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Chat - Tuesday, August 25, 2009; Slip Slidiin' Away - Summer Moves On!
Topic Started: Aug 25 2009, 03:31 AM (1,402 Views)
harpo516
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Hard to believe but the end of August is looming ...

folks are squeezing in those last days of vacation
sitting in the sun at the beach
hiking the trails of the countryside

I'm at work :'(

Sure hope this finds everyone well and enjoying whatever they are doing
Some of our folks are a bit sad having said good bye to families in recent visits but all of us are hoping for some super :clk:

Had our first committee meeting for our scouts last night - first meeting coming up quick! One Eagle Scout ceremony coming up early Nov and 3 more starting to work on theirs! :**:

The weather has cooled a bit and I see that indeed there was major flooding at Jones Beach from the storm over the weekend - big mess - well, I don't go to the beach anyway so :P

OK things to do ..... :}^
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harpo516
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IWS Eagle Forum Chat




OK - above is the link to IWS Chat - first post today is a list of known NAC winners - been adding names last night/today!

If your name isn't there and you'd like it to be - just let me know or post it in Chat at IWS today! Some folks opt to keep their win private and that's AOK too!

If you chose an item that has to be sent to you - Dr. Sharpe is beginning to mail them out as I type - some folks have already gotten their item! :**:

Congrats to all the winners - of course in my book we're all winners cause of all that we do thru the forums - observe, share info, post captures, support the eagles - and most of all, for being friends!

Thanks to all who do what they do so that the eagles can come home and have a chance! :Hugs: <3 :soar:
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harpo516
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eaglepedia revisited

June 16, 2007

Part I - Prey items included in the bald eagles diet - fish, seabirds, small mammals (rabbits) and waterfowl. They are opportunistic/scavenger feeders so will also eat road kill and carrion, an easy food source which also helps them to conserve energy in the winter, taking little effort to hunt down! Scavenging is the most popular feeding strategy. Juveniles will depend on carrion as a primary source of food until they become more proficient at hunting. Adults and eaglets eat the same prey with the parents tearing it into bite sized pieces which is easier for the chick to swallow. An older nestling will tear the prey apart on his own. Juveniles have significantly larger wing and tail surfaces. This allows them to be more efficient at soaring and in turn more effective at locating carrion.

<a href='http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/cgi-bin...nlarticle_id=46' target='_blank'>http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/cgi-bin...nlarticle_id=46</a>

and

June 17, 2007

Part II : Bald eagles also get their food by stealing it from other birds - eagles, osprey, etc.! It will harass another bird until he drops the prey so he can defend himself from the talons at which point the eagle will dive after the dropped prey which it may be able to catch in mid air. Otherwise the eagle will retrieve it from the water or the ground where it has fallen. Don't mistake the chase as a chance happening - it isn't! The dominant will steal from the subordinate and the larger bird will steal from the smaller. Stealing is the second most popular feeding strategy.

<a href='http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/cgi-bin...nlarticle_id=46' target='_blank'>http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/cgi-bin...nlarticle_id=46</a>

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Visit Eaglepedia

DISCLAIMER: Information here has been gathered in good faith from the internet and cannot be guaranteed to be totally accurate.
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harpo516
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ps - don't think cause it's august there's nothing to watch on the nest cams - WRONG!

here's a grouping of caps yesterday from WE and visits are happening at TH as well...... keep an eye on those cams - adults and juvies are visiting ..... don't miss out


Posted Image

(chickiebaby)
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harpo516
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the osprey gets the fish - or does he

http://www.arkive.org/osprey/pandion-halia.../video-11b.html
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harpo516
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When we saw the Osprey on Sat - it looked like one of the parents was "hovering" - like a helicopter - it was amazing to watch. He'd hover - move a bit - hover some more - fly around a little - hover again - then dive ........ never saw that in a bird of prey so looked it up this AM and sure enough - check this out - very interesting:


Osprey are known to soar at altitudes of 50 to 180 feet hovering over their prey and then diving full force feet first, often completely submerging themselves to bring up their catch. Being aerial fishers, Ospreys have a unique feature – their feet have spurred pads designed for holding onto slippery prey. Osprey have an opposable outer front toe. While perched they position 3 toes forward - one to the back. During the hunt, Osprey rotate the outer toe positioning 2 toes back and 2 forward. The Osprey’s feet are equipped with slender hard bodies spears called “spicules” or spikes for superior gripping power. Observed in flight you will notice Osprey wings taper to a rounded tip and flight feathers are white banded with black. It is interesting to see an Osprey flying with prey as they carry the fish head first to streamline the flight pattern. In fact, the Osprey “hover and dive” hunting techniques are so stealth Boeing named the V-22 Osprey Tiltrotor Aircraft after this bird of prey. The aircraft is designed to take off and land like a helicopter “hovering” but once airborne the aircraft carrier converts into a turboprop airplane. Quite a tribute to the Osprey’s natural flight and hunting techniques as the world’s top aeronautic engineers try to duplicate these amazing flight patterns.
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LeicaEagle
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I "harvested" this from another bird of prey forum with regards to "Buddy"


Birdofprey at Hancock posted this on our little SWEETHEART BUDDY
I received an email from WCV today with news about Buddy - not a surprise, IMO, and I know that Buddy will lead a wonderful, and pampered, life, and be a fabulous ambassador.

FROM: Dr. Dave McRuer, Director of Veterinary Medicine

The Norfolk Bald Eagle [#08-887] was re-evaluated in August 2009. For the past year, the eagle has been brought into the Wildlife Center clinic for periodic beak-trimming and management. However, the beak has not straightened as we would have hoped. At this point, it appears that, despite our best attempts, the germinal cells of the left side of the upper beak have been permanently altered. It is also likely that in addition to the distorted keratinized portion of the beak surface, the underlying skeletal component to the beak is also deviated to the left.

It is our professional opinion that, due to these apparently permanent changes to the beak, lifelong management will be necessary in order for this eagle to thrive. If the bird were to be released, the beak would continue to grow until he could no longer open or close the mouth. This undoubtedly would result in the eagle’s eventual starvation and death.

In addition to the beak, the Norfolk eagle’s general demeanor is not conducive to living in the wild. Due to the extensive treatment and procedural regime from a young age and the corresponding human contact, the eagle appears to be habituated to humans. When entering this eagle’s enclosure, for example, it is possible to stand within several feet of him without any visible signs of distress. In fact, the eagle prefers to sit and chat, often tilting his head from side to side. The vocalization is a high-pitched chatter that is consistent with a begging call in young birds. In contrast, other non-habituated eagle patients with a “wild” personality fear humans and attempt to flee.

For these two main reasons, it is our recommendation that patient number 08-0877 be declared non-releasable.



All we can say is that the efforts by the treatment team were valiant and we all crossed our talons for more sucessfull outcome. However, Buddy should be a great teaching tool for future eagle lovers for many years to come. :X:
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Cricket
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I was always trying to remain positive about Buddy but it appears he will never see Freedom again. :'(

I woke up this morning and the right side of my upper lip is really swollen. I did pick one of Bells hairs off my lip and hopefully that will be the end of the swelling. I lisp when I talk now! Great for a Receptionist/Assistant.

Sandie I will try to send you my Spaghetti & Meat Malls Recipe tonight after work.

CatM hope you catch Bubba! I only wish I knew of someone who would go out Deep Sea with me. The Police Officer I use to go with says the Head Boats are now too expensive for him! I promised Dad I would never go alone. He always worried about me.
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adklaurie
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Good morning.

CatM has gone fishing Posted Image to celebrate her birthday. Have fun Cat and hope you catch the big one. Happy Birthday. Hope all your wishes come true.

And on that note, A little Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for ya.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh3ml8gzrd4

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Cricket
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George CONGRATULATIONS on your 5,601 Milestone Postings. Way to go! :><: :><: :><: :><: :><:
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Cricket
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Deb you are almost there but I wanted to CONGRATULATE you because I know you will achieve your 33,300th Milestone Posting before I get out of work today. You rock! :><: :><: :><: :><:
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Artsy Mom
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<::: We all knew this day was coming :(

Wildlife Center of Virginia Declares Norfolk Garden Bald Eagle Non-Releasable

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August 24, 2009

TO: The Wildlife Center of Virginia Community

FROM: Edward E. Clark, Jr.
President and Co-Founder, Wildlife Center of Virginia


Earlier this month, I asked Dr. Dave McRuer, the Director of Veterinary Medicine at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, to do a formal evaluation of Case #08-0887, the Norfolk Bald Eagle. As you know, this bird was brought to the Center in May 2008 from its nest at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, with what turned out to be a particularly virulent case of Avian Pox.

Based on a review of the bird’s treatment over the past 15 months, evaluation of the curvature of the eagle’s beak, and the habituation of this young bird to humans, Dr. Dave has recommended that #08-887 be classified as a non-releasable animal. I concur in that judgment.

Despite an unprecedented effort by our veterinary and rehabilitation staff, including support and consultation with several of the world’s top experts on avian surgery, the eagle’s beak continues to grow with a significant misalignment – a curvature which will need to be corrected every few weeks. It is likely that the damage to the growth plate of the eagle’s beak occurred before the bird was admitted to the Wildlife Center; the damage may even have been done before the external Avian Pox lesion was first spotted by eagle watchers. In very young birds, even minor issues can result in significant problems, and this was anything but a minor issue.

The question now is what’s next – what’s the best placement for this young eagle?

Our sense is that this eagle will continue to do very well in captivity. Since he does not appear to be unduly stressed by the sights and sounds of humans, our hope is that he could have a future as an education or display animal. We will need to decide if 08-887 stays with us here at the Wildlife Center of Virginia, or if the bird should be placed in another education-based wildlife facility. One of the considerations will be appropriate housing for a fully flighted bird. Wherever he ends up, frequent beak trims will also be a requirement for the rest of his life. The capacity to provide such specialized care must be a consideration for permanent placement. For the time being, and on a probationary basis, 08-0887 will be housed in a large outdoor pen adjacent to some of the Center’s education animals [his neighbors will be a Golden Eagle and a Red-tailed Hawk]. We will closely monitor his adjustment to his new surroundings and his new neighbors.

Many individuals have played a role in this bird’s rescue and care. Thanks to the presence of the webcam focused on the nest, and the keen observation skills of eagle watchers both in Norfolk and online around the world, the Avian Pox infection was noticed while there was still time to intervene. Otherwise, the viral lesion would surely have killed the chick within the first few months of life. Instead, thanks to volunteers, regional biologists, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries officials, park workers, and many others, the eagle ended up in our hands at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.

During this bird’s tenure at the Wildlife Center, the eagle’s case has offered training opportunities for 32 visiting veterinary students, five visiting veterinary technician students, more than 20 rehabilitation trainees, and countless volunteers. The eagle continues to be followed by a network of loyal fans across the country – indeed, around the world. For our part, the Center will continue to provide periodic updates on 08-887 through the special section of the Center’s website.

At this point, given all of the options of which we are currently aware, #08-0887 will remain at the Wildlife Center of Virginia for the foreseeable future. He will be transferred from the list of active patients [under our wildlife rehabilitation permit] and added to our collection of non-releasable “educational” birds, as authorized by our Eagle Exhibition permit, issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While I reserve the ability to review and revise my decision, based on the organizational needs of the Wildlife Center of Virginia and the best interests of the bird, for the time being we welcome #08-0887 to his new role as ambassador for his species, and teacher, at the Wildlife Center of Virginia.
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Artsy Mom
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On a happier note.....

Kestrel Chick Survives 'Gang' Attack

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Click on image for story
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harpo516
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I'm thankful that Buddy was given the opportunity to survive because of the cam! Vigilant folks noticed something was wrong - otherwise, he'd have proably never made it. So his life path is a bit different - would have been great to have him soar but he can do much good for the eagles. Hooray for those who observed and for those who stepped up to help him! Hooray for Buddy ...... he's teaching us all! <3
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adklaurie
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I agree deb. :)^

Congratulations - you've reached your 33,300 milestone. :><: :><:
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