Monthly Archives: July 2015
Bad hair day
You think your having a bad hair day?
Our juvenile Eastern Bluebird hasn’t lost all of her down and with the look of disdain makes the bird appear irritated. The fledge is actually happy and healthy, Just a typical Bluebird glare! Release will be scheduled after she learns to self feed.
Release Chimney Swifts
In rehabilitation, it is incredibly important that we don’t get attached to the animals because they are, first and foremost, wild animals. And with out large numbers it is easy to just see the large groups of birds as monolithic and common place. But, whenever I release Chimney Swifts I am reminded of the incredible diversity of the world and the importance of our efforts. The Chimney Swifts we released yesterday were our second batch to be released of the year. They have to be released with other Chimney Swifts because they live communally, and never is it more evident that when you see the birds we have raised fly up and greet the older, wild birds that they are wild animals. They are amazing birds that work together to support the young ones. Every night at dusk they swarm above their nesting place to signal to the younger, less experienced Swifts where to return to. It is hard to capture the enormity of their groups and the grace with which they fly, but this is the first minute after the Swifts left the box.
-Lydia
Education Coordinator, SWVAWC
Chimney Swifts
Chimney Swifts strengthening their pectorals before their scheduled release tonight. Seven swifts were previously released. Swifts sweetly greet the new birds and escort them to the flock.
The staff at SWVAWC feed the swifts every 15 minutes to insure proper caloric intake is met for a healthy bird and a successful release.
Two Bats Released
Carefully watch and you can see two released Bats enjoy their freedom while capturing dinner.
Our Chimney Swifts
Our Chimney Swifts at this stage need to eat every 30 minutes from 8 AM to 8 PM. Their diet is 100% insectivore. Swifts are great to have in your yard, they eat 1000’s of flying insects each day. Chimney Swifts are on the “Near Threatened” list. If you have an active nest in your chimney, you cannot remove them since they are protected. SWVAWC only intake babies that cannot adhere to the mortar or when the nest falls. They prefer large hollow trees to nest and rest in. Declining natural habitat and increasing chimney construction, they now are one of our most common calls to answer.
bats
The bats are almost ready to leave rehab. They last phase is outside exercise before release. Video later.
Pileated Woodpecker
Pileated Woodpecker rescued in Fincastle, VA. The woodpecker became wedged between two trees (bottom photo). She was unable to stand or grasp on arrival. Multiple scraps and bruises were noted from her futile efforts to get out. Recovery has been slow but yesterday she was able to grasp onto bark (top photo). The teamwork at SWVA made this happen and thanks to Gary Greer for picking her up.
