Bird's-eye view - at midsummer we look to releases

Barn owl orphans	As of August 2, a total of 2,253 animals have been treated at the facility in 2007. That's 96 more than last year at this time. On an average busy day, 30 sick, injured or orphaned wild creatures show up on our doorstep. Thirty! In addition to the birds, many mammals are brought in for help. This year we have had coyotes, foxes, skunks, raccoons, squirrels, rabbits and bats. We see the common reptiles, and we
are surprised by reptiles such as a great plains toad, a Sonoran mud turtle and a Texas long-nose snake caught up in a sticky trap. Many owls end up in trouble. Here is a list of the owl species currently rehabilitating at the facility: 1 elf owl 1 burrowing owl 2 long-eared owls 9 western screech owls 27 barn owls 52 great horned owls 1 badger
Hogan and 13 orphans	The purpose of our work, of course, is the release of these animals back to the wild. In July two golden eagles were released on the Hopi Indian Reservation in a moving ceremony attended by several tribal dignitaries. Red-tailed hawks were released in honor of the Phoenix pilots and photographers who so tragically lost their lives recently.
The birds that are released have spent weeks, months, even years at the facility, being healed and strengthened for their life in the wild. Donations and funds raised at benefits feed these recuperating animals and provide for their medications. Volunteers work long hours in hot weather to provide for their daily needs. Prayers are whispered for their recoveries and successes in the wild. About this time of year, groups of the same species begin cycling through preparations for their release. Since the beginning of their stay, they have spent time with members of their own species learning to recognize and model on their own kind so they will be capable of breeding. The birds are put in flight cages where they can fly enough to become fit for the wild. Live prey is introduced to ensure they are capable of hunting on their own. The timing and execution of these stages is complex and carefully monitored. Finally, suitable habitat is researched for the release. The three necessities are food supply, water and shelter. With the larger raptors, we also make sure that there is not already a competing predator in that territory. Game and Fish officials give input on these issues, as well as an extensive network of local birders and biologists who keep their eyes open for good release sites. Open areas such as state, city or county parks are natural options. In the Phoenix area, birds are released at South Mountain Park, Phoenix Mountains Preserve, Spur Cross and Estrella Park. Outlying areas that offer good possibilities include the Tonto National Bridge locale and lands up around Wickenburg.
Red-tailed hawk	Every effort is made to get volunteers involved in releases. There are many birds that will be returned to the wild due to the efforts of these hardworking people. When the lucky individuals see that animal that has been living in a cage finally spread its wings and soar into the sky, well, that's when it becomes clear just what this is all about.