By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

Released April 15, this 9-week-old jackrabbit is shown a split-second before bounding out of the box and disappearing into the grass. It appears small in the box because it’s in “hiding mode”—crouching with its ears laid flat back. Immediately after the photo was snapped, it perked up its ears, extended its legs, and leapt…then I blinked and it was gone! My chance at getting any picture of an alert rabbit zig-zagging to freedom (they can run up to 40MPH) disappeared with that blink. This was one of the two jackrabbits rescued by a German shepherd in February (read the story at http://www.morganhilltimes.com/lifestyles/264016-black-tailed-jackrabbits-saved-by-german-shepherd). Both were weaned from formula to fresh greens and hay. Because jackrabbits have extremely sensitive digestive systems, this was a milestone for the hares. Unfortunately, the first jackrabbit succumbed to intestinal distress two weeks later while acclimatizing to the weather in an outdoor enclosure. But considering that the mortality rate is 90 percent for wild rabbits raised by humans, it was truly gratifying to see its sibling beat the odds!

By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
…and leave the baby deer alone. That seemingly “orphaned” fawn lying still and quiet in the woods most likely has its mother close by, on the alert for intruders. To avoid attracting predators to where the vulnerable babies are hidden, mother deer hide their young in the grass and come by to feed them when it’s safe. This cautious behavior also teaches the young how to act when they’re older and on their own.

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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

Oscar, WERC’s tiny, 15-year-old educational Western Screech Owl, is delighted with his beautiful, brand-new home! Construction took a little longer than foreseen due to winter rains, but Oscar now has a gorgeous view of a pond and trees and ample room to fly around. Oscar is pictured being introduced to his new “bedroom” within the enclosure.

Many thanks to James Lundy for undertaking the 10’x 8’x 8’ enclosure as his Eagle Scout project, primarily funded by the Morgan Hill Kiwanis Club, and to WERC volunteers Frank Fantozzi and Theresa Bradshaw for the countless extra hours of installing wiring, netting, painting, perching and multiple other tasks.

By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

This adult Barn Owl was rescued late in October 2009 near Santa Teresa Blvd. in Gilroy, malnourished and unable to fly. Examination at WERC showed critical damage to its lower beak (mandible) and its right eye was swollen and shut. The injuries were consistent with having collided with a motor vehicle. Despite its fractured beak, the owl ate ravenously the first few nights and, with medication and a healthy diet of rodents, her health continued to improve dramatically.

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These 3 baby Kestrels were rescued after falling out of their nests in a palm tree.

By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
Before you begin tree trimming, construction work, yard maintenance or roofing, please note:
Every year W.E.R.C. and other wildlife rehabilitation facilities across the nation receive orphaned and/or injured baby birds and tree squirrels because they have lost their nests or been injured due to yard and home maintenance.

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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

Another reason to leave wildlife alone: Some animal diseases are zoonotic—which means that YOU and YOUR PETS can become ill with it, too. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are aware of the highly contagious diseases that are common to certain species (such as pigeon canker and finch conjunctivitis—shown in photo) and know what to look for, what precautions to take, and what medications to administer. Wild animals, especially sick ones, may also be carrying internal and/or external zoonotic parasites such as roundworms, fleas, lice, ticks, and more.

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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org
A television news program reported recently that a Bay Area man notified authorities that his pit bull-German shepherd dog was suddenly attacked by a mountain lion while he and the dog were playing in a park. He said he ran home, got a sword and fought off the predator. The person claimed, “It was about the size of German shepherd police dog - like big - about twice the size of my dog.”

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by Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

Digger, WERC’s Pocket gopher, has a reserved seat in section 4 at the NASCAR Sprint race in Las Vegas, Sunday, Feb. 28 and will be in attendance with his own pit crew — if he is able to get through gate security.

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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

There are some people who want to live out in the countryside, enjoying the scenery and serenity but they don’t want to be “bothered” by the animals that were there first. Opossums, raccoons, skunks, deer, squirrels, and mountain lions are the most commonly cited “problems”, but there are people who don’t even want birds in their backyard.

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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

Before “Ditch New Years Resolutions Day” comes along this Sunday (Jan. 17), keep those promises you made at the beginning of the year to expand your mind or to “de-expand” your body — join a bird-watching hike!

During Jane Haley’s invigorating Saturday morning (9-11am) walks along Coyote Creek in Morgan Hill beginners will learn how to identify birds by their flight, behavior, coloring, habitat and vocalization; experienced birdwatchers have the opportunity to add to their “life lists”. Upcoming walks are scheduled for February 6, March 6, April 3, and May 15. Rain cancels. Due to the terrain, these walks are not recommended for young children. Send an email to education@werc-ca.org to reserve your space.

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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

It wasn’t a very auspicious beginning for the New Year. On Monday, WERC received an immature red-tailed hawk that was found on a path in Gilroy. It was in extremely weakened condition and unable to fly. By the condition of its feathers, it was apparent that the bird had been on the ground for some time. One of its toes was dreadfully swollen, bent inward, and non-responsive.

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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center has received many wild birds, including hawks and owls that have been injured from gunshots, often arriving in dire condition and terrible pain. The x-ray above shows a pellet in chest of Rudolph, a young Turkey Vulture that was deliberately shot down out of a tree in Gilroy last Christmas Eve.

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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

This female Great Horned Owl arrived at WERC in April as a downy orphaned nestling. She was the first “foster baby” for Luna, WERC’s 1-1/2 year old educational Great Horned Owl. Luna (at left in first photo) did an outstanding job of mentoring the owlet so that it didn’t become imprinted on the humans who came into the enclosure to feed and clean. The owl was later transferred to a large enclosure, perfecting her flight, and eating up to 10 rodents a day. Over the next seven months, she grew strong and healthy and wild.

On a clear evening in late November, she was released to the hills of Morgan Hill, taking one last look at her “captor” before flying off into the wild for the very first time.

By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

Two songbirds were recently discovered fluttering on the ground in Gilroy, unable to fly away as people approached. The birds were cared for by the finders for over a week, who fed them and kept them in small cages. By the time they were finally taken to WERC, the birds had become exceedingly weak and still couldn’t fly.

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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

GOOD NEWS!  One day after posting this blog, we found a flock in Gilroy.  The Waxwing was released under a berry-bearing tree and flew off with several other Waxwings!  Thanks to all of you who called us.

 If you live in Morgan Hill or Gilroy and currently have a flock of Cedar Waxwings in your yard or nearby, please call 779-9372 right away.

When this gorgeous bird arrived at WERC a few weeks ago, she was very weak and unable to fly. With a proper diet of berries and insects, she has regained her health, can now fly very well, and is ready for release. The problem is that Cedar Waxwings are nomadic birds, gathering in large flocks for several days to eat the berries on a tree (such as toyon, pyracantha, and mulberry), then suddenly moving on to another area. This bird needs to join an existing flock before they fly off elsewhere. The species is very social and non-territorial, and they will welcome her to their family. Can you help her?