took a walk in The Park for the first time in a long time. I've been so busy with all the other ways I've gotten involved with animals that the place that started me in this direction -- The Park and all the animal regulars in it -- have fallen on the back burner. * hanging head* Isn't that just like life... I never want to take things for granted that are that special. So I got myself there, with bread and cracked corn in my pockets.
I've written often about the ones who I developed relationships with, Mr. and Mrs Goose probably getting top billing (had to say it). So the first two I looked for were them. They are the biggest and the loudest, so they are not hard to find, if they're not resting deep within the thicket on the island in the middle of The Lake. Thankfully I saw them right away, padding around in a rather soggy patch of forest, pecking at greens, which seem to be a daily part of their diet.
However, when I held out a little bread, it got their attention!
I included this second picture because it shows both of their faces in profile. It's worth clicking on the picture to open and see how beautiful they are. And she, who is the smaller of the two and in the lower right of the picture, has features that just look more feminine, even though their markings are almost identical. She looks like she has a more almond shaped eye, or up-swept eyeliner on....
And then there was Elvis.... the Muscoy duck. Once in a while I don't see him but overall he is a fixture, never straying from the edges of the reflection pool
And I also saw the third of my top three favorite buddies, the Indian Running duck. I don't have any name for him but as I've written here, he quacks me up with his adrenalized personality. He runs faster than any of the others over to me, and can't stand still be cause he is so revved up. He quacks at rapid speed and also stamps his little orange feet. So funny.
As a result, most of my pictures of him are blurred like the one below, because he's in such constant motion. And he's in the middle of talking to me. Fast talking, fast walking, very verbal... this duck could easily be a New Yorker (said fondly, as I consider myself to be one -- a New Yorker that is).
He looks like he's saying: WHERE WERE YOU??? DO YOU LIKE SQUIRRELS BETTER THAN US NOW????The answer is, no.
I'm quite smitten with them all.
Monday, May 17, 2010
A Wee Turtle's Lucky Day -- And Mine
On a recent, wet and overcast spring day I was walking through The Park in what I call "squirrel forest." It's an area that was full of tall trees and populated by tons of Fox squirrels. While there still are a lot of those, the trees took a hit between Hurricane Ike and the massive construction that went on in the area for most of 2009. There are still things that go on in the name of improvement and restoration over there, and the day I was walking it seems they'd put in a bunch of new mulch.
To this day I have no idea how I spotted this but I had just handed out nuts to dozens of squirrels and was ready to get home. I started walking toward the path when somehow my eyes fell on a tiny little shape that looked the color of the bits of tree bark mixed in with the dark, moist topsoil. I stooped to get a closer look and I thought I saw little hands or a foot. By the time my eyes focused those were gone but sure enough, it was the underside of a tiny turtle. Thank goodness I stopped because I don't know what would have happened otherwise. It was a miracle I didn't step on him, but he was also so far away from the water, I have no idea how he got there, let alone how he'd ever get back.
I picked him up in my gloves and saw that he had indeed both sets "hands" and "feet", a tail and head. And he seemed alive though his head was tucked so far back into his shell (as mine would be if an utter GIANT had picked me up) so I couldn't see his eyes. I wish I'd have thought to take a picture of it, but I was more concerned that he was alive and well. I walked as carefully as I could with him in one palm, upright and flat, with the other had cupping over it, to give him a sense of security -- if that can be had while something has taken you waaaay up into the air and now you are inevitably jostling with each resounding step.
I went to a place I knew there were lots of turtles and babies, but there was no shoreline. If he was not well, or unable to swim, I wanted him to be able to get out. I know nothing about turtles, and maybe he'd have been fine, but I wanted to pick a place that would give him the option to stay on land or step into the water when he was ready. I also wasn't sure if other turtles were territorial, or if he'd be bullied or picked on by others if he was not a part of their group. I thought of the shallows where so many seasoned duck mothers lead their little babies, but I know that snapping turtles lurk just below and with one swift motion can grab something little on the surface for s snack. I am not sure a turtle would eat a turtle, but I continued on. Finally I found a moss covered log, the same one where I've seen a turtle sunning himself every now and again. That could act as a "shoreline", where the little guy could stay until he wanted to swim away. I put him down and stood there for about 20 minutes, watching.
Slowly, his head came out, then a foot, then all his limbs and his tail. He hung there for another 10 minutes, and then I noticed he ventured into the water, hanging on to the log with the toe nails of one little foot. I smiled and took a few pictures, and decided all was well enough.
If you'd like an idea of just how small he was, here is a picture that will show you. This log is about as big as my forearm.... And that's my shadow snapping the pic.
It's this kind of stuff that makes me feel I've earned my day on earth. Call me crazy, but it makes me feel good.
To this day I have no idea how I spotted this but I had just handed out nuts to dozens of squirrels and was ready to get home. I started walking toward the path when somehow my eyes fell on a tiny little shape that looked the color of the bits of tree bark mixed in with the dark, moist topsoil. I stooped to get a closer look and I thought I saw little hands or a foot. By the time my eyes focused those were gone but sure enough, it was the underside of a tiny turtle. Thank goodness I stopped because I don't know what would have happened otherwise. It was a miracle I didn't step on him, but he was also so far away from the water, I have no idea how he got there, let alone how he'd ever get back.
I picked him up in my gloves and saw that he had indeed both sets "hands" and "feet", a tail and head. And he seemed alive though his head was tucked so far back into his shell (as mine would be if an utter GIANT had picked me up) so I couldn't see his eyes. I wish I'd have thought to take a picture of it, but I was more concerned that he was alive and well. I walked as carefully as I could with him in one palm, upright and flat, with the other had cupping over it, to give him a sense of security -- if that can be had while something has taken you waaaay up into the air and now you are inevitably jostling with each resounding step.
I went to a place I knew there were lots of turtles and babies, but there was no shoreline. If he was not well, or unable to swim, I wanted him to be able to get out. I know nothing about turtles, and maybe he'd have been fine, but I wanted to pick a place that would give him the option to stay on land or step into the water when he was ready. I also wasn't sure if other turtles were territorial, or if he'd be bullied or picked on by others if he was not a part of their group. I thought of the shallows where so many seasoned duck mothers lead their little babies, but I know that snapping turtles lurk just below and with one swift motion can grab something little on the surface for s snack. I am not sure a turtle would eat a turtle, but I continued on. Finally I found a moss covered log, the same one where I've seen a turtle sunning himself every now and again. That could act as a "shoreline", where the little guy could stay until he wanted to swim away. I put him down and stood there for about 20 minutes, watching.
Slowly, his head came out, then a foot, then all his limbs and his tail. He hung there for another 10 minutes, and then I noticed he ventured into the water, hanging on to the log with the toe nails of one little foot. I smiled and took a few pictures, and decided all was well enough.
If you'd like an idea of just how small he was, here is a picture that will show you. This log is about as big as my forearm.... And that's my shadow snapping the pic.
It's this kind of stuff that makes me feel I've earned my day on earth. Call me crazy, but it makes me feel good.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Life is Good
When you have a nice fuzzy place to sleep!
CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO SEE JUST HOW COMFY THIS CORNER REALLY IS!
CLICK ON THE PICTURE TO SEE JUST HOW COMFY THIS CORNER REALLY IS!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Wise Words
Any glimpse into the
life of an animal
quickens our own
and makes it so much
the larger and better
in every way.
--John Muir
life of an animal
quickens our own
and makes it so much
the larger and better
in every way.
--John Muir
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
How About a Twin Foal Cam
Here is a link to a mama horse who had a set of twins. One needed to have a kind of cast on first one front leg and then both because of soft knees. This was shortly after it was born, but with the exuberance that all newborn baby animals seem to have, it innocently accepted that this was the way it was and did a great job of hopping around after his or her sibling, nursing and taking naps in the nice hay.
This trio is lovingly cared for by a staff night and day, who you will see interact with them often, doing chores around them or attending to them. Check it out by CLICKING HERE or go to: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sunnyandangeltwinfoals
Thank you to commenter and very good pal Laurie for sending me this link!
This trio is lovingly cared for by a staff night and day, who you will see interact with them often, doing chores around them or attending to them. Check it out by CLICKING HERE or go to: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sunnyandangeltwinfoals
Thank you to commenter and very good pal Laurie for sending me this link!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
More Dogs
Picture of the Day
I was going in to the grocery store the other day and saw this utterly sweet doggie dozing outside. It had the most peaceful, lovely face. I only had my iPhone with me (no zoom) and I didn't want to get too much closer to get the shot for fear of him or her moving, so I snapped what I could. If you click on it, maybe it will enlarge enough to see what I mean. Click on the photo to enlarge it.
Dogs are just such special beings. They wait for you, they are so patient, they love love love you and no matter what, that tail will start wagging. Anybody know what kind of dog this is?
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
It's GOAT TIME on the blog!
Hello -- I'm looking right at you with my horizontal pupil. Do you like my hair? Do you like my ears? I hope so because I've been told I'm just really likable in general.
And what do I like? Just about anything I can chew on.... um, because I'm a GOAT, and that's what goats do.
Here I am last summer in my pen when Rochelle took a little movie of me. Her camera looked pretty tasty -- and so did her shirt sleeve, come to think of it -- and I tried to get to it but she was just out of reach. So I stood around a little and then I got disinterested.
If you want to see a pic of me as a baby, CLICK HERE -- Don't pass it up. Go ahead, I was really cute. Not to say that I'm not really REALLY cute now.... But I prefer handsome, or striking since I am indeed all black and white.
And what do I like? Just about anything I can chew on.... um, because I'm a GOAT, and that's what goats do.Here I am last summer in my pen when Rochelle took a little movie of me. Her camera looked pretty tasty -- and so did her shirt sleeve, come to think of it -- and I tried to get to it but she was just out of reach. So I stood around a little and then I got disinterested.
If you want to see a pic of me as a baby, CLICK HERE -- Don't pass it up. Go ahead, I was really cute. Not to say that I'm not really REALLY cute now.... But I prefer handsome, or striking since I am indeed all black and white.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
It's Baby Bird Time!
Baby birds start out as small as this. The first time I saw one -- with such thin skin you could see all their blood moving through their veins, with eyes undeveloped, and the tiniest little half limbs -- I didn't believe it could possibly eat or live.
But even in such a vulnerable state, that little rim of bright school bus yellow opens wide as soon as food it put near and every morsel delivered is consumed with great vigor. It's flabbergasting, and only reinforces what miracles of nature go on every day, all around us, all the time.
As they grow, the little half-limbs I mention become strong and feathered wings, their eyes mature and finally open, their little legs get strong enough to shoot their growing bodies straight up when I walk by because I MEAN FOOD (and they want it every 15 minutes it seems, except at night, when birds settle in for sleep) and their little yellow beaks open to reveal the brightest pink and red mouths. Here's what I see when I walk by a tank:
Now once the bird gets to a beginning fledgeling, we move them to bigger tanks and put them in a room that's enclosed in netting, as when you open the lid, often a hungry baby now can flit up and out. Here is one who did just that but simply perched close to me on the lid of the tank next to it. Generally speaking, it's often the babies who are most aggressive get the most food in the nest -- though some experienced mothers make sure everyone gets enough. But this little guy kept hopping out to beat out his or her two siblings who stayed in the tank. 
Fledgelings add flapping their wings and making much noise, squawking "SEE ME, FEED ME, ME ME ME mom!!!!" Now when I'm out in late springtime I can make out fledgling squawkings. If I take a second or two to look, and indeed I do, I manage to find a nest and a mother nearby.
At some point, that turns into the babies taking their first tentative steps out of the nest, so you may see them actually sitting on a branch next to it, looking all fluffy and even a little like their molting as bigger feathers begin to replace their baby fuzz. Soon they begin flying lessons I think, since I've seen them trying to hop to nearby twigs following the mother who hops ahead of them -- I assume she's showing them how it's done. I think grackles must be like those kids who never stop going to college, or come home to live after... they look fully grown and still hop after their mothers flapping their perfectly competent wings, insisting loudly that their mother give them half of whatever she's got. The more you observe, them more you realize that animals are really not that much different than us in so many ways!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Good Doggie!
I walked out of the Kroger the other night and as I approached my car, I saw this:
I think dogs can be hilarious in so many ways. But this one was rather unique in that in waiting for his master....
he took a chill pill.
Yeah!It would have been no surprise to me if Jazz music was playing from the radio and there was a thin line of cigarette smoke rising out of his nostrils.
Dogs are so great.
I Found Two Chickens, Part Two!
If you click HERE or just scroll down to the previous post, you will know what all this is about.
Last I left you, I had two beautiful hens that had spent the night and were starting a low burrrrrr noise (which I caught on both films below) when I was brushing my teeth. After I gave them a drink of water, I gently lifted them out of the box one by one and put them back in the carrier in which I'd brought them upstairs. One didn't want to go -- and tried to stick it's foot against the door, which I can only assume meant that I was a fabulous hostess.
I am kidding, you know.
Other than that millisecond of hesitation, they went into without incident. Here they are:
I covered the carrier with my leopard blanket and went down in the service elevator, again praying I wouldn't be discovered. But if I had been -- can you picture that encounter? Though this being Texas.... maybe it wouldn't surprise anyone. It was about 7:30 AM on a Saturday morning, so that helped. The elevator was deserted. And seeing that we're moving out in about 10 days, I had little to lose.
Once I secured the cage in the passenger seat, I drove carefully for 15 minutes or so to The Wildlife Center. On the way, I took the blanket off and put the window down so they could enjoy the fresh air and morning sun (for anyone who doesn't know, it's roosters that cock-a-doodle-do at the first hint of morning).
When I got there, I was instructed to put them in one of the outdoor pens, which was my hope. Then I went to get them a nice big pan of water and another filled with chicken scratch. What's great about volunteering at this place is that it allowed me to take care of them all the way through. It wasn't a day I was coming in, but instead of just dropping them off I could get them settled before I left.
But there was a little surprise.... there just so happened to be a handsome white rooster next to them, and it was a riot when I put the girls in the adjacent pen. He immediately zeroed in on them, and for the first few minutes, they were both standing side by side, giving him an audience. He proceeded to bu-kaw and strut, and scrape the gravel back with his feet like James Brown. He paced back and forth working his neck as I melted into a puddle. I mean really, I'm a city girl. No matter how long I've been around wildlife now, it's all new to me. I thought this shit only happened in cartoons/comedy skits or was exaggerated, but apparently, it's art mirroring life.
Mistah Fiiine Feathas... Now I see where Jagger gets it.
By the way, I have since caught myself (always when alone mind you) making that low burrrrr burrrr sound out loud, including variations, to amuse myself. I may have done it unconsciously though, god knows how many times. Perhaps I did it in my car, and someone may have seen me and wondered if I was singing to the radio or talking to someone on one of those blue tooth earplug things that I abhor (but never say never). Thank goodness for a place that forces you to have the AC on in the car so the windows were up. That's my guarantee that no one could have actually heard that I was, in fact... clucking.
Last I left you, I had two beautiful hens that had spent the night and were starting a low burrrrrr noise (which I caught on both films below) when I was brushing my teeth. After I gave them a drink of water, I gently lifted them out of the box one by one and put them back in the carrier in which I'd brought them upstairs. One didn't want to go -- and tried to stick it's foot against the door, which I can only assume meant that I was a fabulous hostess.
I am kidding, you know.
Other than that millisecond of hesitation, they went into without incident. Here they are:
I covered the carrier with my leopard blanket and went down in the service elevator, again praying I wouldn't be discovered. But if I had been -- can you picture that encounter? Though this being Texas.... maybe it wouldn't surprise anyone. It was about 7:30 AM on a Saturday morning, so that helped. The elevator was deserted. And seeing that we're moving out in about 10 days, I had little to lose.
Once I secured the cage in the passenger seat, I drove carefully for 15 minutes or so to The Wildlife Center. On the way, I took the blanket off and put the window down so they could enjoy the fresh air and morning sun (for anyone who doesn't know, it's roosters that cock-a-doodle-do at the first hint of morning).
When I got there, I was instructed to put them in one of the outdoor pens, which was my hope. Then I went to get them a nice big pan of water and another filled with chicken scratch. What's great about volunteering at this place is that it allowed me to take care of them all the way through. It wasn't a day I was coming in, but instead of just dropping them off I could get them settled before I left.
But there was a little surprise.... there just so happened to be a handsome white rooster next to them, and it was a riot when I put the girls in the adjacent pen. He immediately zeroed in on them, and for the first few minutes, they were both standing side by side, giving him an audience. He proceeded to bu-kaw and strut, and scrape the gravel back with his feet like James Brown. He paced back and forth working his neck as I melted into a puddle. I mean really, I'm a city girl. No matter how long I've been around wildlife now, it's all new to me. I thought this shit only happened in cartoons/comedy skits or was exaggerated, but apparently, it's art mirroring life.
Mistah Fiiine Feathas... Now I see where Jagger gets it.
By the way, I have since caught myself (always when alone mind you) making that low burrrrr burrrr sound out loud, including variations, to amuse myself. I may have done it unconsciously though, god knows how many times. Perhaps I did it in my car, and someone may have seen me and wondered if I was singing to the radio or talking to someone on one of those blue tooth earplug things that I abhor (but never say never). Thank goodness for a place that forces you to have the AC on in the car so the windows were up. That's my guarantee that no one could have actually heard that I was, in fact... clucking.
Found: Two Chickens!
OK, so I was driving home from a bar, having had two shots of tequila and a beer and I found two chickens.
Sounds like the start of a joke, but it's true, and it gets better. At least I think it's funny. I was at the bar for farewell party for someone at the zoo, where I volunteer. I was heading back home before dinner and as I drove past the mansion-filled street en route, I saw two beautiful black and white hens pecking away at the grass.
I have never forgiven myself for not taking The Chicken at the Park and ensuring her safety (I finally went out with a carrier, cracked corn and a net and never found her... and I've never seen her again). As you can see by clicking HERE and HERE, after the construction on the site of her old home, where the little train shack had been in The Park, she took to living under a little bridge in the parking lot. While this provided plenty of coverage, insects to peck at in the plants and a water source, I saw her waaay too often in the middle of the road. YES, OR TRYING TO CROSS THE ROAD.
Either something really good happened to her, or something really bad. I was not going to risk it with these two. So I gave them some corn to eat while I rang a few bells in the neighborhood to ask after them. No one had ever seen them before or knew who they belonged to. That was all I needed to hear.
I had a carrier in the trunk and by now, a tattooed girl who was riding past parked her bike and helped me catch them. It was very easy, so I realized they were used to human beings. When we got home, we tossed a blanket over the carrier and snuck them up the elevator in our high rise. They don't allow wild animals so I was hoping no one would let a BUK-KAW rip at that very moment. The girls were good. Very very good.
I had no idea what to do to make them comfortable for the night but after a little thought it ended up that I put them in a big new deep Dell box with a floor of thick newspaper. I added a towel and a tee shirt to half. That whole thing went in my egg shaped bath tub in the guest bathroom where they would not be disturbed by sound or light for the night.
Before I tucked them in, I put cracked corn in the corner and they started pecking, so they couldn't be too upset. Then I held a tupperware container of water about beak level and they very delicately drank quite a bit. I was able to rest easy knowing they had their fill; if I'd left it in there for the night they'd have spilled it.
I put a light blanket over the top of the crate, as there were air holes on the sides. All was a quiet. Fast Foward to 7 AM the next day:
Good Morning Chickens! Time to sneak out and take you to The Wildlife Center.
Apparently they slept standing up? I gave them water and in the 20 minutes it took for me to get ready to go, one of them was starting a hysterical low buuuuuur noise. Cracked me up.
Tune in tomorrow for part two -- a happy ending.
Sounds like the start of a joke, but it's true, and it gets better. At least I think it's funny. I was at the bar for farewell party for someone at the zoo, where I volunteer. I was heading back home before dinner and as I drove past the mansion-filled street en route, I saw two beautiful black and white hens pecking away at the grass.
I have never forgiven myself for not taking The Chicken at the Park and ensuring her safety (I finally went out with a carrier, cracked corn and a net and never found her... and I've never seen her again). As you can see by clicking HERE and HERE, after the construction on the site of her old home, where the little train shack had been in The Park, she took to living under a little bridge in the parking lot. While this provided plenty of coverage, insects to peck at in the plants and a water source, I saw her waaay too often in the middle of the road. YES, OR TRYING TO CROSS THE ROAD.
Either something really good happened to her, or something really bad. I was not going to risk it with these two. So I gave them some corn to eat while I rang a few bells in the neighborhood to ask after them. No one had ever seen them before or knew who they belonged to. That was all I needed to hear.
I had a carrier in the trunk and by now, a tattooed girl who was riding past parked her bike and helped me catch them. It was very easy, so I realized they were used to human beings. When we got home, we tossed a blanket over the carrier and snuck them up the elevator in our high rise. They don't allow wild animals so I was hoping no one would let a BUK-KAW rip at that very moment. The girls were good. Very very good.
I had no idea what to do to make them comfortable for the night but after a little thought it ended up that I put them in a big new deep Dell box with a floor of thick newspaper. I added a towel and a tee shirt to half. That whole thing went in my egg shaped bath tub in the guest bathroom where they would not be disturbed by sound or light for the night.
Before I tucked them in, I put cracked corn in the corner and they started pecking, so they couldn't be too upset. Then I held a tupperware container of water about beak level and they very delicately drank quite a bit. I was able to rest easy knowing they had their fill; if I'd left it in there for the night they'd have spilled it.
I put a light blanket over the top of the crate, as there were air holes on the sides. All was a quiet. Fast Foward to 7 AM the next day:
Good Morning Chickens! Time to sneak out and take you to The Wildlife Center.
Apparently they slept standing up? I gave them water and in the 20 minutes it took for me to get ready to go, one of them was starting a hysterical low buuuuuur noise. Cracked me up.
Tune in tomorrow for part two -- a happy ending.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Baby Barn Owl update
Whether or not the temps are going crazy where we live, spring is definitely here... The best proof of it is that the animal world is having babies, babies, babies.
You may or may not be a fan of how much technology has become a part of our lives. I straddle the fence on that issue, but I have to say being able to see a close up of a Bald eagle sitting on her nest, then watching eggs hatch and seeing the babies grow until they fly away has been a miracle afforded only by the fact that cameras and the internet exist.... and the good people who set all of it up and run the video. Come to think of it, if you and I have been enjoying all these links, it probably would be a pretty good thing to donate to them... even the cost of a Starbucks for one day. Or better yet, the price of a movie if you've been watching a lot. I'm going to be sure I do that this weekend, and I didn't think of it until I started writing this!
One link I've been watching a lot is the owl cam with Molly the mother, and McGee the dad, who hunts and does a great job of bringing she and the babies food, while she sits on the nest. At first she tirelessly turned them, and, after positioning her legs just so, sat back down on them to keep them just the right temp. Though she dozed a lot, she never seemed to get more than a minute or two of sleep before she adjusted again. Then we watched as the fist egg hatched Max, then the second, third, and fourth.... only leaving the nest twice each night for a a minute or two to stretch her wings and poop.
McGee's dramatic entrances (she starts making a clicking noise and he flies in with a field mouse and they screech a lot before he flies off) are not to be missed. Watching the little ones baby barn owl faces, their dark eyes blinking, those little wings lifting and sprouting fuzzy feathers is just fabulous. At any given time they have tens of thousands of people watching world wide.
CLICK HERE to see or go to: http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox
I'm telling you, even if you're not into owls, it's a must see.... you will become a fan! The cameras go to infared at night, because they are so active then. But no matter what time of day you tune in, there's something going on. Right now I'm watching mom feed them little strips of meat as their heads bob out from under her body!
thank you to www.slcrr.org/ wildbirds.html for the barn owl with rodent picture and to www.owltime.co.uk/ Creche.htm for the pic of the baby owls
You may or may not be a fan of how much technology has become a part of our lives. I straddle the fence on that issue, but I have to say being able to see a close up of a Bald eagle sitting on her nest, then watching eggs hatch and seeing the babies grow until they fly away has been a miracle afforded only by the fact that cameras and the internet exist.... and the good people who set all of it up and run the video. Come to think of it, if you and I have been enjoying all these links, it probably would be a pretty good thing to donate to them... even the cost of a Starbucks for one day. Or better yet, the price of a movie if you've been watching a lot. I'm going to be sure I do that this weekend, and I didn't think of it until I started writing this!
One link I've been watching a lot is the owl cam with Molly the mother, and McGee the dad, who hunts and does a great job of bringing she and the babies food, while she sits on the nest. At first she tirelessly turned them, and, after positioning her legs just so, sat back down on them to keep them just the right temp. Though she dozed a lot, she never seemed to get more than a minute or two of sleep before she adjusted again. Then we watched as the fist egg hatched Max, then the second, third, and fourth.... only leaving the nest twice each night for a a minute or two to stretch her wings and poop.
McGee's dramatic entrances (she starts making a clicking noise and he flies in with a field mouse and they screech a lot before he flies off) are not to be missed. Watching the little ones baby barn owl faces, their dark eyes blinking, those little wings lifting and sprouting fuzzy feathers is just fabulous. At any given time they have tens of thousands of people watching world wide.
CLICK HERE to see or go to: http://www.ustream.tv/theowlbox
I'm telling you, even if you're not into owls, it's a must see.... you will become a fan! The cameras go to infared at night, because they are so active then. But no matter what time of day you tune in, there's something going on. Right now I'm watching mom feed them little strips of meat as their heads bob out from under her body!
thank you to www.slcrr.org/ wildbirds.html for the barn owl with rodent picture and to www.owltime.co.uk/ Creche.htm for the pic of the baby owls
Friday, April 2, 2010
Lunch!
I keep trying to capture the utter bliss and bonding that happens for squirrels and substitute moms alike when it's time to nurse, but I can never seem to hold the squirrel, the milk and the camera at the same time. This though, is one of the better attempts. It caught a little of the paw action, those cute little pads that are so warm and those long, long fingers with what looks like a very fancy kind of manicure.... those little nails.
But I think I like this one because it catches the little mouth movement that some do after drinking. A little smack of the mouth, moving the last of the milk around on that little tongue like it's the best milkshake ever. And there is a full on face shot that I hope conveys just how cute these little fellas are.
As you can see by the last few frames, it's only a few seconds before the little one is in motion again...
Actually, after milk they usually go down fast, crash right in your hand and are fast asleep in 10 seconds flat. I wish I could sleep like that!
But I think I like this one because it catches the little mouth movement that some do after drinking. A little smack of the mouth, moving the last of the milk around on that little tongue like it's the best milkshake ever. And there is a full on face shot that I hope conveys just how cute these little fellas are.
As you can see by the last few frames, it's only a few seconds before the little one is in motion again...
Actually, after milk they usually go down fast, crash right in your hand and are fast asleep in 10 seconds flat. I wish I could sleep like that!
Little Deer Teeth
OK, this is what I live for. I was just walking to my car in the parking lot and had this little encounter with a very pretty (not to mention sociable) doe.
Oh, and those big liquid doe eyes!
When this kind of thing happens, and it happens a lot these days, I think I'm dreaming, and my life could not get any better.... well, if I were living in Paris and drinking cafe creme and writing /reading/dancing all night, or lying on a beach in Hawaii, or living with all the money in the world in a fabulous apartment in New York City, able to give lots of dough away like Bill and Melinda Gates are doing, that would certainly ALSO be great.
But I have to say, when I am with animals, I completely forget there is anything else in the world. I've tried to describe this before but I think I fail to convey it well. When I was walking to my car I probably had my mind on a million things. I had just been at a meeting, needed to make some notes when I got home, was thinking of the next place I had to go, and how I'd fit in several other errands and phone calls. I was probably composing an e-mail or two and thinking about canceling or setting up another appointment too (It's been a REALLY busy time).
But when I saw these three does enjoying the fresh air and sunshine on the lawn, I became instantly and completely engaged on all levels with the here and now. Does that ever happen to you?
If I am hungry, have to pee, need to be at an appointment, have something sad going on in my life, or there are a stack of bills waiting to be paid, they all become suspended while I am in communion with these fascinating creatures. No wonder they have such powers to delight even the most hardened criminal, heal hearts or bodies as they make theraputic rounds at old folks homes, hospices, childrens hospitals, and do their rehabilitative magic for the disabled-- not to mention those stories in the news of special companion dogs that powers to warn their masters before the onset of a heart attack or the hospice cats that take up residence on the bed of a person who is about to pass away, holding vigil.
There is something else going on behind the veil, and I'm not sure I will ever know what it's all about. But for me to stop everything and focus completely is no minor feat. And an animal will do it to me every single time. Now that is quite a miracle of nature.
Does it work that way for you too? Do you have your own amazing results when you have an animal encounter?
Oh, and those big liquid doe eyes!
When this kind of thing happens, and it happens a lot these days, I think I'm dreaming, and my life could not get any better.... well, if I were living in Paris and drinking cafe creme and writing /reading/dancing all night, or lying on a beach in Hawaii, or living with all the money in the world in a fabulous apartment in New York City, able to give lots of dough away like Bill and Melinda Gates are doing, that would certainly ALSO be great.
But I have to say, when I am with animals, I completely forget there is anything else in the world. I've tried to describe this before but I think I fail to convey it well. When I was walking to my car I probably had my mind on a million things. I had just been at a meeting, needed to make some notes when I got home, was thinking of the next place I had to go, and how I'd fit in several other errands and phone calls. I was probably composing an e-mail or two and thinking about canceling or setting up another appointment too (It's been a REALLY busy time).
But when I saw these three does enjoying the fresh air and sunshine on the lawn, I became instantly and completely engaged on all levels with the here and now. Does that ever happen to you?
If I am hungry, have to pee, need to be at an appointment, have something sad going on in my life, or there are a stack of bills waiting to be paid, they all become suspended while I am in communion with these fascinating creatures. No wonder they have such powers to delight even the most hardened criminal, heal hearts or bodies as they make theraputic rounds at old folks homes, hospices, childrens hospitals, and do their rehabilitative magic for the disabled-- not to mention those stories in the news of special companion dogs that powers to warn their masters before the onset of a heart attack or the hospice cats that take up residence on the bed of a person who is about to pass away, holding vigil.
There is something else going on behind the veil, and I'm not sure I will ever know what it's all about. But for me to stop everything and focus completely is no minor feat. And an animal will do it to me every single time. Now that is quite a miracle of nature.
Does it work that way for you too? Do you have your own amazing results when you have an animal encounter?
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Hatched Duckling update
I wrote a few days ago (CLICK HERE or scroll down one post to see) about a baby muscovy duck who hatched when I was walking by the incubator. Here she is, just two days later!! Notice the two toned tootsies. That's my favorite part!
As you can see, she's doing fine, running around her little temporary tank. Ducklings like to be in a group, as soon as she gets a little bigger she will be put in one of the bigger outdoor pens in fresh air with other ducks. In the mean time, I'm sure young ducklings will get brought in and she will have some company to cuddle up to well before that.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Another First
One of the great things about life is that, depending on how you live it, you can always have firsts. I have never seen a duck hatch.... and I still haven't but I did see it within seconds after as we were just walking by the incubator and the person I was with said, "Look! The duckling just hatched!"
So now you've seen it too.
See the two parts of the egg with brown inside at the back left, right by the thermometer? Hard to believe she was in there just seconds before. (Click to see any photo enlarged). Notice that she is still wet and has a piece of the shell still on her. I don't know if the mother normally cleans them (I doubt it) or if they just teeter around (this one tried it's new legs and was wobbly, then had to stop and rest every few seconds) until they're all fluffy.
Look at that sweet little baby. Welcome to the world! This might be one to click on so the picture will enlarge.
Here's another where you can better see that she still has a little piece of shell stuck to her feathers. They drink pretty quickly after being born. I remain in awe of Mother Nature!
We're not sure but it looks like none of the other eggs seem to be viable. There has been no tapping from the beaks inside chipping away to get out. They were candled and you could not see much of anything inside. But they'll stay in the incubator for a few more days to see if we are wrong.
Check back in a few days and I will try to get some footage of her once she's fuzzy and full of energy and peeps!
So now you've seen it too.See the two parts of the egg with brown inside at the back left, right by the thermometer? Hard to believe she was in there just seconds before. (Click to see any photo enlarged). Notice that she is still wet and has a piece of the shell still on her. I don't know if the mother normally cleans them (I doubt it) or if they just teeter around (this one tried it's new legs and was wobbly, then had to stop and rest every few seconds) until they're all fluffy.
Look at that sweet little baby. Welcome to the world! This might be one to click on so the picture will enlarge.
Here's another where you can better see that she still has a little piece of shell stuck to her feathers. They drink pretty quickly after being born. I remain in awe of Mother Nature!We're not sure but it looks like none of the other eggs seem to be viable. There has been no tapping from the beaks inside chipping away to get out. They were candled and you could not see much of anything inside. But they'll stay in the incubator for a few more days to see if we are wrong.
Check back in a few days and I will try to get some footage of her once she's fuzzy and full of energy and peeps!
Until then I have some questions -- Is this a first for you too? Of all the animals in the world, which would you like to see being born or immediately after like I did? I know, I know, so many to choose from. Then tell me your top three!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Three Dehydrated Babes
After I returned Peter Paul and Mary to The Center, I gave myself another two week rest and started on Allegra. Spent the whole of Sunday helping there. At the end of the day there were three puny ones that needed to be fed at least twice more before bed and nursed, so I brought them home. These two, #20 and 21 were on triage. They came in with a sibling who was DOA. Both were really dehydrated and weak, the female more than the male. It has been hard to get her to even stir when I feed her. She lays in my hands as if she were asleep, but I administer milk drop by drop and watch for the little swallow in her throat. Right now I am diluting it with plain Pedialyte. The stuff in it will help revive them. Should take a day or so.
Poor skinny sweet babies. The third, #22, is a female Fox. She has one eye almost open. It's easy to forget that they are still infants because they are so much bigger and at times furrier than Grays. This little one also came in with her brother who died and has had the runs for two days. I have her on diluted milk and will feed her enough hours apart that I'm sure all the previous meal has cleared her system. Gave her a drop of medicine before taking her home that I hope will work and have her being regular within 24 hours. Once she's OK I will mix her milk with Pedialyte for a day.
Poor skinny sweet babies. The third, #22, is a female Fox. She has one eye almost open. It's easy to forget that they are still infants because they are so much bigger and at times furrier than Grays. This little one also came in with her brother who died and has had the runs for two days. I have her on diluted milk and will feed her enough hours apart that I'm sure all the previous meal has cleared her system. Gave her a drop of medicine before taking her home that I hope will work and have her being regular within 24 hours. Once she's OK I will mix her milk with Pedialyte for a day.Sleepy little one. She's in the small shoebox I drove her home in, laying on a dark gray rice sock that I'd heated in the microwave to keep her cozy for the ride. Squirrels like to have their noses pressing against or preferably tucked under something. With her head bent, it's not because she doesn't feel well... it's her way of pressing her nose to something as there is no fabric to push under.
As soon as both systems are normalize I will increase the milk ratio mixed with purified water to get the calorie and fat count up that they need at this critical time of growth.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
My How Much You Have Grown
It's baby season again, and I brought home my first three of the year -- #17, 18, and 19.... or as they came to be known for the purposes of these posts -- Peter, Paul, and Mary.
You first saw them HERE and HERE --- and they are three weeks later, this is how far they've grown -- eyes open, tails beginning to fill out, still huddled together. Cute and curious they're well on their way. These three weren't sick when we took them in. They had just been found by someone redoing their attic. Despite a little insulation in their noses/mouths, they were easy eaters, well tempered, a breeze.
I returned them to The Center because it appears I've officially lived here long enough to get the horrible allergies associated with the city. They say if you don't have em before you live here it will only be a matter of time until you get them.
Last fall I thought I was suffering from variations of the seasonal colds and a flu that my husband brought home from the office. Since there are no squirrel babies from roughly November till February, I had a break from animal rehabbing and yet, it never cleared up. Now the Oak trees are spreading their filmy yellow-green haze on every surface. So when I brought home Peter, Paul and Mary, I really was struggling to breathe, sneezing, eyes watering...
I was so sad because squirrels had been the one animal (besides reptiles, I imagine) that I don't normally trigger my allergies, but now that I'm stirred up, it's a problem. Then my husband suggested I wear a heavy duty painting mask when I feed them. I look goofy but I do that and I change my shirt from what I'm wearing to a few shirts that I wear only when feeding, so the squirrel scent stays away from my nose. That got me by for a week, which was just long enough that they were able to go on The Center feeding schedule.
Thank goodness all I have to do is drive up the road 15 minutes to The Center to go see how they are progressing. I leave you with one more little look at one of the cuties in the trio of PP&M.... someone is VERY cute and curious.
You first saw them HERE and HERE --- and they are three weeks later, this is how far they've grown -- eyes open, tails beginning to fill out, still huddled together. Cute and curious they're well on their way. These three weren't sick when we took them in. They had just been found by someone redoing their attic. Despite a little insulation in their noses/mouths, they were easy eaters, well tempered, a breeze.
I returned them to The Center because it appears I've officially lived here long enough to get the horrible allergies associated with the city. They say if you don't have em before you live here it will only be a matter of time until you get them.
Last fall I thought I was suffering from variations of the seasonal colds and a flu that my husband brought home from the office. Since there are no squirrel babies from roughly November till February, I had a break from animal rehabbing and yet, it never cleared up. Now the Oak trees are spreading their filmy yellow-green haze on every surface. So when I brought home Peter, Paul and Mary, I really was struggling to breathe, sneezing, eyes watering...
I was so sad because squirrels had been the one animal (besides reptiles, I imagine) that I don't normally trigger my allergies, but now that I'm stirred up, it's a problem. Then my husband suggested I wear a heavy duty painting mask when I feed them. I look goofy but I do that and I change my shirt from what I'm wearing to a few shirts that I wear only when feeding, so the squirrel scent stays away from my nose. That got me by for a week, which was just long enough that they were able to go on The Center feeding schedule.
Thank goodness all I have to do is drive up the road 15 minutes to The Center to go see how they are progressing. I leave you with one more little look at one of the cuties in the trio of PP&M.... someone is VERY cute and curious.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Are You Watching LIFE?
“We must not allow the clock and the calendar to blind us to the fact
that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.”
—H.G. Wells
that each moment of life is a miracle and mystery.”
—H.G. Wells
When the extraordinary Planet Earth series debuted on TV in February 2007, it grabbed attention around the world. 65 million of us had a regularly scheduled date in the living room for 11 weeks in a row, and sat riveted by breathtaking photography and the miracle of nature. Shot in the fairly new medium of HD, it took us to places and allowed us to bear witness to things we’d never seen before. Everyone everywhere was talking about it — at the dinner table, via e-mail and around the water cooler (imagine, no one was tweeting yet!).
Starting this Sunday, March 21, Discovery Channel and the producers of Planet Earth bring us a new series called LIFE. Last night I was invited to watch a screening of the first episode, Challenges of Life, at the Landmark River Oaks Theatre here in Houston. It is a particularly dramatic theme: The instinct to survive inherent in all living things and their ability to adapt to sustain the species.
LIFE, Discovery Channel's new series to begin this coming Sunday night
Narrated by Oprah Winfrey, the visuals remain spectacular, the stories engaging and the educational value excellent. With this first ep covering foxes, whales, seals, reptiles, insects, plant life, primates, octopi, big cats, hippos and more, there is something for everyone. Standouts to me were the way a small population of common bottle nose dolphins have learned to teach fish to jump right into their mouths, the lengths that a strawberry poison dart frog mother goes to ensure her babies grow and thrive, and how a primate species use tools. With the latter, it’s at once uncanny and unsettling to see their arms and legs making the exact same motions as our own, and their faces frown and show the same exasperation as we do in learning how to wield a large rock as a hammer.
This strawberry poison dart frog is an immensely dedicated mother
All show considerable intelligence and drive that can only encourage new or heightened respect for the creatures we share the planet with. While these examples take place in exotic locales, it can’t help but remind us that to those who take the time to look, there is drama and spectacle going on all around us, all the time — in any tree or on a simple blade of grass.
It makes you think twice about burying yourself in your hand held device 24/7. Hopefully.
Overall, the subject matter is nothing short of motivating. Simply by making it this easy and appealing to explore the world we live in at a deeper level, the conclusion is this: We live in a gorgeous, fantastic, miraculous, wonder filled world. As the dominant species, we should and must do everything in our power to conserve and preserve it and all that lives. There is nothing like the awe inspired by a show like LIFE to jolt us awake to this fact, and fuel a passionate desire to honor and protect our forests, oceans, plains, and mountain ranges, and all of their inhabitants.
Now there’s something to tweet about.
So clear your schedule to again be enchanted, amazed and inspired, brought to you by mother nature… and the producers at BBC and Discovery Channel!
LIFE starts this Sunday, March 21, on Discovery Channel. It runs through April 18 and treats us to double episodes each time (8-10PM ET/PT). And stay tuned after the final show on April 18 for a special called, The Making of LIFE at 10 PM.
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