|
received this email
Dear Beverly,
We wanted to give you an update on Maggie, the Peregrine Falcon you adopted through the Center’s Caring for Critters program!
Every winter, when the Center’s case load is lower than it is in the busy spring and summer months, the veterinary staff schedule annual exams for all of the education ambassadors. These annual check-ups include a throughout physical examination, blood work, radiographs, a fecal exam, and a beak and nail trim for the birds (if needed). Last month, Maggie had her (first!) annual exam with Dr. Meghan, and we were all delighted to hear that Maggie is in fantastic shape. Dr. Meghan trimmed Maggie’s beak a little bit – when Maggie first came to the Center last summer, her beak tip was broken due to her collision with a building. It’s been growing back and just needed a little trim where it was originally damaged; now her beak is in great shape!
Maggie has been a busy ambassador lately; she’s traveled to several off-site programs and is off to a great start in her education career. When not out and about on programs, Maggie is undergoing some additional training. Because Maggie sometimes perches on a ledge right inside the door of her enclosure, and has shown that she’s a little territorial over her water dish, we’ve decided it would be better for Maggie to learn to perch on her “cliff perch” when cued.
This learned behavior will help the rehabilitation staff safely enter and exit Maggie's enclosure. Outreach coordinator Raina and I have been working with Maggie on this new behavior, and while Maggie occasionally tests her limits, she’s doing very well and definitely “getting it”. It’s fun to work with her on this new and helpful behavior.
Maggie’s story recently appeared in the Free Lance-Star; we hope that many people throughout Virginia will have the chance to meet Maggie in person this spring, as the outreach calendar gets progressively busier. People in the Harrisonburg area will get to meet Maggie this Saturday, February 28, when she appears in a special “falcons only” program at Rocking R Hardware. We look forward to sharing Maggie’s story with falcon fans everywhere!
Sincerely,
Amanda Nicholson
Director of Outreach
Caring for Critters
Caring for Critters
The Wildlife Center of Virginia cares for thousands of animals each year, including about two dozen permanent animal residents whose injuries or behavioral modifications mean they cannot be returned to the wild.
These animals – including hawks, owls, opossums and snakes – are important ambassadors for the Center. Many appear with our outreach staff at school assemblies, in classrooms, and at other events across Virginia. Other animals greet visitors to the Center’s hospital clinic in Waynesboro.
What's New at the Wildlife Center of Virginia?
_________________
each day is full of endless possibilities (bev)
|
Login
Register
FAQ
