Summer 2017 Wildlife Wonders

Wildlife Wonders Lindsay Wildlife experience | summer 2017

Inside:

The Rehabilitation Hospital gives loving care to the littlest patients during baby season

welcome

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our weeks into my service as Lindsay’s executive director, I was invited to the

ICU to witness the talent of hospital staff. On that first occasion, I marveled at how then-Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician Amber Engle rapidly removed birdshot from a wounded crow with an

intensity of focus and dexterity. On another occasion, Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician Shannon McClain instantly diagnosed a patient as being blind from no less than 20 feet away, and was correct. More recently, I witnessed the masterful reconstruction of a crushed Western pond turtle carapace with epoxy, screws and wires by Dr. Allison Daugherty. "Frankenturtle" is now recovering well.

tracks

“

As people alive today, we must consider future generations: A clean environment is a human right like any other.

It is therefore part of our responsibility toward others to ensure that the world we pass on is as healthy, if not healthier, than we found it.

”

—Dalai Lama

On still another occasion, I was present for an exam-

Lindsay is all yours every Tuesday!

Lindsay Wildlife Experience kicks off summer Member Tuesdays on June 13! Every Tuesday, all summer long, Lindsay will open its doors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for members only. You can exclusively enjoy special crafts, hospital behind-thescenes presentations and “Nature Play,” our outdoor play date for families. All of the animal encounavailable, including some new ones

tion Technician Marcia Metzler. This splendid creature,

and our bald eagle! So come gaze

which as a field ecologist I had witnessed only from a

into the eyes of a barn owl or touch

distance, now stood before me an arm’s length away. I

a tortoise on Member Tuesdays.

was speechless for all the wrong reasons. This otherwise

Meet Our New Animal Ambassador This salamander was found in September 2014 in Blackhawk and kept as a pet for two years until the family surrendered him to Lindsay, which is an official rehabilitation center for local California tiger salamanders. He joins longtime resident tiger salamanders Freckles and Sal, who are also unable to be released. While the Blackhawk population is listed as threatened, tiger salamanders are generally considered endangered due to habitat loss. This is especially devastating, as California tiger salamanders are endemic to the state, meaning

indomitable predator peered at me plaintively—wingturbine. Marcia declared that the bird would not make

We ♥ Our Members:

ters you love at Lindsay will be

ination of a golden eagle by Lead Wildlife Rehabilita-

sheared, leg bones shattered—a casualty of a wind

Summer Member Tuesdays

Connecting people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share.

they exist nowhere else. Help name our new friend on July 29, International Tiger Day!

it; still, the eagle’s countenance belied what must

Fun Fact

have been excruciating pain. I knew then that I had to volunteer in the hospital—I wanted to be a part of the solution, to get closer to the heart of Lindsay’s mission of connecting people with wildlife—to do my part.

My volunteer shift in the hospital has become the most joyful part of my week—the connections I’ve made to dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers, the superhero talent of hospital staff, and the animals themselves—all instill an undeniably personal sense of responsibility for the wildlife with which we share this planet that I never felt, even as a field ecologist.

The best moments in the hospital are seeing the relief on a rescuer’s face when she realizes that the animal that she cared enough to rescue will be given a second chance at life. That’s the sweet spot of making the world a better place—one person, one animal at a time.

Exhibit Hall and Wildlife Hotline (925) 935-1978 ­ — lindsaywildlife.org info@lindsaywildlife.org­ — 1931 First Avenue Walnut Creek, CA 94597 Executive Director Cheryl McCormick, Ph.D. Creative Staff Editor: Elisabeth Nardi Contributors: Julie Clemens, Heather Haas and Cheryl McCormick, Ph.D. Produced by DCP dcpubs.com Photography by Paul Hara and Margaret Kowalick-Hara

Board of Directors Gabe Togneri, President Marilyn Fowler, Vice President David Shunick, Treasurer Julie Ross, Secretary Stewart Bailey Lou Eber Nan Hudson Marc Kaplan Matt Lawson Elizabeth McWhorter Ryan Misasi Roger Pettey James A. Pezzaglia Heather Stead Nan Walz Emeritus Board Members Gary Bogue* Barney Howard* Michael Stead* *Honorary nonvoting board member

Cheryl McCormick, Ph.D. Executive Director | Lindsay Wildlife Experience On the cover: Baby hummingbird care at the Rehabilitation Hospital.

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5,764

hours were logged by docents and exhibit interpreters in 2016. These volunteers are the heart and soul of our education program, teaching children and adults alike during field trips, outreach efforts and visits to the exhibit hall.

Bee Bop! Join us Aug. 12 as we celebrate National Honey Bee Day with our annual Bee Bop! Festivities include honey tasting, a chance to meet a beekeeper, “Honey Bee Waggle” dancing, and interactive activities and crafts. All FREE with admission!

And join us at 9 a.m. for Breakfast with the Animals, where members receive a special gift! For more information, go to lindsaywildlife.org.

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Bustling

“ I love this time of year because it is the rebirth of all things wild. ” —Volunteer Wendy Sparks

Baby

Season During the summer, the Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital gives compassionate care to baby animals

b

c

port humans give each other keeps many going year after year.”

And it’s the success of saving young wildlife that makes them come back to Lindsay. It’s when they get to release an animal that

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Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital helps animals of all shapes and sizes get back on their feet. The piechart below lists the hospital’s most frequent animal visitors during baby season!

came in a few days old and months later is happy, healthy and

Top 10 Species for 2016 baby season:

flying, hopping, running or crawling away. a: A Lindsay volunteer cares for two ducklings. b: Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager Amber Engle and Mar Jennings tend to a patient. c: In the Baby Bird Room, a northern mockingbird opens up wide for its meal. d: A volunteer holds onto a baby rabbit while feeding it. e: Lead Wildlife Rehabilitation Technician Marcia Metzler and Engle begin the delicate process of imping to help repair a wounded bird’s feathers.

“I love this time of year because it is the rebirth of all things wild,” says volunteer Wendy Sparks, who is in her 32nd baby season.

a

T

Sparks works a weekly 6 to 9 p.m. shift and says that many times hey come in small margarine containers, coolers, shoeboxes, purses, shirt pockets—even a matchbox, when all that could be seen was

a hummingbird’s beak peeking out from one side.

year in June when the Baby Bird Room (in the hospital) is bursting at the seams,” says Lori Moon, nine-year volunteer and house finch species manager. “Every cage

During the busy season, babies come to Lindsay Wild-

is occupied, and we are forced to come up with special

life Rehabilitation Hospital any way the rescuer can get

housing for some of the birds.”

them there. Caring rescuers bring them to Lindsay and will wait in line to get “their patient” checked in.

“For baby season, what I think of is lines out the door,” says Sherrill Cook, interim hospital manager.

In this hospital, spring and summer bring a seemingly never-ending array of wildlife hospital patients,

But in July, when babies are not as healthy as the earlier season ones, there are harder cases, which often makes it tougher on volunteers and staff. Volunteers are the best support structure for staff and each other,

baby opossums who can’t even open their eyes yet.

the hospital. Lindsay can have up to 400 patients in

more than 70 percent of its annual patient load.

For a veterinarian working shift after shift during

on the trail. The crew stayed to help the squirrel—it was way past 10 p.m. before anyone left, but the squirrel survived.

“I sincerely believe the best part of the busy season is helping our native wildlife survive in spite of the often unpleasant interactions with well-intentioned humans,” says Sparks. “We all need to coexist on this earth, and Lindsay provides people with an opportunity to

■ House Finch

24.4%

■ Eastern Fox Squirrel ■ Western Scrubjay ■ American Crow

12.1%

4.3%

11.5%

■ Northern Raccoon ■ Annas Hummingbird

10.3%

5.5%

■ California Towhee

5.8%

compensate for human error.”

6.5%

6.1%

feather to fly

in homecare.

Sometimes a bird is brought into Lindsay with such damaged feathers that it

The peak season can be overwhelming, with the

needs a bit of help. That is where Lindsay Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital staff

caregivers tending to the animals so assiduously they forget to take care of themselves, Engle says. There

says Dr. Lana Krol, who refers to busy season as “a

are volunteers who make sure everyone eats, bring in

boom of babies.”

sandwiches or stock “emergency fudge” for the staff.

come in with the amazing skill of imping. Imping—short for implanting—is the process by which a damaged feather is repaired by attaching part of a new feather.

This method has been around as long as falconry—circa 700 BC. Hospital staff take a donor feather and insert it in the bird’s original feather

“This work can be emotionally draining,” Engle says.

work countless hours; do hundreds of loads of laundry;

“Our patients die or need to be euthanized because they

prepare meals for thousands of animals; and stay on a

are so far gone when they come in. Support between the

strict schedule of feeding tiny creatures that, in some

staff and volunteers is critical. Burnout and compassion

cases, have to be fed every 15 minutes.

fatigue are common results in this industry, but the sup-

W i l d l i f e Wo n d e r s | l i n d s ay w i l d l i f e . o r g

young hiker who had found a cold and traumatized ground squirrel

care at a time, including those who are rehabilitating

busy season, it’s simple—there’s not enough coffee,

The volunteers who keep the hospital humming

evening they had already locked up when they encountered a

13.6%

■ Mourning Dove

Each day, volunteers medicate up to 100 patients twice per day and feed over 200 babies—that’s just in

hours, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, and takes in

they stay open later after receiving frantic calls from rescuers. One

■ Mallard

says Wildlife Rehabilitation Manager Amber Engle.

from baby hummingbirds no bigger than a fingernail to From April 1 to Aug. 31 the hospital is open longer

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“There is usually a 10-day to two-week period every

■ Virginia Opossum

shaft—think of it like an avian weave! When the bird molts, it will drop its falsies and replace them with its own perfect new feathers. Hospital volunteers help to shape the wooden insertion sticks that hold the feather in place. This amazing process is not done everywhere, and it helps get the bird out where it belongs even e

faster: the wild!

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fac e s a n d p l ac e s

fac e s a n d p l ac e s

A Legacy of Generosity

Faces of Wildlife Gala

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The seventh annual Faces of

In keeping with Sanderson’s commitment to wildlife, the Elizabeth

$90,000 the night of the event

V. Sanderson Foundation has awarded Lindsay Wildlife Experience

(an increase of $13,000 over last

a grant of $60,000 to support the work of the hospital and fund a

year!). Paul and Margaret Hara

Master Interpretive Plan for the exhibit hall.

created an inspirational film that

etts Sanderson, an enthusiastic hospital volunteer and a

a

b

c

Wildlife Gala was a resounding

pioneering homecare team member for mourning doves,

success! Our patrons generously

passed away last year, but her spirit will live on at Lindsay.

bid on packages, raising over

d

was featured before our guests

Sanderson was known at Lindsay for her experimentation, along with fellow volunteer Julie Burkehart. They created successful

raised their paddles to contrib-

practices in the fostering of mourning doves brought to Lindsay.

ute over $37,000 and just prior to Larisa Vomacka winning the

Sanderson executed her career with the same pioneering

Board Wine Cellar.

leadership and did it within a historically male-dominated field.

Her successful work as a computer systems technical architect enabled her to establish a private foundation upon her passing.

e

We are deeply touched by the Sanderson Foundation trustees’ investment in Lindsay and homage to Sanderson’s passionate

f

advocacy for our local wildlife. Even though Sanderson no longer walks among us, her generosity lives on.

Volunteer Spotlight:

Kati Ehsani

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orn in Iran, Kati Ehsani grew up surrounded by animals. “My g

grandfather had a place in the country, and we spent our week-

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ends among all the farm animals.” She adds, “I must admit that I’ve

always preferred the company of animals to that of people.”

Ehsani and her husband now live in Moraga with their three cats: Misha, Pishoo and Mimzi. For 16 years, Ehsani has served as a Lindsay Wildlife Experience volunteer in various roles. She is now a docent and works with animal ambassadors as part of Animal Encounters.

“There is something magical in sharing the beauty and wonder of animals with kids,” Ehsani explains. “I cherish the moments when my animal partners and I are able to ignite a sparkle in a child’s eyes and open a whole new world to them.”

There’s also a more personal element to Ehsani’s devotion as a volunteer. “I love my time on the Raptor Team. I’ve had the privilege of work-

ing with some exceptional birds over the years that have taught me to be calm, observant, respectful and connected with my surroundings.”

Ehsani’s continued association with Lindsay is due to her own dedication to the organization’s mission. “I am proud to be among a community of people that share my passion for wildlife and preservation,” she says.

When reflecting on how she would describe Lindsay to others, Ehsani replies, “I wouldn’t try to describe it—I would invite people to come and experience Lindsay! I love sharing the pleasure of seeing a raptor on a glove from a few feet away—that’s what Lindsay is all about.”

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Dale G odfre y

She enthuses, “My time with Lindsay’s raptors is my ‘heaven on earth!’ ”

We thank our guests and particularly our corporate sponsors for supporting our mission.

a: Board member and hospital volunteer Nan Walz shows off her snake handling skills. b: Scott Wilkerson and Lia Togneri enjoy a glass of wine. c: From left: Teri Menchini, Cathy Remick and board member Heather Stead. d: Docent and gala sponsor Sue Angeli is congratulated by fellow docents Karen Shackleton (left) and Amy Wisecarver (right) on winning the opportunity to name the new bald eagle. e: Lindsay Animal Encounters Director Dawn Manley shows off a cake made by hospital volunteer Nancy Smyth to Renee Morgan. f: From left: Ernie Montanari, Danville Mayor Renee Morgan, Tim Argenti, and Teresa and Bill White. g: Aaron Simon and Laura M. Lee with Falco, a kestrel. h: Patrick Gutierrez from KKIQ is tempted to touch a king snake by keeper Rachael Cross. Gutierrez’s guest isn’t so sure.

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NONPROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Walnut Creek CA PERMIT NO. 525 Lindsay Wildlife Museum 1931 First Avenue Walnut Creek, CA 94597-2540

Event Calendar June 13, 20 and 27: Member Tuesdays 16: Free Friday 19: Mini Monday: Animals on the Move 25: Nature Speak: Get Outside with Citizen Science 30: Happy Birthday, Richard!

July 4: Closed for Fourth of July 9: Nature Speak: Solar Viewing 11, 18 and 25: Member Tuesdays 14: Member Movie Night 15: Live. Wild. Animal Exhibition Members Only: Weird Animals!

24: Mini Monday: Bug Buddies 28: Happy Owl Happy Hour

August 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29: Member Tuesdays 12: Breakfast with the Animals and Bee Bop! 26: Live. Wild. Animal Exhibition Members Only 28: Mini Monday: Wild About Wetlands

September 17: An Evening at the Bistro, fundraiser at Va de Vi 23: Live. Wild. Animal Exhibition Members Only 25: Mini Monday: Digging Deserts

Meet Atsá!

The chance to name Lindsay’s new bald eagle—which came to live at Lindsay in December—was purchased at the Faces of Wildlife Gala in April. Major donor and Lindsay docent Sue Angeli spent more than $6,000 for the right to name this majestic creature Atsá, which is Navajo for "eagle."

For a complete list of upcoming events,

Follow us!

visit lindsaywildlife.org.