Megan Mosby
Executive Director
If you had super powers, and you could see into my heart, you would see clearly the huge mountain of gratitude that I have for the Chase Bank Volunteers who starred at Liberty Wildlife yesterday. From the get go it was impressive. First a communication that the group was interested in talking to us about a volunteer project to launch Volunteer Week. Of course, we said a resounding YES! Then there was a trip out to Liberty to get the low down on the proposed project. At that point, the real magic began. Weekly check-in phone calls honed in on the plans…what tools were needed….how many people…what materials…everything necessary to pull off in a few hours a plain and simple miracle.
Here’s what was accomplished: Weeds, weeds, and more weeds were removed. I lost count of the bags, but a huge dent was placed on the super bloom of weeds. Then rocks of all sizes were relocated and decomposed granite was placed on the ground creating an extension to our amphitheater and event space. This allows us to seat more people for educational and fund raising purposes. This greatly extends the reach of our mission. And, then, the bane of everyone with lots of dirty windows…they did the washing and drying. Anyone who has visited our property knows that we have a plethora of windows…now they sparkle and gleam.
The special part of the entire event was the smiles on faces, the camaraderie, the spirit of team-work and the sense of accomplishment. One of the volunteers upon leaving said “I have never been so aware of weeds before. I learned so much.” Now that is a win-win situation not to mention a very good attitude!
Here’s a message to Chase Bank…you have a great bunch of folks working for you, volunteering in your name, doing so much good in the community. It makes me proud that I have had an account there since 1971
Thank you, Chase Bank Volunteers! The place sparkles; we are all smiling; can’t wait for the next big event. (see the attached flyer)
This Week @ Liberty – April 09, 2019
The days of the slow intakes are over for this season. Last Saturday, the baby bird season stared in earnest as we took in 47 animals, most likely due to the windy conditions of late last week. Orphan care is officially open and new volunteers are being trained at this time. We’re still a few short in the intake window, so if you know anyone who want to help out and avoid some of the messier jobs at the facility, let me know ASAP. We’ve had several groups come out for tours and work days, for which we are always supremely thankful. Please keep checking this site for updates on upcoming events!
Even though the majority of animals that we see arriving this time of year are orphaned babies, we still get in things that we’d like to see diminish, like glue traps and pet releases. This little sparrow was most likely going after the bugs that were stuck to the glue trap and got himself trapped in the process. These things should only be used indoors, for obvious reasons. This Russian tortoise was found and was probably a released or lost pet as they are not native to this area. We are always trying to get the word out as to what types of human/wildlife interactions should be avoided to preclude these types of situations.
(Look for 2 photos)
The first two little barn owl babies are still with us, being treated for fractures sustained in the long fall from the nest. Under the care of our wonderful veterinary team, we’re hoping they will heal quickly. Their youth is working in their favor as young bones heal faster. A peregrine with some foot issues is also in our care. Dr. Orr checked out that bird last week and rewrapped his foot after the initial exam, then trimmed the bird’s talons which had grown during its time in rehabilitation. Plus, a new baby arrives…
(Look for 8 photos)
Med Services was also treating a Harris’ hawk that came in after being totally covered in oil from a water treatment facility in Gilbert. Like most oil inundations, one of the chief dangers is not that the oil itself may be toxic as it is absorbed topically, but that the bird will ingest a large quantity of it via the preening process. This bird will be with us until all the sticky residue has been removed and his feathers are once again usable for flight.
(Look for 2 photos)
Orphan Care is now open for this season! Alexa has gotten her team together and is currently training new people in the fine art of feeding constantly hungry gapers and tubers, how to know when they are full, and which ones eat insects and which ones eat seeds…and so on! As much an art as it is a science, it’s amazing the mother birds in the wild can keep it all straight!
(Look for 3 photos)
In addition to the couple that blew out if their nest a month ago, we also are getting in a steady stream of orphan GHO babies for rehabilitation. Our foster parent great horned owls are being asked to step up to the plate and begin raising an ever increasing number of downy gray clackers with teddy bear ear tufts, each vying for the title of “Cutest baby bird – EVER”
(Look for 4 photos)
Several groups enjoyed touring our facility recently. One group of 62 3rd grade students from Grayhawk Elementary joined us on their field trip and got to explore the different habitats that we have at Liberty Wildlife. They also got to take part in our trail challenge, see an eagle feeding up close and learn more about how our hospital helps the native wildlife around Arizona. Another was a class of 30 high school students from the East Valley Institute of Technology’s Vet Tech program who got the “backstage” tour through our hospital section including Triage, ICU, and Surgery. Hopefully we can garner some volunteers from groups like this in the future. Finally, the Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU had a service day on March 30th. Families showed up to help move rocks to create a new walking path and also tackled the unending growth of weeds!
(Look for 4 photos)
Some of our own volunteers recently attended a class in arachnid handling put on by our own Alex Lake. Those in attendance learned about scorpions and tarantulas including the proper techniques of safely handling and displaying these interesting creatures to the public.
(Look for 3 photos)
Last weekend we were lucky to host in excess of 150 volunteers from Chase Bank who came to devote a Sunday of giving to Liberty Wildlife. These people worked tirelessly throughout the morning pulling weeds, moving rocks and wood, and spreading gravel as we rearrange some of our property in order to maximize the usefulness of the new facility. (see Megan’s HHH above)
(Look for 6 photos)
Posted by Terry Stevens
Operations Director