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…
VINS Says Goodbye to a Friend
Fourteen years ago, an American kestrel was born, beginning her journey into the public eye as an ambassador to her species through VINS’ educational programs. On November 4, this elderly bird took her last breath and passed away, leaving behind the great accomplishment of connecting people from all walks of life to the wonderment of…
When 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…
Kestrel 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…
A 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…
Bye-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…
Countdown to Migration
If you’re a broad-winged hawk, it’s time to skedaddle. September through about the first week in October is migration time for these small buteos. Traveling in huge flocks called kettles, broad-wings leave their breeding grounds in North America and head on down to northern South America. Pictured above is a broad-winged hawk perching in his…
This Is the Good Stuff
Two red-tailed hawks who came into VINS Wildlife Services department as fledglings were released August 10. A longtime supporter of VINS had the honor of having both raptors released on his property in Bradford, VT. I myself had the honor of releasing the birds from their rehabilitation setting and into the wild. This is the…
Little, Green, Minnow-Eating Machine!
A long-necked cutie made his way into VINS Wildlife Services on June 27. The fledgling green heron, with his bright yellow legs and downy feathers, is a bit of a rarity in Wildlife Services (although they are found throughout Vermont). Although we’re sorry he’s injured, we all appreciate the opportunity to work with this wading…
Maternal Instinct
Another one of our raptors from the exhibits here at VINS has found her calling in fostering a young baby of her kind. Our female red-tailed hawk, who has been known to go through various stages of nesting with her male partner on exhibit, now has the chance to flex her maternal muscle with the…
