Scattered T-Storms

It was a typical Tuesday at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.  The bottle brush Buckeyes soaked up the warm sun and temperatures climbed into the 90's.

Campers stood in the shade while they learned about archery...

...and safety with a BB gun. 

A Red Shouldered Hawk screamed over and over again as it soared across the blue sky...

...while Ann and Ben Bluebird carried worms and other insects back to their 6 newly hatched chicks.  This may be their third clutch this season.

Another Bluebird box has one chick just hatched, while its siblings are still in the egg.  The campers got to learn about birds by examining the nests of a Robin, Chickadee and Tree Swallow. Then we looked into the Bluebird and House Wren nests and saw the babies.  This is something most children will never get to do, so it was a real thrill.

After lunch, though, the sky started to darken...

...and threaten...

...and the low rumbling of distant thunder got louder and closer as the wind picked up.

BOOMMMMM!!  CRASH! Whoa, it sounded like that lightning hit a tree in the backyard, but it's raining so hard you can't see more than a few feet away. Let's stay in the house until it quits.  Maybe we should unplug all the computers too.

It's a good thing we got a new roof on Mahan Manor this year. It's certainly getting a workout today.  The downspouts are pouring water into the yard, and we hope it doesn't leave a hole in the ground next to that bush.  Yep, it's just a typical summer Tuesday in the Ohio Valley.

Naturally yours,

~denapple

Hello and Goodbye

Say hello to Herman, the new mascot at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve.  Herman is a young white tailed deer, and part of the small herd residing at the Preserve. He was born in 2010, and is now starting to grow his first antlers. We put out salt and mineral blocks, and occasionally feed them corn.

Herman seems unafraid of people, approaching anyone who seems friendly. People may enjoy this activity, but Herman is placing himself at risk, since people, unfortunately, can't always be trusted. He's been going for snacks with some of the neighbors, who can't resist this cute guy. Herman licks people for the salt from their sweat.  As he matures and grows into an adult buck, this may not be so much fun.  Please, if you see Herman at the Preserve, enjoy the opportunity to observe a wild creature up close, but resist the temptation to pet or feed him. Deer should be afraid of people, for both their safety and ours.

Adell was found hanging around a neighbor of Tavia's a few weeks ago, and Raptor Rehabilitation of Ky. came to get her.  We call her Adell because she was put in a Dell computer box for the trip to the Rehab Center.  It seemed an appropriate name. (Click any photo for a larger version.)

After a while, it was decided that nothing was really wrong, and the bird could be released back into the wild.  Since Raptor Rehab was scheduled to come to our Ravishing Raptors Open House on June 18, it was the perfect time and place for the release.   When the crate opened, she didn't hesitate but flew directly to a large pine tree near the parking lot.

As often happens at these releases, Adell was instantly spotted by a pair of Northern Mockingbirds.  Crows, Blue Jays and Mockingbirds are among the most persistent of birds known for mobbing hawks. That is, these smaller birds will chase and harass the larger hawk any time they see one. Some people say it's to defend their own nests, or to warn other nesting birds nearby.  But I have seen this mobbing behavior in other seasons when there are no nests to be found.  I think they do it just to be mean.

As a young bird, poor Adell didn't know what to do.  Here she is in a new location, and the neighbors just aren't being nice at all!  She turned around and moved from branch to branch trying to avoid the Mockingbirds. Eventually, she learned the first lesson and simply flew away to a quieter part of the woods.

Adell has an unusual coloration for a Red Tailed Hawk.  Her breast is a distinct rusty color, while most Red Tails have a white or creamy breast. If she stays in this area, we will be sure to recognize her and wish her well. These photos are all taken by Tavia Cathcart, since I was part of the Raptor Program that day and actually made the release!

Naturally yours,

~denapple

When You Find a Baby Bird

David Wheeler and Little Friend

It's that time of year - baby bird season. Lots of people are finding baby birds in their yards, and want to help, bless them. Little birds can be so ugly they are cute. Unfortunately, a well-meaning human can be the death of a baby bird. 

Baby Tufted Titmouse

Here's the problem. Birds, especially small song birds, grow up at an amazing pace. Sometimes it gets crowded with a nest of four babies, and one may fall or be pushed out of the nest. They are often ready to fledge (or fly and leave the nest) long before they look grown up. And long before they are ready to survive on their own.

People find these apparently helpless birds hopping on the ground and assume they have been abandoned by their parents. Usually this is not the case at all. Birds are wonderful dedicated parents, and if you step back and watch for a while, the parent is sitting nearby keeping a sharp eye out for the well-being of this baby.

Years ago, Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve had a rehabilitation center, and people still call us about injured or orphaned birds even though we are no longer involved in such activities. The best thing to do if you find a baby bird is nothing. I know that sounds cold hearted, but believe me, the parents are probably sitting their wishing you would just go away and leave their baby alone!

If you can find and reach the nest safely, try to put the baby back in it.  Adults need to do this, not your human children please. And please, please, PLEASE do NOT try to raise the baby yourself. First, it is very difficult to determine what kind of bird this may be since most birds without feathers look the same, and you do not know what to feed it. Second, baby birds need to be fed about every 40 minutes.  Professional rehabilitators of songbirds have been known to take them along everywhere they go (including restaurants and grocery stores) because they cannot leave the babies alone. Read Julie Zickefoose's blog about one of her current rescues.

Click Chart to Enlarge

Remember, all birds (except House Sparrows and European Starlings) are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Act, making it illegal to possess, harrass or interfere in any way with any bird.  If you are concerned about the bird's safety in your yard because of dogs or cats, put the bird under a bush, and take your pets back in the house. Cats shouldn't be allowed to roam in any event, since the Pasteurella bacteria commonly found in the feline mouth, are extremely hazardous to birds. Even a simple puncture by a tooth can result in a fatal infection. Scratches from claws are also extremely dangerous, as the risk of infection is very real. Click here for a larger pdf version of this decision chart and some more sound advice on caring for baby birds.

If you are really concerned about the bird you've found, contact a licensed rehabilitator. Remember that rehabbers usually specialize (mammals, raptors only, etc.) and may not be able to care for the song bird you found. To Find a wildlife rehabilitator in your area, contact:

•Your state wildlife agency

•City Animal control officer

•Veterinarian (wildlife/exotic)

•US Fish & Wildlife Service

•Wildlife Rehab Info Directory

PS - The mother will not abandon the baby if touched by human hands.  Birds have a very poor sense of smell.

Naturally yours,

~denapple