Monthly Archives: December 2016

New Year’s Eve

New Year’s Eve, 2016 and 1869 patients treated. But, the VERY last case is bittersweet and will be the most memorable. Why? An Eastern Screech Owl arrived after the rescuers car hit the owl. The man and woman were dealing with profound sadness. The family was on their way to UVA, following their 7 month old baby, whom had just been diagnosed with permanent paralysis. I am speechless for their kindness and wondering how these caring folks could add to their burden. I know that 2016 ended with an amazing act of kindness and it gives me hope for the coming 2017. Bless this family and their child. May we gain wisdom and strength from their compassion and do good deeds in 2017.

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Espresso

Espresso our education opossum just hanging out in her hammock. Opossum’s are great backyard helpers. They eat up to 5000 ticks ever year, helping curb tick borne diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

 

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Scarlet Tanager

Our Scarlet Tanager patient wintering at the center. This beautiful patient missed migration due to an injury and is spending the next few months at the center. The cool nights and indoor caging are not warm enough requiring us to add additional heat for this tropical migrant. The Tanager has a Grey-cheeked Thrush as a cage mate. Please consider a donation to help the center with rehabilitation cost.

 

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Frog

A tadpole one day and a frog the next. These amphibians were relocated today to the center’s pond. They lost their home. Let’s hope these late tadpoles survive transition and this coming winter. Can any experts identify this frog species for us? #swvawildlifecenter swvawildlifecenter.org

Zombie

Our Education ambassador Zombie is not feeling well. His blood work will be back tomorrow. I did not realize how attached we are to our coworker.

Goose

Canada Goose retrieved from a marina at Smith Mountain Lake. The rescuers noticed the bird staying nearby and could not fly. On arrival at the center, the veterinarian noticed the goose’s secondary feathers had been cut straight across (picture on right) keeping the goose from flying. Trimming feathers in migratory birds is illegal unless they are captive breed. When the feathers grow back in and a flock can be located we will release.

Juvenile Snapping turtle

Juvenile Snapping turtle will be wintering at the center. The turtle was found crossing a road in Blacksburg on a cold December day. Aquatic turtles will be out later in the fall than other turtles, but finding a turtle in December is late and they need to be rescued. This patient is so small, the vet had to use loops (magnifying glasses) to properly examine his face. The female turtle will travel up to 1/2 mile away from water to dig her nest.

Sharp shinned

Sharp shinned headed to the Wildlife Center of VA tomorrow. The patient has a fractured ulna and radius and hopefully is a candidate for surgery. The hawk was brought in to the center by a state biologist after he was found down in a cemetery.