Fall Newsletter 2005

They are here and in greater numbers than last year!

Dear Members and Friends,

They are all here and in greater numbers than last year! We have already admitted sixty Swainson’s Hawks and our records show that in all of 2004 we admitted only fifty of these magnificent birds. Many are youngsters and the majority of them are ill or starving. As I walk about my ICU, they look like “Peas in a Pod”. One of the birds arrived with clipped feathers. He was most likely kept as a pet, escaped, and has now been brought to us starving because he cannot hunt for himself. He will stay with us through August or September of 2006, until he grows new flight feathers.

We are being invaded by Flammulated Owls. We have admitted ten of these adorable little creatures this year. Several died of what could be West Nile Virus, their true fate unexplained until the test results are returned. West Nile Virus is beginning to raise its ugly head again, and our ICU is full of birds in need of intensive care. Many of our birds will remain for the winter and will hopefully be released next spring or summer. We have an 86% release rate for birds that remain with us for the winter and are released later the following season.

Our baby season begins in April of each year and continues through the summer. Calls about young birds arrive from many parts of Colorado. As each year unfolds itself with happy and tragic incidences, we try to help each and every one of them. Each day newly orphaned, sick and injured birds arrive, and their stories touch all of our hearts:

Habitat destruction becomes a more prevalent cause for admission as each year passes. Collisions with vehicles are the main reason for admission, resulting in concussions, fractured bones, and internal injuries.

Imagine the agony of a Great Horned Owl that hung by one foot in a tree for three days. Upon arrival he was stiff as a board, with glassy eyes. Slowly he is beginning to stand upright again, his eyes are bright now, and he seems to appreciate all the care and good food he receives.

There are three surviving baby Barn Owls that fell two stories when a building was demolished.

Fledgling Kestrels are occupying cages inside and out. Many of them arrived with injuries or disease. A record number of young Great Horned Owls are awaiting freedom. There are many others that need our help. Just to mention a few: several young Red Tailed Hawks and the adorable Saw Whet Owls that came our way, a baby Northern Harrier that was the sole survivor when his nest was destroyed by first cutting of hay. Each bird receives painstaking and loving care, with a diet and housing that is designed for each species and with close attention to psychological needs as well.

In the twenty five years since I began this program in my backyard, close to 9,000 birds have been admitted. Two-thirds have been returned to our blue skies. Each year during baby season our costs to care for so many wild babies soar, when so many young hungry beaks must be fed. In the past many of you have supported our program and once again we urgently need your help to make it through the year. We are entirely dependent on the support of those who share our devotion to wildlife. We receive no public funds.

As one of those few, caring people, please help us and participate in our annual Adopt-An-Orphan Program.

You, or the person you designate, will receive a beautiful certificate of sponsorship with a picture of one of our babies. Your gift will sponsor the care these beautiful and vulnerable birds need. The animals above are all real cases. We have already admitted over 300 birds this year! Their survival depends on us… our survival depends on you.

Many foundations and communities support shelters for domestic animals. Others do not give to animal causes at all. We are the largest raptor center in Colorado, admitting about 500 birds each year. Statistics reveal that the 2005 admissions will soar to around 500 birds. We are devoted to the best possible care for each and every one of them. We have never turned away any animal in need and we are doing all we can under very difficult circumstances. Please respond as quickly as possible. Your help is urgently needed.

Most sincerely,
Sigrid Noll Ueblacker
Founder, Director

Updated by Elke on September 7, 2005 09:27 AM