World Bird Sanctuary

Barn Swallows are back....

2009-07-05T06:00:00.003-05:00

They're back and they're busy!!

The barn swallows are back from their annual trip south. These beautiful, gregarious little birds migrate as far south as Mexico, the Lesser Antilles, Costa Rica, Panama and South America every winter. (Hmmm, maybe I'll come back as a swallow in my next life.)

Every summer they return to breed throughout North America. This particular pair chose to make their nest on top of a light fixture on a dock at Lake of the Ozarks. I love to watch

these graceful little creatures as they swoop and dive after insects over the lake. Even more amazing is their ability to get a drink by dipping their beaks into the lake as they skim over the water.

This pair is relatively fearless as they go about their nesting duties right over the heads of the

swimmers, boaters and fishermen who regularly use this dock.

It's Not Too Late!!

2009-07-03T06:00:00.002-05:00

It's not to late to join the World Bird Sanctuary group on our Alaska Trip!!

I just spoke to our travel agent, and she tells me there are still a few cabins left aboard ship for our July 26th sailing!!

We'll be departing from Seattle, WA. aboard the m.s. Westerdam on July 26th and returning on August 2nd. Our itinerary will include a full day of cruising beautiful Glacier Bay, with stops in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, B.C.

There are a multitude of shore trips offered for each of these ports--or you are free to explore on your own.

If you've been considering an Alaska cruise and would like to join a fun loving group to explore Alaska's Inside Passage, just call Melissa Garrison at Altair Travel & Cruises at 314-968-9600 or 800-794-9271. Tell her you would like to join Walter Crawford's World Bird Sanctuary group aboard the m.s. Westerdam on July 26th.

Water Play

2009-07-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

On a hot summer day our birds are like kids playing in the backyard sprinkler.

Here are some "before" and "after" photos.

Meet Chrys, our magnificent Long Crested Eagle! OK--so let's see how YOU look right after stepping out of the shower!

Max, our Tawny Eagle seems to be able to look stately whether he's wet or dry.

Then there's Skyler, the Lizzard Buzzard, who manages to look "cute" no matter what he does!

Come out and meet these three characters in our weathering area. They always have a tub of water available for impromptu bathing sessions.

It's Hot, Hot, Hot!!

2009-06-29T06:00:00.002-05:00

Now that the hot summer weather is here in full force, don't forget your feathered friends. Late spring and summer means babies, babies, babies!

Your backyard birds need you just as much now as they do in the winter months. Even though food is plentiful now in the form of insects, seeds, and nectar, your backyard birds will still come to the feeders for the seeds, nuts, and suet you've been feeding them during the cold weather--if you continue to provide them. At this time of year they are feeding babies, and the feeders are a wonderful source of "fast" food for their demanding young ones.

Possibly the most important thing you can do for your feathered friends at this time of year is to provide them with a source of fresh water for drinking and bathing. Birdbaths, plant saucers, or even a shallow bowl will work. Please remember to change the water at least every other day to prevent mosquitos from hatching. Lawn sprinklers are also a delight, both for the birds, and the humans that watch them.

A Day At The Hospital - Part 5

2009-06-27T06:00:00.002-05:00

The Real Deal!

Now that our intern has been coached, has practiced her technique, and practiced again, it's time to use what she's learned.

Under the close supervision of her mentor she is ready to move a hawk from one enclosure to another!

This raptor isn't quite as cooperative as our "stand-in bird", but because of her careful training our young intern is successful! She's just had an experience that she'll never forget!

The World Bird Sanctuary's internship program is a one of a kind experience for students from around the world. It provides hands-on experience that integrates with many college curriculums.

For more information about our internship program go to our website by clicking on the link to our home page on the right hand side of this screen.

Weekend Programs Are Here Again!!

2009-06-26T06:00:00.001-05:00

Where can you go for a weekend road trip in the St. Louis area that's close to home, entertaining, and free of charge??

...and the answer is -- the World Bird Sanctuary!!

Now that the weather is warm and the kids are out of school, the World Bird Sanctuary is resuming it's free weekend flight programs. These short mini programs are an abbreviated version of the entertaining flight demonstrations presented at schools, fairs, civic events and other venues throughout the year by our Office of Wildlife Learning.

The weekend programs serve two puposes. They are necessary exercise and refresher courses for our birds, and they give our weekend visitors a peek at what we do all year long.

Programs are presented in our amphitheater at 11:30 am and 2:00 pm on Saturdays, and 1:30 pm on Sundays. No reservations are necessary.

Our site will close early (noon) on Sunday, June 28 due to special circumstances. Normal hours will resume on Monday, June 29.

A Day At The Hospital - Part 4

2009-06-25T06:00:00.004-05:00

Practice, Practice, Practice!!

Now that our intern has received her "classroom instruction", it's time to practice the technique--but not on a real live bird just yet.

Here you see her practicing the techniques demonstrated by our veteran staff member. Our intern will practice these moves with our "training bird" until our staff member is certain she fully understands the necessary moves and can do them smoothly without hesitating.

This is essential for the safety of both bird and human.

Check back for our next installment to see how our intern's training progresses.

A Day At The Hospital - Part 3

2009-06-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

The Explanation...

In our last hospital installment you saw our young intern being handed a hawk to hold for medical treatment. However, being handed an already restrained raptor, and catching one up yourself, are two different things. Let's take a peek at the training involved in teaching a new intern or volunteer how to catch up and handle a less than willing patient.

Here you see an experienced staff member explaining in detail each step of the process to our intern. Our staff member goes over each and every move in minute detail, explaining why it is done that way and what reaction she might expect from the bird.

Once our staff member is certain that the student understands the process, she enlists the aid

of our long suffering demonstration hawk. The

details she had previously explained are demonstrated again, using our life size stand-in.

Check back for our next installment to see our young intern's progress.

Vultures Wearing Jewelry....

2009-06-22T06:00:00.000-05:00

Have you seen me???

At least one reader in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has spotted one!

Back in March we did a post about a study being done by Hawk Mountain Sanctuary. In collaboration with colleagues in Venezuela they have wing tagged more than 350 turkey vultures in Venezuala and are doing a migration study to see just how far these graceful birds have traveled.

OK--I know that if you've seen them on the ground "graceful" would'nt exactly be the word that describes them. BUT--have you ever really watched them soar on the thermals on a nice warm summer day? They are magnificent!!!

So, the next time you see them soaring above you, close your mouth and look for the ones wearing a light blue or red numbered tag on their wing. The numbers should be visible either from above or below. If you see one, contact bildstein@hawkmtn.org with the following information:

* Date sighted and specific location

* Color and number of the tag

* On which wing was the tag--right or left?

* Circumstances of the sighting, including:

Was the bird alone or in a group?

Flying or perched?

Feeding or roosting?

Any other details you might find interesting

Even if you don't have ALL of the above information I'm sure any sightings would be of interest to them. All reports will be recognized, and individuals reporting tagged birds will receive summary information about the study.

We would also be interested to know if any of our other readers have spotted one, so drop us a comment if you spot one.

Hawk Rescue

2009-06-17T06:00:00.000-05:00

NOT ALL WBS RESCUE EFFORTS INVOLVE OUR STAFF BEING PHYSICALLY PRESENT!

About three weeks ago our Director of Operations, Roger Holloway, received a call from a concerned citizen who had found some hawk babies in a nest that had been blown out of a tree in a violent storm. After ascertaining that the babies appeared healthy and uninjured Roger advised them what to do.

See the amazing story at the following website: http://leswins.smugmug.com/gallery/8373155_HDVEx/1/549528991_mu93W

A Day At The Hospital - Part 2...

2009-06-15T06:00:00.002-05:00

Each year our Wildlife Hospital receives between 250 to 300 patients. Some, like the little red tailed hawk in our last posting, are fortunate and have no serious injuries. Others are not so lucky. Those patients may spend weeks or even months in our care being treated for injuries, and if possible, being rehabilitated for release.

All of this intensive treatment requires a large investment of our time, money, and man-hours. The World Bird Sanctuary is fortunate to have a wonderful group of staff, volunteers, and interns who are dedicated to the care of these animals. However, each and every volunteer and intern who wishes to work directly with the birds must receive a large investment of our staff's time to insure that they are taught the correct procedures for handling the animals in our care. This is to ensure the safety of the animals and the humans who care for them.

Following are some photos of such a training session.

One of our veteran staff members demonstrates the technique for removing a defensive hawk from it's enclosure while one of our new interns watches

closely.

Once our intern has been coached in the techniques of safely restraining a protesting bird of prey, our staff member administers an antibiotic.

Mission Accomplished!! Our intern has learned a valuable lesson in bird handling, and our patient has been given the medication needed to hasten his recovery.

And then, of course, there's the ever present paperwork!

A Day At The Hospital...

2009-06-12T06:00:00.001-05:00

Our Wildlife Hospital is one of the less visible aspects of the World Bird Sanctuary to the casual visitor, so we thought we would give you a peek into some of it's day to day activities.

During the Spring and early summer months violent wind and thunderstorms routinely wreak havoc on the nests of our local birds. Such was the case with this little red-tailed hawk found in Ladue. His nest had been blown down in a storm and he was unable to be returned to the nest site.

After being thoroughly checked out by our hospital staff, it was found that he is not yet fully feathered and ready to fledge, but appears to be otherwise healthy. His wing feathers are about three-quarter pinned and, barring any setbacks, he should be ready to be released back into the wild in approximately a month. He will be fostered in our Propagation Department until such time as he is ready to be released, since they have the expertise and are equipped to care for very young birds.

This youngster was one of the lucky ones. Very often when young birds of this age are blown from the nest they sustain broken bones, internal injuries, or are snatched up by predators since they are vulnerable on the ground.

We hope to see this youngster soaring free in the very near future.

NEW FEATURE

2009-06-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

Be sure to check out our Wildlife Hospital!

On your next visit to the World Bird Sanctuary be sure to stop at our Wildlife Hospital to check out an exciting new feature. We now have a viewing window through which you can see some of our patients who are recuperating from various procedures. They don't seem to mind the visitors as long as they are quiet.

In addition to the viewing window there is a bulletin board with a card posted for each patient, listing the species and reason they are here, as well as their progress.

Our hospital treats an average of 280 patients each year, and costs to rehab a bird for release into the wild can range from $200 to $1000. In order to defray some of these expenses our hospital is offering an exciting new opportunity. For a donation of $150.00 a generous donor will have the rare opportunity to release a recovered bird back into the wild.

For more information about our "Return To The Wild" program call the Wildlife Hospital at 636-861-1392, or email credfern@worldbirdsanctuary.org

Feeding The Birds

2009-06-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

When you feed the birds, you feed ALL the birds!

I was startled the other day by a loud THUMP! against the wall of my house. I immediately recognized it as the sound of a bird hitting (I thought) the kitchen window. Some of the new crop of woodpecker babies are having trouble figuring out how to land on the nut feeder, and frequently thump into the window, although not hard enough to do any damage. But this thump was LOUD!

When I looked outside I saw this Cooper's Hawk feeding on a dove that he had apparently caught when it took off from our patio. It must have been close enough that predator and prey hit the wall of the house. Of course, I ran for the camera, and proceeded to photograph the hawk plucking the dove through my kitchen window. I won't tell you how many photos I took. Let's just say "Thank God for digital".

I know there are some who would be distressed by this situation. However, the hawk needs to eat just as does the dove, and this is Mother Nature's way of keeping the species strong.

Another Oriole

2009-06-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

Here's another Oriole for you birdwatchers out there!!

OK. I have to admit it! I've lived in Missouri all my life and have rarely seen an Oriole. Now I've seen two (different species) in less than an hour!

Shortly after seeing the Orchard Oriole published earlier, this one also came to the feeder on our deck. However, this bird was quite a bit more difficult to identify. After consulting with several experts it was finally identified as a (probably) young Baltimore Oriole who hadn't yet molted into his species' typical orange color.

Remember A Loved One!

2009-06-03T06:00:00.010-05:00

The World Bird Sanctuary is excited to announce the beginning of our new Buy A Brick fundraiser!!

The goal of this program is two-fold. We would like to replace the rock strata in our amphitheater seating area and stairs with a more permanent brick surface. The brick surface would be more comfortable for audience seating, and less labor intensive to maintain. The current loose rock strata is a constant maintenance problem. Your purchase of one of our engraved bricks would allow us to fund this very expensive project, and at the same time it would provide our friends and supporters with a new and lasting way to recognize loved ones or commemorate special occasions.

Engraved on your custom brick could be:

* Your family name

* Your children's names

* Your company or organization's name

* Commemoration of a special occasion

* A memoriam for a loved one

* An inspirational message for our organization

The possibilities are limitless. For more information about this exciting new fundraiser, click on the Buy A Brick link in the right-hand sidebar. When you get to our website wait for the rolling photo that says "Buy A Brick" and click on it. It will take you to the page with all the details.

Any funds raised over and above the cost of paving the amphitheater would be used to cover the usual (and sometimes unusual) expenses of operating a facility such as ours, such as care and feeding of the birds, maintenance of our site facilities, rescue operations, etc.

Thanks for considering one of our bricks to honor someone special. We hope to see your personalized brick in our amphitheater soon.

What Is That Thing?

2009-06-01T10:40:00.005-05:00

What Is That Thing On Scoop's Bill?

If you've been to the World Bird Sanctuary lately and walked the trail just past the wildlife hospital you may have noticed that Scoop, one of our American White Pelicans, has a very strange looking growth on his bill. And, No, there's nothing wrong with him.

This strange looking growth is called a horn and is part of some of the changes he undergoes in the Spring when his body tells him it's time to find a mate. In addition to the horn, his coloration around the eyes becomes quite brilliant also. I'm not sure that a growth on the nose would be much of a "come hither" quality in a human, but apparently to a female pelican it's irresistable.

Our other Pelican, Mudflap, (who it turns out is also a male) has a horn also; however his horn and coloration are not quite as pronounced as Scoop's.

If you'd like to see this springtime phenomenon you'll have to hurry, as it doesn't last very long. Both Scoop and Mudflap are on display in their large enclosure every day--unless they happen to be out appearing at an educational program somewhere.

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner!

2009-05-27T23:52:00.005-05:00

I was poised and ready to photograph hummingbirds on our treetop deck at the Lake of the Ozarks when this visitor showed up!

I guess someone forgot to tell him he's not a hummer!

Actually, he's a male Orchard Oriole who came to the hummingbird feeder looking for a sugary drink.

When I first saw him I thought he was

all black because of the way the light hit him. Once he landed on the feeder, however, I could see his gorgeous chestnut coloring. The literature tells us that he is our smallest Oriole, measuring about 7.25" with a wingspan of 9.5". That's in between the size of a budgerigar (commonly sold in pet stores as a parakeet), and a Northern Cardinal.

After getting his drink he then proceeded to check out the bottom of the other hummingbird feeder in search of insects that might be hiding under the lip of the nectar reservoir.

It Was a Success!

2009-05-25T16:35:00.021-05:00

Fete du Feather was a resounding sucess!!

After almost two years of planning and preparation, our bi-annual fundraiser has come and gone. Our thanks go out to all those who helped to make it possible -- our staff, volunteers, those generous individuals who contributed the merchandise, trips, etc., and those of you who turned out to party with us.

The evening started out with cocktails, and a chance to meet some of our resident critters--such as Scoop our White Pelican--while browsing the many items available in our silent auction.

Food was available throughout the "fairgrounds" for who those who wished to browse while eating. Seating was available for those guests who preferred to sit while enjoying the delicious food.

There were "country fair" type games, as well as a pie eating contest, and the ever popular chicken races.

Items available in our silent auction included a wine basket, jewelry, a dollhouse, handcrafted poker table, artwork, handcrafted duck calls, a fishing rod combo, and a multitude of other items too numerous to mention.

The live auction portion of the evening saw items ranging from a crate of oranges to a six day stay in a private home in Montana.

Fete du Feather is the only "Open to the Public" event for which there is an admission charge. Other events, such as Open House and our Summer Concerts are free to the public.

Since our organization is funded strictly by grants and donations--we receive no Federal or State funding--this evening, coupled with other fundraising venues, is very important to us.

So to all of you who turned out to support us for this event, our staff, interns and volunteers want to give a resounding THANK YOU!

What Is A Volunteer??

2009-04-30T17:26:00.009-05:00

By definition, a volunteer is a person who willingly and without pay gives their own time, expertise and talents.

However, a great many people are hesitant to volunteer because they don't believe they are knowledgeable or talented enough. Nothing could be farther from the truth!! If it weren't for the volunteers who generously share their time, abilities and talents with us, organizations like the World Bird Sanctuary could not exist. So, to those caring individuals who so generously share their time with us we would like to give a profound "Thank you!".

To those of you who may have had the passing thought that "I'd like to do that, but don't have the education or knowledge" -or- "I'd like to get involved with that organization, but don't really want to handle the animals", don't hesitate any longer. The World Bird Sanctuary welcomes any and all volunteers.

Want to work with the animals and educate the public, but don't have the animal handling experience? We have classes and will train you.

Don't particularly want to work with the public, but want to work directly with the care, training or breeding of the birds? We have behind the scenes opportunities for you, along with the training needed.

Want to work with the care and rehabilitation of the many injured birds brought into our hospital each year? We have just the position for you.

Do you like to educate the public and like being outdoors, but don't necessarily want to handle the birds? A docent position may be just the spot for you.

Are you a bird watcher who has always thought bird banding would be really interesting? You may want to join our banding team. Camaraderie and training are provided.

Are you a retired secretary or office worker who wants to do something worthwhile and keep up their office and computer skills? Working in our office may be just the ticket for you.

Do you have construction skills of any kind? We are always in need of plumbers, carpenters, electricians, etc.

Are you a dedicated gardener, (or an apartment dwelling gardener who no longer has a patch of soil to till?). We always have groundskeeping work to be done.

We even have a Junior Volunteer program. Junior volunteers cannot handle birds until they are 16, but they can start learning about the animals they will be handling, and can assist with the daily chores in the education and animal management departments as young as age 13. This position is educational for the youngsters and teaches responsibility.

No matter what your skill or talent we can usually find a spot you.

So--don't hesitate--don't be shy--Go to our web page and fill out one of our volunteer applications.

THEY'RE BACK!! THEY'RE BACK!!!

2009-04-26T09:48:00.015-05:00

This is the birding event we've been waiting for!

After a migration of thousands of miles (some individuals spend the winter as far south as Southern Panama), our favorite little Kamikazees, the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds, are back in Missouri!!

According to one of my favorite hummingbird blogs, http://www.hummingbirds.net/ they've probably been here for a while already, but yesterday was the first time I actually saw one! If you haven't already done it, put out your feeders. They're here, and they're hungry after that long trip!

THE PRICE IS RIGHT!

2009-04-23T08:29:00.005-05:00

WHAT DO DOROTHY, OUR ANDEAN CONDOR, AND BOB BARKER OF "THE PRICE IS RIGHT" FAME HAVE IN COMMON?

Dorothy is inviting all of our readers to "COME ON DOWN!!!" to our Fete du Feather dinner/auction on May 9th.

It's not too late to make your reservations for this entertaining evening. The theme for this year's event is "Old Time Country Fair". Dress code for the evening is your country fair attire. The evening will feature down home cookin' and refreshments, a quilt raffle, chicken races, pie eating contest, silent and live auctions, watermelon seed spitting contests--well, you get the picture, fun country fair activities!

Some, but not all, of the items lined up for the silent and live auctions are:

° A framed and signed Albert Pujols print

° A Stan Musial autographed baseball

° A stay at a beautiful vacation home in Montana

° Release of a rehabilitated bird into the wild (the winner gets to do the release!)

° A BEAUTIFUL amber & silver jewelry set (Necklace, Earrings, Rings & Bracelet)

° A set of four handcrafted exotic wood duck calls with carrying pouches & extra reeds

° An antique rocking chair (this would look sooo cute in your home--or on your front porch!)

° A beautiful handcrafted cherrywood poker table

° A child's dollhouse

° Several beautiful silk floral arrangements

° Live hanging baskets (just in time for adding to your spring garden)

° Many beautiful pieces of artwork - prints, sculptures, etc.

The above is just a short list of the items up for auction.

Remember the date -- May 9th, 7 p.m.!

For more information or to make a reservation call 636-225-4390, Ext. 0

Adopt A Bird - Trucker

2009-04-18T09:15:00.000-05:00

Trucker's Story

Species: Swainson's Hawk

Hatched: Spring 2004

We estimate that Trucker is a probable male due to his size. Usually the males are smaller than the females. (It is often difficult to tell the sex of a raptor without doing an invasive procedure to be certain.)

The World Bird Sanctuary acquired Trucker from a rescue organization in Nebraska, where he had received extensive medical treatment. Upon arrival at our Nature Center he was released into one of our large mews for observation, where it soon became obvious that he had become too accustomed to humans to be released into the wild.

It was decided that he would make an excellent education bird, so he was fostered by staff members for the next three months to accustom him to situations he would encounter during the programs presented by our Office of Wildlife Learning (O.W.L.) Since April of 2005 Trucker has become a valued member of our Education Department, traveling to venues throughout the country with our Education Department staff.

Like all creatures, Trucker has his own individual little traits. He has a rubber turtle friend that he loves to toss around and beat up, loves to fling food and make a mess, and does not like the color red.

To adopt Trucker, simply click our DONATION button, make a donation of $100, and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-Bird: TRUCKER. Also be sure to include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird parents receive:

° A personal visit with the bird you adopt!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for your personal visit.

° Certificate of Adoption

° Color photo of the bird you've adopted

° Sponsorship Card

° One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)

° Life History and Natural History of the bird

° 10% discount off WBS merchandise

° Invitations to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day

° Discounts on WBS Special Events

° WBS Decal

Natural History

swainson’s hawk

Buteo swainsonii

Description: Slender raptor, slightly smaller in size than a Red-tailed Hawk, with a slightly longer wingspan and slimmer wings than other soaring hawks; common color pattern is dark brown plumage with a brown chest and pale belly; in flight, holds wings in a shallow “V” and teeters in flight like a Turkey Vulture; in-flight diagnostics are pointed wings and two toned effect of pale wing linings and dark flight feathers; adults have a pale body with dark “bib” on chest and noticeable white throat patch; there are two color variations—a light morph and a dark morph

Sex: Sexually mature at 2 years; monogamous

Age: high mortality from traffic collisions, shooting, electrocution

Length: 17-22”

Wingspan: 4-4.5’

Weight: 1.5-2.5 lbs

Habitat: open grasslands, prairies, farmlands and deserts that have some trees for nesting

Status: fairly common

Range: summers and breeds in the plains of western North America, as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico; winter range is the pampas of Argentina, with a few wintering in Florida

Behavior: nests are built of sticks and lined with greenery, usually placed low in a tree, bush or shrub; female lays 2-3 eggs, incubated 34-35 days; young fledge at about 6 weeks; known to congregate in large flocks during winter migration; will follow tractors or stay close to prairie fires in search of disturbed prey

Diet: mainly large insects such as dragonflies, but will take rodents, reptiles, amphibians, bats and young or disabled birds during breeding season

Vocalization: mostly silent; gives a shrill “kearrr” similar to a Red-tailed Hawk when alarmed or disturbed, or during an aggression display

Trucker's New Wardrobe!

2009-04-15T22:29:00.013-05:00

Meet Trucker, our beautiful Swainson's Hawk!

When Trucker first arrived at the World Bird Sanctuary in 2004 he was sporting his juvenile plumage. To be sure, it was quite beautiful, and like any teenager he would often strut his stuff by displaying his full wingspan. However, these feathers would not be his permanent coloration.

While waiting for his adult plumage to grow in, he traveled with the staff of our Office of Wildlife Learning to school programs, where he wowed the audiences with the beauty of his juvenile plumage.

Even though his first feathers were quite handsome, his new adult plumage is something to behold! When you visit the World Bird Sanctuary look for the bird with the gorgeous mahogany brown feathers. If you're lucky, he may spread his wings and display for you.

Adopt A Bird Spotlight: Dorothy (Andean Condor)

2009-04-13T05:03:00.000-05:00

Dorothy's Story

Species: Andean Condor

Hatched: 2006

Dorothy was hatched at the World Bird Sanctuary's breeding facility, which is an area not normally open to the public. Her parents, Gryph and Laurel, were on loan to us from the Cincinnati Zoo as part of the Andean Condor Species Survival Program. It is normal procedure for an organization participating in a Species Survival Program (SSP) to place a number of individuals of the endangered species with other qualified organizations to guard against a catastrophe that could wipe out an entire gene pool.

While they were in our care Gryph and Laurel produced eggs, and in 2004 & 2005 two of those babies were released back into the wild to soar the canyons of their native Columbia, along with babies from other participating zoos.

At this point we believe that Dorothy will remain with us as an education bird. She is still a baby, but has been responding well to target training techniques. We are hoping that she will prove to be an ambassador for her species in educational programs that will spread the word about the threats to this magnificent species' survival.

To adopt Dorothy, simply click our donation button, make a donation of $150, and specify in your payment notes: Adopt-a-Bird: DOROTHY. Also include your name, phone number, and mailing address so that we can send your adoption materials!

Every donation helps to feed, house, and provide medical care for the bird of your choice! Adopt-A-Bird Parents receive:

* A personal visit with the bird you adopt!!!! Call 636-861-3225 to set up a time for your personal visit.

* Certificate of Adoption

* Color photo of the bird you've adopted

* Sponsorship Card

* One year's subscription to Mews News (our quarterly newsletter)

* Life History and Natural History of the bird

* 10% discount off WBS merchandise

* Invitation to Sponsors-only events like Camera Day

* Discounts on WBS Special Events

* WBS Decal

Natural History

andean condor

Vultur gryphus

Description: largest of the vultures; black overall with gray on the wings; white downy ruff around the neck and a wattled head; male's head has a large, fleshy caruncle which is lacking in the female

Sex: female slightly smaller than the male

Age: 50 years (approx.)

Length: 43-51" body length; stands 4' tall

Wingspan: 10-14 ft.

Weight: 20-30 lbs.

Habitat: open grasslands and alpine areas in high mountain regions; will go to lowland deserts and coastlines to forage, but rarely visit forest areas

Status: endangered; due to illegal shooting, habitat disturbance, secondary lead poisoning; current captive breeding and reintroduction programs appear to be successful; some of the released birds are reported to be breeding in the wild

Range: entire length of the Andes Mountains, including the nearby Pacific coastline

Behavior: the courtship display consists of the male drawing himself erect, fully extending his wings, and clicking his tongue while his reddish neck becomes bright yellow; they lay their single egg on bare ground in caves and on ledges among steep cliffs; mating occurs every other year during July; incubation is 54-58 days; fledging takes another 180 days; both parents care for young; young leave parents in second year; young birds become sexually mature at 6 or more years

Diet: carrion, newborn animals, and seabird eggs when available

Vocalization: generally silent; only vocalization is a low wheezing or grunting

» The Andean Condor is the only member of it's genus

» The downy white ruff around the neck can be used as a sort of hood to keep the bare head warm in cold mountain climates. The bird simply tucks it's head and raises the neck hackles