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A Feather in the Wind A Feather in the Wind A Publication of Last Chance Forever / The Bird of Prey Conservancy Winter 2008 Sarah Montez, Editor From the Executive Director’s Desk: A huge heartfelt thanks goes out to an incredible staff, volunteers, and dedicated supporters for keeping the dream of Last Chance Forever alive. I am proud to state that over 50% of those birds we receive are set free once again, and that the hard work in rehabilitating those in need is enhanced by our educational programming, having more than 540,000 people, this year alone, sit with us for a minimum of forty minutes to hear our common sense conservation message. To keep the excellent work going forward, please consider supporting Last Chance Forever and wildlife conservation today. My mother said we humans have a soul; this is what sets us apart from the smaller animals. May I remind you that we are all animals, and as such, we humans are connected to all life forms on this earth. What we do to them, we do to ourselves. We may not see the reaction immediately, but our actions impact everything around us and eventually, they will come back to haunt us. Amazingly, if given the opportunity, the earth and its life forms are incredibly resilient. Last Chance Forever is that opportunity. Our facility is often the saving grace for a downed bird. Is the effort worthwhile? It certainly is to the individual bird, as it is for the child that arrives at our doorstep with an understanding parent and a hurt bird in a box- for they know something has to be done, that part of our genetic makeup dictates that we are supposed to rise above and help those who are in need; all those who are in need, not just the human species. Once, a mother was asked by a reporter why she continued to help her son care for an injured bird, knowing full well it was going to die. Her response was quite revealing. She said, “If I had given up on the bird, I would have given up on me; and if I would have given up on me, I would have given up on the boy; and if I had given up on the boy, look what the natural world would not have had.” I was that little child that said, “Mom can we please help the bird?” I was only three years old, yet somehow she knew that I could, and would, make a difference. How she knew, I am not sure, but I do know what we do in front of the children, the example we set, dictates the way of the world. So, I ask you as you go about your holiday season, as well as the rest of your life, what can possibly be more important than caring? Take a moment to reach out to those that need help. Last Chance Forever can use your help, in whatever form it may be. Whether it is funds, equipment, supplies, or even your time, your effort helps those animals that come to us- but remember that the impact does not stop with the bird. It gives our staff strength and a different walk. It gives the child that cares hope, because we are here for them when they need a place to take an injured wild animal. Above all, it should give you hope, because we are doing what our state and federal wildlife agencies are not doing; caring for the sick, injured, or orphaned individual animal…giving it one last chance! Please consider a year- end donation, it will help the birds and it is tax deductible! Kindest Regards, John Karger Founding member Executive Director Last Chance Forever/The Bird of Prey Conservancy - a non profit tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organization P.O. Box 460993 • San Antonio, Texas 78246 • (210) 499-4080 • www.lastchanceforever.org Rehabilitation News: Why the idea of a “quick fix” cannot exist in the world of wildlife ehabilitation...r and why the lessons we learn make it all worth the wait! Often, people have brought injured raptors to us, and have no idea what lies ahead. Every bird of prey we receive is treated individually, and the variety of ailments we see is quite astounding. Made easier through the generosity of our supporters and volunteers, our staff and Dr. Melissa Hill perform amazing work, providing many birds with a second lease on life. The following two cases, both currently in our care, are merely a sample of the 240 to 300 hundred cases we see annually. The Peregrine Falcon in these photographs suffered from severe cage damage. As the images show, the falcon had shredded his feathers in some type of metal enclosure where he had been held illegally. His tail and wing feathers were shredded down to the skin. In a process called imping, molted feathers from other birds are spliced to damaged feathers. So many feathers were in need of repair that Dr. Hill and LCF Director John Karger decided to place the bird under general anesthesia. Five hours later, the sky hunter had wings and a tail with which he could fly. If such measures had not been taken, his new feathers, as they grew, would have nothing to shape themselves against. Sadly, they would become deformed- ensuring he would never soar again. It will take a great deal of time for this falcon to Above: grow back all his own feathers. Meanwhile, to make sure he stays Right wing and healthy, and that the glued replacements stay intact, he will live at our tail before repair. facility. He will be exercised daily using falconry techniques, to keep Note how base both his muscles strong, and his hunting skills sharp. As a highly of tail lacks any feathers at all. protected species, it is imperative that when the time comes, he can be returned to the wild- a complete bird, mentally and physically. Right: Peregrine falcon after The juvenile Bald Eagle shown on the replacement left was brought to us with a fractured feathers clavicle. To complicate matters, he also added. had Aspergillosis, a respiratory infection that affects many eagles, often resulting in death. Fortunately, the fracture responded to treatment and the respiratory illness was diagnosed quickly. He has completed a full 90 days of medication, is breathing clearly, and will now start being prepared for release. His therapy will begin with moving him to progressively larger flight chambers, and eventually, he will be flight-lined to increase his muscle mass. Flight-lining involves transporting a bird to a large field, securing him to a safety line, and allowing him to fly further distances than he ever could in a chamber. Over time, he will gain enough strength to fly the long distances required by such large predators. A Bald Eagle can often fly eighty miles a day, simply in search of lunch. Above: Needless to say, we have some work ahead of us, Dr. Melissa Hill preparing a young and so does he, but the future is bright. Bald Eagle for release. Rehabilitation is never a fast process. Patience, perseverance and hope are the tools we use daily. But when we succeed, and they fly strong and free… well, there is nothing quite like it in the world! REHABILITATION ... EDUCATION ... INSPI R ATION ... WE COULDN ’T DO IT W ITHOUT YOU . THANK YOU FO R YOU R CONTINUED SUPPO R T . Make a difference- Support Last Chance Forever as part of your family’s wildlife heritage! LCF’s Supply Wish List: Individual or family contributions Cleaning Office Name 13 gal. Trash Bags 3” x 3” Sticky Notes Address 55 gal. Trash Bags 9” x 12” Envelopes Clorox Bleach #10 Business size Envelopes Gallon Freezer Bags Postage Stamps Phone Green Scrub Sponges Regular & Small Bound Household Paper Products Note Books Email (optional) Household Soap Products Simple Green Cleaner Outdoor I am enclosing my contribution of: Heavy Duty Garden Hose __$25 __$50 __$100 __$200 __Other___________ Hardware Plastic Wading Pools Masking Tape Please Send Your Tax-Deductible Contribution to: Plastic Zip Ties (All Sizes) Electronics/Computer Last Chance Forever/The Bird of Prey Conservancy 9 Volt, AA, or D Size Batteries P.O. Box 460993 Medical CD-R & DVD Blank Disks San Antonio, Texas 78246 Vet Wrap Extension cords *We at L.C.F. respect our supporters, and wish to ensure you that we First Aid/ Medical Supplies Flash Drives will not sell your mailing or email information to any outside sources. Last Chance Forever would like to thank the following foundations, organizations, and individuals for their support: Corporations & Businesses Foundations & Trusts Individuals Ace Bolt & Screw Co. Catto Charitable Foundation Gary & Linda Abrahamson Alamo Exhibition Bird Club Iris Foundation/Don Henley Diane Alshouse American Biophysics Corp. Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Dr. Charles H. Bonney Animal Eye Hospital Hixon Family Foundation Barbara Bowman Mike Thompson & Patagonia Holloman Price Foundation S. Kaye Bowman Bamberger Ranch James R. Dougherty Foundation Debbie & Van Clegg Boerne Parks & Recreation Kronkosky Foundation Ernst family Heydenrich family M.T. Walthall Trust Sai Golden Kirby Animal Hospital San Antonio Area Foundation Sherry Hagen Lower Colorado River Authority San Antonio Audubon Society Don Henley L & L Electronics Sharon L. Gelperin Trust Mike Hinkle Michael Luig SK Foundation L.C.F. Volunteers Land, Sky, & Water Steve and Martha Hixon Kamile & John McKeever Minnesota D.N.R. Susan and Peter Roehl Family Virgil E. Milke San Antonio Parks & Recreation Winona Community Fund Peggy Mitchell Sourdough Corporation Arvella & Bill Oliver family Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. Jeff & Randi Quick The Eagles Marika & Johnathan Schoolar U.S.
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