Posts by jbird24
Dude, where’s my tail?
This black-capped chickadee is one tail short, due to an unfortunate tussle with a pet Siamese cat. Birds’ tail feathers are designed to easily pull from their bodies, so when a predator tries to grab at the bird’s backside the tail feathers come out while the bird flies away to safety. The chickadee also suffered…
Read MoreA Grouse in ‘Ruff’ Shape
When this ruffed grouse first came in to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science, he was in pretty rough shape. He was found on the side of the road where he was likely struck by a car, and transported to the Wildlife Services department here at VINS for care. See a video of this grouse’s…
Read MoreA Fine Take-off
This barred owl, who came to VINS with head trauma after being struck by a car, made a fabulous dash out of his box upon release. The owl was treated for six weeks in VINS’ rehabilitation department, and made a full recovery. In our video of the owl’s release, the owl takes off out of…
Read MoreOld Crow Medicine
An American crow was recently admitted to the VINS Wildlife Services department, presenting with an oozing infection in both eyes we suspected to be conjunctivitis. He showed no other injuries. In the photo above, VINS staff discuss the crow’s ocular predicament after his initial exam. Below is a close-up of one of the infected eyes.…
Read MoreIn Its Own Good Time
With spring just days away, it’s a joy to see the earth transition into yet another season… in its own good time. The warmer March temperatures mixing with the cold Vermont earth make for some interesting sightings. Softer snow means that birds and other critters can be tracked quite easily. And snow melting off our…
Read MoreLuck Be a MODO Tonight
This mourning dove is one lucky guy. Based on the nature of his injuries, we suspect he was attacked by a cooper’s hawk or similar bird, but managed to escape. See a video of this dove’s treatment. The mourning dove (or “MODO,” as abbreviated in the bird world) was found hiding out in a garage,…
Read MoreFarm Fresh Food — At VINS Camps!
By Amanda CharlandVINS Camp Program Coordinator I subscribe to the school of thought that food should be local, fresh, and simple. The best sandwich I’ve ever had – made while working on an organic farm here in Vermont — followed all of these guidelines. It featured crusty local bread smeared with fresh garlic goat cheese,…
Read MoreThe Numbers Are In
This year, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science helped more than 100 visitors actively identify and count wild birds as part of the Great Backyard Bird Count on Feb. 21. The VINS team of VINS staff members and members of the public recorded a checklist tallying 7 different avian species, which was added to the…
Read MoreThis Is How It’s Done
With so many barred owls in critical condition here in Wildlife Services, it is especially rewarding when one is ready to be released into the wild. One such owl was released at a local school last week after spending almost three months in our care! Watch a video of this owl’s silent flight here. This…
Read MoreBarred Owls: Round Two
We’re getting our second wave of emaciated, hit-by-car barred owls admitted as patients at the VINS’ Wildlife Services department. In the photo to the right is a barred owl who sustained a fracture in his left wing (and has a wing wrap on to stabilize the bone), as well as damage to his right eye.…
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