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Issue 7
Spring/Summer 2003

Phone: (330) 667-2386
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Dear Friends,

We have completed a very busy winter season, and look forward to Spring and all the changes it brings. This past season was busier than normal because of the 18 West Nile Virus survivors that we kept. I am happy to report that all of these over-wintered birds have been released, most of them to the same locations where they were originally found. With each release, we were reminded of the critical condition these birds were in when they came to us. There was some satisfaction in knowing we were able to place some birds back into the ecosystem, armed with immunity against this terrible disease. Hopefully, these survivors will begin the process of passing this immunity to future generations.

West Nile Virus (WNV)

We have reported extensively about last year's devastating effects of WNV on Ohio's bird population. We recently attended a WNV seminar at the Cleveland Natural History Museum. Here is the latest information:

• WNV has been confirmed in 44 states and Canada
• Over 4000 human cases and 277 deaths in U.S.
• 162 bird species have been tested positive
• Positive tests in mammals (from chipmunks to Asian elephants!)
• No human vaccine available

We are doing two things to try to protect our captive, educational birds. The first is to mosquito-proof as many of their cages as possible. Six cages are completed, and two are underway. If any birds are not in mosquito-proof cages by the start of the mosquito season, they will be moved into our screen house at night.

We are also vaccinating our birds, using the vaccine developed for horses. Several avian-specific vaccines are in development, but not yet available. The equine vaccine, combined with mosquito-proof housing affords the best protection we can provide.

Many experts predict that WNV impacts may be worse this year than last year. While it's hard to say with any certainty what we might expect in 2003, we have already

seen several birds with strong WNV symptoms (due to cost considerations, they have not been positively tested). This includes a Red-winged blackbird found in April, a Coopers Hawk found in March, and a Great Blue Heron brought into the Center in February!

Baby Birds and Animals: Are they Orphans?

This time of the year brings a tremendous increase in the interaction between wildlife and people. Many well-intentioned but misinformed people feel the need to intervene in situations where intervention is not necessary.

While some baby birds or animals are actually orphaned, the majority of situations observed in the wild are part of the natural processes of raising, weaning and teaching youngsters the skills they will need to survive. Animal parents are very conscientious, and abandonment of their young is very rare.

Remember that people, including skilled rehabilitators, are always a young animals last hope for survival, never it's best hope. For this reason, we always counsel people to return baby birds to their nest, construct a new nest if theirs was destroyed, and to not interfere in the "fledging" process, where young birds are learning to fly and be on their own. While we can provide a young bird with it's nutritional requirements, we have no way of teaching it survival skills like predator awareness, foraging for natural foods, and migration. So please, intervene only in the most desperate circumstances.

Eagle Update

As previously reported we received an immature eagle last August, and a mature male eagle in December. The younger bird was suffering from starvation, poor feather condition, eye lesions and slight tremors, all symptoms of West Nile Virus. Initial tests for West Nile were inconclusive. He has made a partial recovery: his weight is good, his eyes have stabilized, and he shows no lingering neurological problems. Our concern is focused on his feathers. As he molts out old feathers, the new ones come in with damaged feather shafts and other abnormalities. He currently has many new flight feathers coming in. Their condition will tell us a great deal about if and when this eagle can be released.

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The adult eagle made a remarkable recovery. This is the bird that had several surgeries and a life-saving blood transfusion from the resident eagle at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center. He spent the past several months building strength and stamina in our largest flight cage. On April 23rd he was returned to Seneca County where he was originally found. We opened the door to his crate and he immediately jumped out and made a spectacular flight of several hundred yards to a tree line. He stopped to survey his surroundings, took one last look at the small group of us watching him through binoculars, and flew off to resume his life as an eagle.

Public Appearances:

We recently had the opportunity to take part in a number of exciting educational opportunities. In March, we participated in the annual Buzzard Day activities in Hinckley. More than 5000 visitors to this popular event were able to get up close and personal with Matilda, our 4 year old Turkey Vulture. She was hit of the day and has been invited back for next year.

Later in March, we again took part in "Migration Sensation," an annual event in Shreve. This program focuses on the migration of waterfowl and songbirds each Spring. They also present very interesting programs that highlight the plant and animal life that inhabit the Killbuck Marsh area in Wayne County. We had several of our feathered staff members with us, and together we saw over 500 people. We especially enjoy this event because we have the opportunity to renew acquaintances from the Amish community who are among the most avid and knowledgeable bird watchers.

Upcoming Events:

We will be participating in several exciting events this Spring, including:

• Earth Day - April 27^th - Buckeye Woods Park
• Ohio BioBlitz - June 14^th - Brunswick North Park
• Bird Walk at Medina Raptor Center, hosted by The Wild Bird Center, Akron (contact Sue Wright at (330) 869 - WILD (9453) for more information
• MRC night at Mapleside Restaurant - May 21^st

We are especially excited about the Medina Raptor Center night at Mapleside Restaurant. They have generously offered to donate 10% of the proceeds from dinner that night to the Center. We hope to see you at this event.

Interesting Cases in 2003:

• Canvasback duck (starvation case, released and last seen with a group of migrating ducks at Spencer Lake)
• Two Woodcocks (hit windows in separate accidents, have been released)
• Rough-legged Hawk (broken wing, still pending)
• Three Common Loons (they typically migrate at night and mistake wet pavement for lakes; once on the ground, they are unable to take off without at least an acre of open water. All have been released)
• Virginia Rail (suspected fractured leg, still pending)

Other Raptor Center happenings:

• New Cage - We are beginning construction of a new, larger cage for Matilda. This cage has been made possible by numerous donations and major support from the Akron Audabon Society and the Post family.
• New Volunteers - Linda Darling, Claire Weldon and Gillian Kusmik are the newest MRC volunteers. They join veterans Art Miller, Jesse Pelka and Julie Lakas. Thanks to all our volunteers; we couldn't do it without you. We have a number of different volunteer opportunities including bird rescues and raising baby songbirds. Please contact us if you are interested in these or other volunteer experiences.
• Education - We are expanding our educational material to include additional focus on habitat. We are developing a display that will include information on creating wildlife-friendly habitat in your own yard.
• Adopt a bird - We have formalized our adopt a bird program that supports our educational birds. The program includes pricing for one year adoptions, and features a certificate of adoption and a photograph of the adopted bird. Please contact us for more information (adoptions make unique gifts).

Your tax-deductible contribution will help support the work of the Medina Raptor Center:

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