Posts by jbird24
Bounty of Barreds
It’s that time of year again when the snow flies, the temperatures dip, and the barred owls come in droves to VINS. While the snow and colder weather make for a winter wonderland, they also put many animals in the wild to the ultimate test of survival. When the snow piles up, it’s harder for…
Read MoreA Ruff Break
If you often take walks through the woods of Vermont, you’ve likely heard the heart-stopping blast-off of a ruffed grouse taking flight from the forest floor. These well-camouflaged birds seem to lie in wait until you are a few feet from them before they suddenly take off, flapping their wings with a thumping ferocity that…
Read MoreWhen a Bird Can’t Go Back to the Wild
Not every bird that comes into our care is able to heal. Although we try our best with each bird — no matter what kind of bird it is — we are not always able to help every patient return to his or her home in the wild. Recently, a red-tailed hawk was admitted to…
Read MoreLots of Hooting to be Had!
What would Halloween be without an owl? Maybe some creepy crawlies? How about a bat cave? Well don your costume and see all up-close — and much more — at VINS’ annual Hoots and Howls event.Hoots and Howls features a fun, non-scary guided tour around the VINS grounds, where guests can meet critters that crawl,…
Read MoreKestrel Out!
An American kestrel — a small falcon — was released from rehabilitation at VINS Oct. 23. The kestrel came into our wildlife rehab department with a fractured wing. As you can see from the photos below, she was quite happy to take flight back into the wild. Watch a video of the release and learn…
Read MoreA Surprise Guest
Summer is so long-gone. We’ve already had our first snowfall here in Vermont, and many of the trees are completely bare of leaves. Pumpkins dot the doorsteps of homes throughout town, and many birds have high-tailed it south. So what is this we have here? Who is this warm, pink blob with downy yellow feathers?…
Read MoreA Day in the Life
If there’s one thing that holds true in the field of wildlife rehabilitation, it’s that one day is never quite like the next. Monday you may be hydrating a red-tailed hawk subcutaneously (beneath the skin), and Tuesday you might find yourself suturing an open wound on a ruffed grouse. To give you an idea of…
Read MoreBye-bye Barred!
A juvenile barred owl was released from rehabilitation October 3 as part of Raptor Appreciation Day at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. Wildlife Services Intern Jessica Katz had the honors of sending this young raptor back into the woods. The owl, found orphaned as a baby, was part of a trio of young barreds…
Read MoreSnapper Time!
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. So, if you ask me, we’ve added quite a beauty to our exhibits here at VINS. Featuring powerful jaws and a snorkel-like snout, this Common Snapping Turtle – now on exhibit in Fledgling Corner – is sure to turn heads. Recently acquired by the VINS…
Read MoreGrease & Pigeons Don’t Mix
If you’ve ever lived in the city, you’ve probably been lucky enough to hear the purr of a pigeon from the ledge outside your apartment window. Their gentle coo is a welcome treat amid the cacophony of traffic and sirens. Of course, there are some who have been known to call pigeons “flying rats,” but…
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