tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45859299669552901052024-03-13T02:55:44.161-04:00Mountsberg Raptor CentreMountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-22539374184114543002010-12-23T09:36:00.000-05:002010-12-23T14:01:11.791-05:00New Projects and New FacesWe haven’t updated our blog in a while—forgive us! We’ve been busy with a few exciting new projects, and some new permanent resident raptors that are settling in as part of the Education Team.<br /><br />First, the projects: if you stop by the park, you may notice that we’re under construction yet again! While construction offers a host of interesting problems to overcome when the site is surrounded by sensitive species and permanently non-releasable birds of prey, we are very excited about the result: four new free-loft pens, a new trail, and a brand-new ‘off display’ area for the birds to get a rest in between public appearances. Special thanks to Conservation Halton’s dedicated construction team, our own incredible volunteers and staff who are working alongside them, and the donors who made this possible in the first place!<div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvtHxeLE0BEwquXLG-btxfaqyn5KW9-0GOi33GaWc2NB7HTq-a7KdbPpjNKqkLy0y05gZaFQDEq_HDRzyj5IvmMkHWv1x-5luIeWSy9TJzVYuywjgSixPdMbF2C0MOSn6Rk1QFdcHhc-oc/s320/construction.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 199px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553954649759640530" /><br />These new mews are replacing old and worn-down tethering places, and are certainly an improved use of the space. We’ll let you know when construction is complete and the birds have moved in!<br /><br />Other exciting and upcoming projects include an Osprey Cam on our osprey tower, ready to catch next year’s breeding season. Our Osprey are an important part of our park, and a pair has been nesting continuously on the Mountsberg Reservoir for more than 15 years. Our last Osprey Cam was hit by lighting in 2000, so after 10 years we’re excited for the chance to closely observe this fantastic and unique Ontario raptor.<br /><br />As for our new permanent residents? We have welcomed three in the past few weeks: "Freeway", a one-eyed red-tailed hawk who survived her injuries after being hit by a truck on Hwy. 402. Freeway, who came from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/salthaven.org">Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre</a> with the help of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, is a young bird who is settling in nicely, but still has much to learn about adapting to her new visual limitations.<div><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9zv7hPEekIouhtEX34UWrZynipqqP25mfoHkMf3y4qDYU6tZbqFntjsgETLTmSJXHQeUaA9pvV1l2Rg-KMcC1gxs33KvgP9WnnfvIGkeHqOAPy3nKr87QlylGzgapJYL693ptK-u2loOO/s320/freeway-double.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 148px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553890908859028098" />Two captive-bred owls have joined us as well— "Cedar", a long-eared owl, and "Sage", a short-eared owl. These owls are in training currently, and we hope they will be able to join the Education Team in the spring. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of them if you book a <a href="http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1558">Raptor Encounter Program!</a><div><a href="http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1558"></a><br /><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT6a6puTfi9QEwDYAUJ-2jgcF9UJqMLG6n4uS1YL-YNNx4VinuJ5HwCJaTPfxlxkGVxY9Ea8vJZikNHnQTo8XHt6IXpzNDA7xzri0YH40rgwqAlp4F1yzmYUuOXGAete97d_SIRFHZh76a/s320/cedarsage.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 153px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5553890664373283922" /><br /></div><div>Wishing all of our readers an excellent and safe holiday season—if you’re looking for something to do, we hope you drop by! Mountsberg Conservation Area’s gates are open every day except Christmas Day (Dec. 25th), and the Raptor Centre has shows at 12pm and 2pm every day between December 25th and New Year’s Day.<br /><br />See you on the trails!<br /></div></div></div>Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-33780755244852376402010-06-14T21:48:00.000-04:002010-06-14T22:00:35.439-04:00Name the Kestrel Contest - Winners!Conservation Halton is thrilled to announce that our young American Kestrel finally has a name to call his own— <strong>“Bean”! </strong>It was one of the most popular submissions we received during the contest, and Raptor Centre staff agree that the name— short, sweet, and cute— suits this little bird’s personality perfectly. Additionally, since the United Nations proclaimed 2010 to be the International Year of Biodiversity, and with the Biodiversity Education and Awareness Network (BEAN) supporting the naming suggestions, it was a perfect fit!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLZwLJaBggiY755EvTaN4XMJ2Ojwkul25EYvOCCJxIsm-DE53QLdCZ1RjrmIHVCXHnwlv3eDQCUbOvEl1AIcUzuEvPfGl8orGYV4lDKcTfqIyrvzckGpeXB31c7ie_TUiVajkkr56LRfF/s1600/amke.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSLZwLJaBggiY755EvTaN4XMJ2Ojwkul25EYvOCCJxIsm-DE53QLdCZ1RjrmIHVCXHnwlv3eDQCUbOvEl1AIcUzuEvPfGl8orGYV4lDKcTfqIyrvzckGpeXB31c7ie_TUiVajkkr56LRfF/s320/amke.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482812525229586178" /></a><br />However, there were many other submissions that deserve recognition—submissions that were touching, humorous, or downright appropriate. Notable runners-up were <strong>“Captain Jack Sparrow”</strong> (another popular suggestion, with key points being the American Kestrel’s colloquial name of ‘sparrow-hawk’, the association between pirates and being blind in one eye, and the dark eye markings around the eyes being reminiscent of Johnny Depp’s character in <em>Pirates of the Caribbean</em>), <strong>“Hathaway”</strong> (after a classic advertisement with a man wearing an eyepatch), and <strong>“Horus”</strong> (after the Egyptian falcon-god). Staff favourites include <strong>“Polyphemus”</strong> (both a Cyclops in Greek mythology and a beautiful moth), <strong>“Amadeus”</strong> (From Falco’s hit “Rock Me Amadeus” and tied in with the kestrel’s latin name “<em>Falco sparverius</em>”), <strong>“Hawkeye”</strong> (after Alan Alda’s character in M*A*S*H) and <strong>“Fortinbras”</strong> (from Shakespeare’s <em>Hamlet</em>).<br /><br />Winners have been contacted individually to arrange their Raptor Centre tours. If you submitted one of the winning names above and have not heard from us, please check your spam filters and email <a href="mailto:raptorcentre@gmail.com">raptorcentre@gmail.com</a> to let us know. In the meantime, those who entered the contest are invited to download a printable Certificate of Participation as a heartfelt “thank you” from all of the staff and birds at the Mountsberg Raptor Centre.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/uploads/Mountsberg/RaptorCentre/certificate-participation.pdf">Click here to download your Certificate of Participation!</a><br /><br />See you on the trails!Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-1016078110487782272010-05-30T19:27:00.000-04:002010-05-30T20:15:04.335-04:00Spotlight on Flying Season!When you visit the park at this time of year, you may see Raptor Centre staff out in the Flyway with the birds. Often visitors wonder why they see us walking back and forth, calling birds to the glove and sending them to a perch, over and over again. Sometimes they see the birds respond quickly, and sometimes they see them ignore us entirely. It may look funny, but we’re actually very busy! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-JX_SBU3kIjMIc3tiFiqgGUnktzHMa00JlNLc9xFKar_C3zesA-Jh9oGAa-CsTblIRYrFRKA4LrnCBxP7_48cISRAOsZTXOyy20di0tFZl3B4xiYn6NHDUkhQIxPsD2_9RWCVHmnY9Us/s1600/elliefly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-JX_SBU3kIjMIc3tiFiqgGUnktzHMa00JlNLc9xFKar_C3zesA-Jh9oGAa-CsTblIRYrFRKA4LrnCBxP7_48cISRAOsZTXOyy20di0tFZl3B4xiYn6NHDUkhQIxPsD2_9RWCVHmnY9Us/s320/elliefly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477214551776290274" /></a><br />In spring and early summer, staff and birds are getting ready for “flying season”, which is an important time of the year at the Raptor Centre. During the winter months, our non-releasable birds are kept at a weight that allows them to be comfortable and cozy despite the cold weather, since many of them live outside year round. Because of dangerously low temperatures, we do not flight train our birds in winter-- instead, we allow them to exercise themselves. Summer is a different matter, and active training in the summer months keeps our residents healthy and fit. It also allows for an exciting flying demonstration-- it's truly amazing to have a Barn Owl ghost silently right over your head! Although there’s a lot of work involved, it’s sometimes hard to tell who is having more fun-– the staff, the public, or the birds! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vDVhDZnkBLvmplZjJ9iHP5_jhVvuaZHkxfYX3Yv2TYsFjYCptCpm82rDc6VCQxUb58Rfpt7aR7fzzajmSmur_lK4oUa-A8s56Ip6WCPFuZPR3goMDICYDUuCTsqDNT_o1FYeLjcZCG0f/s1600/sandraellie.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 203px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2vDVhDZnkBLvmplZjJ9iHP5_jhVvuaZHkxfYX3Yv2TYsFjYCptCpm82rDc6VCQxUb58Rfpt7aR7fzzajmSmur_lK4oUa-A8s56Ip6WCPFuZPR3goMDICYDUuCTsqDNT_o1FYeLjcZCG0f/s320/sandraellie.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477215326688611426" /></a>Getting the birds in shape for flying season after they have been off on winter vacation is all about healthy diet and exercise. We start by weighing the birds daily to ensure that they are in good condition and to monitor weight changes as they occur. Then we begin actively exercising the birds inside the Raptor Centre—this is done by getting them to jump on command to a gloved fist for a food reward. Depending on the bird, this can be more difficult than you’d think! It requires repetition, patience (from both bird and handler), and trust. All of our birds are trained with positive reinforcement techniques.<br /><br />After the birds are performing reliably indoors, it’s time to go out to the Flyway. The birds do short flights at first, getting their bearings, and then we increase the distance as days go by until they are flying the full length of the Flyway. Before you know it, they're ready for show time! For a bird like Ellie the Turkey Vulture, who has been part of our flying demonstrations for many years, getting back into summer flying is an easy task – all she needs to do is get rid of some winter weight and build her strength back up. However, for birds like our soon-to-be-named <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE_OID8xTtItN-TvxTGBEf5li0917e6JbP2r7J1xxqhAhNn_sj7HFihyphenhyphennAFmb7a6YdBWJ_Y_EEpQhv18CXbCmKhiVtTUAxuftDU8De0ZuhjUcg0TiXEQgBzqm3tZ7G4qir_NI38SDMIYb/s1600/laraamke.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlE_OID8xTtItN-TvxTGBEf5li0917e6JbP2r7J1xxqhAhNn_sj7HFihyphenhyphennAFmb7a6YdBWJ_Y_EEpQhv18CXbCmKhiVtTUAxuftDU8De0ZuhjUcg0TiXEQgBzqm3tZ7G4qir_NI38SDMIYb/s320/laraamke.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5477216352114870530" /></a>American Kestrel—who has never done this before—it can be a big job. He has had to learn how to land on the glove, how to navigate the Flyway, where the perches are located, what to do when there is a person sitting between him and the perch he wants to fly towards, and how to concentrate on his flying when there are so many other interesting things going on around him. That said, he is doing extremely well so far, and we are excited to show off his flying skills this summer! <br /><br />Our flying demonstrations officially start on July 1st and continue until Labour Day, but some lucky park visitors have already been treated to sneak peeks during their visits. Our birds hope to see you out at the park soon, so that they can show off their flying skills! Well, except for Scout the Merlin, who would actually prefer it if nobody but his favorite trainer watched him fly, but that’s a story for another blog entry....<br /><br />You can find information on <a href="http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1462">Raptor Centre Show Times by clicking here.</a><br /><br />See you on the trails!Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-7378561587517625662010-05-20T21:46:00.000-04:002010-05-20T22:19:22.150-04:00Help us name our American Kestrel!Conservation Halton needs your help! The Mountsberg Raptor Centre has a young male American Kestrel that needs a name, and we want your suggestions!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEugWuVLwdEdExYxGELreeY6tFgugYo8fXIV34vbhFdpjnWyvTm1w8_xrOtCZSwVBjjdzZGHrnQcutYkstCcImE8agaU_8UFkmPDUCxd8LPn0nAOnbVQLdpwgoT5LCqz0O4v6xABnKLqx/s1600/amke.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuEugWuVLwdEdExYxGELreeY6tFgugYo8fXIV34vbhFdpjnWyvTm1w8_xrOtCZSwVBjjdzZGHrnQcutYkstCcImE8agaU_8UFkmPDUCxd8LPn0nAOnbVQLdpwgoT5LCqz0O4v6xABnKLqx/s200/amke.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5473538670181394050" /></a>American Kestrels are North America’s smallest falcon - they’re active, agile predators that can snatch a sparrow right out of the air! They also feed on large insects and small rodents. American Kestrels have black “malar” stripes under their eyes to protect them from the glare of the sun - just like football players. <br /><br />This little kestrel is blind in his left eye due to impact trauma sustained in an accident when young. He’s very interested in his surroundings and, despite his disability, he’s learning to fly in the Mountsberg Raptor Centre shows and is doing quite well. The Mountsberg Raptor Centre team is very proud of this little fellow, and can’t wait to have an official name for him.<br /><br /><strong>How to Enter</strong><br /><br />Entries are open to people of all ages and are not restricted in any way. You may submit multiple entries. Please submit your chosen name along with a short description (200 words or less) of why you’ve suggested it. Deadline is Thursday, June 3rd at midnight, EST. Winners will be announced on Friday, June 4th, and contacted to arrange their tours. <br /><br /><strong>1. Facebook</strong> – Click on the ‘discussion’ tab of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/mountsbergraptorcentre">Mountsberg Raptor Centre Facebook fan page</a>, and add your suggestion to the ‘Name the Kestrel’ discussion thread. You can also post your suggestion directly to the Wall. <br /><strong>2. Email</strong> – Send an email to <a href="mailto:raptorcentre@gmail.com">raptorcentre@gmail.com</a> with your suggested name and a description of why you’ve chosen it. <br /><strong>3. In Person</strong> – Are you at the park? Drop by the Raptor Centre and give your suggestion in person. Staff will take your information, telephone number and / or an email address where they can reach you if your suggestion is chosen. <br /><strong>4. Ballot</strong> – Guests attending the Conservation Halton Awards Night on June 3rd will be able to submit an entry by ballot that evening! <br /> <br /><strong>Prizes</strong><br /><br />Aside from choosing the winning name, the successful entrant will have the opportunity for a <strong>unique behind the scenes tour </strong>of the Mountsberg Raptor Centre, and a photo of themselves holding the newly-named American Kestrel on their gloved hand. <strong>Three runners-up</strong> will also be chosen for a Raptor Centre tour and photos with the birds.<br /><br /><strong>About the Mountsberg Raptor Centre</strong><br /><br />Tucked within Mountsberg Conservation Area, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre is currently home to 14 different species of native birds of prey. Many of the Raptor Centre's resident birds of prey have permanent injuries that have left them incapable of surviving on their own in the wild. In many cases, these injuries were caused by human activity. With the help of these feathered ambassadors, the Mountsberg Raptor Centre teaches the community about the native birds of prey that share our environment and how to reduce the negative impact we can have on them. <br /><br />Mountsberg Conservation Area is located on Milburough Line, 5 km west of Campbellville, ON, between Hwy 6 south and the Guelph Line. For more information, visit <a href="www.conservationhalton.ca/mountsbergraptorcentre">the Mountsberg Raptor Centre webpage</a>.Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-71781135026069876022010-02-05T21:43:00.000-05:002010-02-05T22:01:33.754-05:00Spotlight on American Kestrels<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jriBWrn8s6Jd2xf48UfEhPycNgWSZ9zjql_hKEZn9LS5UT39bbPWyU-YFuiHiDdyk0kV9gh9HbkTr7u5stHm38X8UGIovawzqRVOrrWjLR9KZfg3-ur24oKHsx21M4pTMDt5BhJV55jz/s1600-h/amke10.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 184px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2jriBWrn8s6Jd2xf48UfEhPycNgWSZ9zjql_hKEZn9LS5UT39bbPWyU-YFuiHiDdyk0kV9gh9HbkTr7u5stHm38X8UGIovawzqRVOrrWjLR9KZfg3-ur24oKHsx21M4pTMDt5BhJV55jz/s200/amke10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434956610849409842" border="0" /></a>The American Kestrel (<span style="font-style: italic;">Falco sparvericus</span>) is North American's smallest falcon. As in most other species of raptors, the female kestrel is larger than the male-- but <span style="font-style:italic;">unlike</span> most other raptor species, American Kestrels are sexually dimorphic in colour, which means that the males and the females have very different markings. These quick little birds were once known colloquially as 'sparrow-hawks', and although they are not a hawk, they do prey on birds such as sparrows, finches, warblers, and even doves! They also hunt large insects and small rodents. They are the only North American falcon that often 'hovers' in the air while hunting.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjkHQ_cEQpBStTbGnpjo0XsQ_VGJzUabVvaBTiR8tgwpMB7xkpOQmpWMRdWdAhrXV5Dw4LEqyjLQ3YzkxLTnXhOhBId36rDRRLZuRv9xOdgiUkC__Zak8GYGwnUpt5EhKgxWr9C_2JnKl/s1600-h/amke8.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvjkHQ_cEQpBStTbGnpjo0XsQ_VGJzUabVvaBTiR8tgwpMB7xkpOQmpWMRdWdAhrXV5Dw4LEqyjLQ3YzkxLTnXhOhBId36rDRRLZuRv9xOdgiUkC__Zak8GYGwnUpt5EhKgxWr9C_2JnKl/s200/amke8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434956974438070706" /></a>The Mountsberg Raptor Centre is proud to announce a new resident American Kestrel-- a young male. Male kestrels make up for their small stature with their excellent maneuverability and brightly coloured plumage. With a blue cap and wings, this as-of-yet-nameless male cuts a dashing figure at only nine months of age. In captivity, kestrels can live as long as 15 years. The new male (picture at left) joins current Mountsberg resident kestrels Conan, Lizzie (pictured below), and Katy. Keep an eye on our Facebook Page to receive future updates on this little boy and all the other Raptor Centre residents!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-JFaLndxZU04NB-p0i3ENOFR3q6o7FGNNpb8-glzPAHuA-db3ZRedv_gWQPfXu2_iviMtdOqRnMIyI-BohbeX7D6R9ef186S1CNLNTe6m35umZ3H1VPXHy2RMTfWc_FicYiT5s5fmCt4/s1600-h/20081005h.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 156px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-JFaLndxZU04NB-p0i3ENOFR3q6o7FGNNpb8-glzPAHuA-db3ZRedv_gWQPfXu2_iviMtdOqRnMIyI-BohbeX7D6R9ef186S1CNLNTe6m35umZ3H1VPXHy2RMTfWc_FicYiT5s5fmCt4/s200/20081005h.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434957424165098802" /></a>Ontario has four native species of falcons. In order of increasing size, these species are the American Kestrel, the Merlin (<span style="font-style: italic;">Falco columbarius</span>), the Peregrine Falcon (<span style="font-style: italic;">Falco peregrinus</span>), and the Gyrfalcon (<span style="font-style: italic;">Falco rusticolus</span>). Of the four, the American Kestrel is the most common species, and is relatively easy to spot in Southern Ontario. American Kestrels often perch on power-lines, telephone wires, and roadway signage. To see one, keep your eyes open for a robin-sized bird that repeatedly bobs its head and flicks its tail while perched-- chances are, it's a kestrel.<br /><br />The next time you visit the Raptor Centre, be sure not to miss this diminutive but unique bird of prey. See you on the trails!Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-43518255371383586112010-01-20T19:58:00.000-05:002010-01-21T16:56:00.694-05:00Owl Prowls!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7Y87lsLeIMrnA900S_v2XjwX1n-ZVA1IOOqTrAUhHipmyBqmK2IiqMQ0uRtT7xyk86tc5f8tC3kj1tqI7ig7M9oSp9daT0ZLNnTSCp13OM2ltPGgT-pLb0FIXtd2FlXW0CbAqXJkYVgi/s1600-h/snowybrmurphy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7Y87lsLeIMrnA900S_v2XjwX1n-ZVA1IOOqTrAUhHipmyBqmK2IiqMQ0uRtT7xyk86tc5f8tC3kj1tqI7ig7M9oSp9daT0ZLNnTSCp13OM2ltPGgT-pLb0FIXtd2FlXW0CbAqXJkYVgi/s200/snowybrmurphy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429313798002177042" border="0" /></a>Owls have captured human imagination for thousands of years. They are often depicted in myth and legend, playing both positive and negative roles depending on the originating culture. Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, is often described with an owl in attendance; the Greeks considered owls (particularly the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_owl">Little Owl</a>, who gains its latin name, <i>Athene noctua</i>, from the goddess) to be sacred. But while owls have been considered symbols of wisdom and intelligence in some areas, they have also been considered stupid, foolish, or symbols of madness. In many cultures, owls are traditionally considered an ill omen, or even a sign of impending death.<br /><br />How can one creature inspire so many-- and such paradoxical-- interpretations? Perhaps it is due to their nocturnal nature, their excellent camouflage, their haunting calls. Maybe it is because of their silent flight, their fixed wide-eyed stare, or their measured movements. All of these characteristics, and likely many more, may contribute to the feelings of fascination and curiousity which owls inspire.<br /><br />Learning about these fascinating creatures is easier than you may think! There are over two hundred species of owls living world-wide, with an incredible variety of shapes, sizes, and features. The smallest owl on the planet, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elf_Owl">Elf Owl</a> is not much larger than a house sparrow-- but the largest, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_eagle-owl">Eurasian Eagle-owl</a> can weigh up to 10 lbs and is able to prey on young deer and sheep!<br /><br />Ontario has eleven native owl species, ranging in size from the tiny <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Saw-whet_Owl">Northern Saw-whet Owl</a> to the powerful <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowy_owl">Snowy Owl</a>. The Mountsberg Raptor Centre currently provides a home for representatives of six of our native species-- including the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barn_owl">Barn Owl</a>, one of Ontario's Species at Risk.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKlp0iEj-D1DD_SwW8U4ZWpiV0N6L1ESN44-XXpU3s9z-cnouXZZCQz9kfN0IQEbP7mZ5f29WxccFFHYCwrLkfRYEU0uowre3oqYfqnSL3VXNWjPO6Hr3fv5DD4w5h6FNnSZ8xT_sIVFI/s1600-h/chompbrmurphy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKlp0iEj-D1DD_SwW8U4ZWpiV0N6L1ESN44-XXpU3s9z-cnouXZZCQz9kfN0IQEbP7mZ5f29WxccFFHYCwrLkfRYEU0uowre3oqYfqnSL3VXNWjPO6Hr3fv5DD4w5h6FNnSZ8xT_sIVFI/s200/chompbrmurphy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429313913903238658" border="0" /></a>Late winter is one of the best times of the year to seek out owls in the wild, and it's also the best time of year to take part in an Owl Prowl! The Mountsberg Raptor Centre is proud to host our upcoming <a href="http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/events.cfm?itemid=3744">Owl Prowl programs</a> at the park. These programs are a wonderful opportunity to learn more about Ontario's native owl species-- including habitats, calls, and behaviour-- as well as meet some of our resident owls up close and 'nose-to-beak'! The adult program takes place on Friday, January 29th, while family night is Saturday, January 30th. Please call the park for program details and registration. It'll be a 'hoot'!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photos © 2010 <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brmurphy/">B. R. Murphy</a> - used with permission)</span>Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-66042221848002660912010-01-06T20:34:00.001-05:002010-01-06T21:20:42.568-05:00New Years Updates and Noah's StoryMountsberg Conservation Area rang in the new year with our New Year's Hoopla event-- and two of the Raptor Centre's resident owls were in attendance! Chomper the great-horned owl met with families out in the barn for an evening chat, while Teddy, one of our barred owls, took part in family photos.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotPHJz5wS6FEJBzxruIvGW4PpledhigcWHVLumZWwT_2QJnhpreflXO7stdYdFqJqw99_TkR1fmnqwxkZkXSiEKLJV0w5h80afto53UqdaLNJTB2O-fLY89R_0nQnCN6spZYXOxlZiH5q/s1600-h/willisfamily.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjotPHJz5wS6FEJBzxruIvGW4PpledhigcWHVLumZWwT_2QJnhpreflXO7stdYdFqJqw99_TkR1fmnqwxkZkXSiEKLJV0w5h80afto53UqdaLNJTB2O-fLY89R_0nQnCN6spZYXOxlZiH5q/s200/willisfamily.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423807108676678098" border="0" /></a>Seventeen different families chose to have a New Years photo taken with Teddy, and the Willis family was kind enough to allow us to share theirs in our blog! We hope that our guests had as much fun attending the Hoopla as we had hosting it, and that everyone enjoyed the opportunity to see two of Ontario's native owl species up close while we rang in 2010.<br /><br />In other raptor holiday wrap-up news, we are very pleased to announce that Otus, one of Mountsberg's eastern screech-owls, has fully recovered from the illness mentioned in our last update. We are very grateful to the staff of the Avian/Exotics clinic for the excellent care he received at the Ontario Veterinary College. Otus, for his part, was feeling well enough to get into the holiday spirit-- in fact, he was reluctant to get out! Of the tree, that is:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9AMR01Xa6MJHTKEFm1qpDl9k9e7zkaf8R-z2ZohmhPI6Rvwze3LP9vtl6j-9Sp74-qJjjq2QGs321aKMo94zvbiEtTMhHDP3blGkDUZyzNVwmuEcy3jtw4MRUAPw86hj89q5iuEomPDS/s1600-h/otustree.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9AMR01Xa6MJHTKEFm1qpDl9k9e7zkaf8R-z2ZohmhPI6Rvwze3LP9vtl6j-9Sp74-qJjjq2QGs321aKMo94zvbiEtTMhHDP3blGkDUZyzNVwmuEcy3jtw4MRUAPw86hj89q5iuEomPDS/s200/otustree.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423807633195559874" border="0" /></a><br />We would also like to share an inspirational story with our readers, and at the same time give our heartfelt thanks to a very dedicated young man. Raptor Centre Resource Interpreter Lara Butt writes:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify; font-style: italic;">"In July of 2009, our Raptor Centre was booked to visit four Wellington County Libraries over a three day period. There the families were able to see four different native raptor species up close and learn loads of interesting facts from our resident birds of prey. During our visit to Erin Library, a young, budding raptor enthusiast was 'hatched'!<br /><br />As caretakers and educators of our 31 non-releasable birds, we encourage people to help in this process through such ways as our 'Adopt-a-Raptor' program or volunteering. Several of our brochures, pamphlets, and Species at Risk posters were passed on to the families after the session and one recipient was an 8-year-old fan, Noah! Captivated by our beautiful birds, Noah studied our Adopt guide and took it upon himself to raid his piggy bank for coins and during a family get together managed to collect almost $25 towards the 10 birds listed in the guide.<br /><br />We were contacted by his family to arrange a time for Noah to present us with his fantastic donation and visit our birds up close and personal! As a token of our appreciation, Noah was given the opportunity to hold one of our screech owls, Echo, perched on his hand.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGIs1YGRGZ6NO1-V01z9ixunbuBhbSuiGS9aKAaNQ35ECNzJTgCT_qOlqgyjPyBAXwgXvLq84RYqBQsZdQnoRj7BWXzZZOlpIsiMEGZ2Zl9EijVPJmcfIIda0IjYPueGESWRnlLK7Vu2M/s1600-h/noahecho.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 153px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidGIs1YGRGZ6NO1-V01z9ixunbuBhbSuiGS9aKAaNQ35ECNzJTgCT_qOlqgyjPyBAXwgXvLq84RYqBQsZdQnoRj7BWXzZZOlpIsiMEGZ2Zl9EijVPJmcfIIda0IjYPueGESWRnlLK7Vu2M/s200/noahecho.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423806349077794450" border="0" /></a><br />Following this, Noah continued to email us with his attempts to organize a fundraiser at his school. He waited anxiously for a response from the school council but unfortunately this was not an option at that time. Noah, only motivated further to find another opportunity to raise funds, asked his Mother if he could celebrate his 9th birthday party at Mountsberg. Instead of his invited guests bringing gifts, Noah suggested a donation towards our 'Adopt-a-Raptor' program. With four friends attending he received $100.00! Unselfishly, he also collected his own money to create small amounts for the 21 of our resident raptors. In total Noah has generously donated to 28 individual birds. His collective sum came to $149.75!! With this amazing donation, Noah has enabled us to do such things as purchase food and provide new building and housing material for several birds.<br /><br />The Raptor Centre staff are very grateful for the tremendously thoughtful ideas and initiatives that such a young, keen friend like Noah has contributed! Thank you so much, Noah, for your efforts and passion for wildlife, and keep up the great work!"</div><br />Individuals like Noah make it possible to maintain and improve on the excellent care and housing we provide for the Raptor Centre's non-releasable birds of prey. His story is an inspiration to all of us here at Mountsberg, and we hope that all who read it will be encouraged towards an interest in Ontario's native raptors.<br /><br />See you on the trails!Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-16956286683482656872009-12-23T21:44:00.001-05:002009-12-23T21:57:53.122-05:00Holiday Tidings and Updates from the Raptor Centre!With the holidays already upon us, Mountsberg Conservation Area has been bustling with activity! Santa and Mrs. Claus will soon be waving their goodbyes to the last of our visiting families out at Mountsberg's Christmas Town, and just in time to gear up for their big night. Don't worry, though-- there will still be lots of things to do at the park after Christmas! The birds of prey in particular are looking forward to making an appearance at the New Years Hoopla event, which is sure to be a hit; it includes a winter wagon ride, dinner, crafts, a night hike, a barn visit, a bonfire, and more! Call the park to reserve your spot, as we are filling up quickly! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM0b_opuRpGTrwzIgy4ejxldieeNdNmfaeixK4f2kzKTUxqeIcAw6WAJCxitWIjmGHlw8qs0KIlW7XSX7rHnCmScdC55dF7vJbKtzVmQRY7JRXNb4OojrlTtxJSrWxL7jR9TflN7EnO1R/s1600-h/owleyes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 119px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFM0b_opuRpGTrwzIgy4ejxldieeNdNmfaeixK4f2kzKTUxqeIcAw6WAJCxitWIjmGHlw8qs0KIlW7XSX7rHnCmScdC55dF7vJbKtzVmQRY7JRXNb4OojrlTtxJSrWxL7jR9TflN7EnO1R/s320/owleyes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418628478141338530" /></a><br />If you visit the park during the holidays, our seasonal wagon/sleigh rides will take place daily at 1pm and 3pm for $2.00 per person, which takes you on a 45-minute excursion along part of the beautiful Lakeshore Lookout Trail. Our bird of prey shows will run daily at 12pm and 2pm in the Raptor Centre theatre-- be sure to bring your camera!<br /><br />The Raptor Centre Staff have been busily getting the birds ready for winter; as we mentioned in our last entry, the onset of the winter cold means that our temperature-sensitive raptors are moved into their winter housing and may no longer be on public display. If your favourite bird is off display, feel free to ask the Raptor Centre staff for an update when you visit!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr7fLPbxXVW9Divbcb39t8gA2RvIAp9XceLXU2z0HevairhyphenhyphenAusmSeBTrm912yLW95pRX8o5JcoQboWyicg-O5LJalyUaLx_R24fNJ2wjvoYhsA3uOdogSSLUbGT1zdn-EICS9B5KXWlo/s1600-h/sadotus.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPr7fLPbxXVW9Divbcb39t8gA2RvIAp9XceLXU2z0HevairhyphenhyphenAusmSeBTrm912yLW95pRX8o5JcoQboWyicg-O5LJalyUaLx_R24fNJ2wjvoYhsA3uOdogSSLUbGT1zdn-EICS9B5KXWlo/s200/sadotus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418628633986877954" /></a><br />Unfortunately, not all of our holiday news is good news-- Otus, one of our two grey-phase Eastern Screech-owls, has been under the weather lately. Eastern Screech-owls are one of Ontario's most common species of owl, and they are also the second smallest owl (after the Northern Saw-whet Owl) that lives within the province. Just like humans, birds of prey can suffer from illnesses-- and just like humans, a sick raptor goes to visit the doctor! In this case, Otus was taken to the Ontario Veterinary College, and the trip to the veterinarian revealed that he was fighting off an infection of the central nervous system. Thanks to the excellent medical care received at the Ontario Veterinary College, Otus is well on his way to recovery and seems to be enjoying the extra holiday attention.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwgzOXpeEVk8AJmNZSxUzdQ0Pr2s5vxfNN4bO8cI7R1Ygi2u463RdwidRpqCT4PZdccEcvn0to8VhLi2Lim3MO4NiDgI73uzBG6e6hXIWJq3ZNwHsHa6nmvvCciANjJ4wMKWfUtq5pzMr/s1600-h/xmasbird3.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwgzOXpeEVk8AJmNZSxUzdQ0Pr2s5vxfNN4bO8cI7R1Ygi2u463RdwidRpqCT4PZdccEcvn0to8VhLi2Lim3MO4NiDgI73uzBG6e6hXIWJq3ZNwHsHa6nmvvCciANjJ4wMKWfUtq5pzMr/s200/xmasbird3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418628904709291106" /></a>In other raptor news, Pawgwashiing the bald eagle is still doing very well during her training period, although she has developed into quite the picky eater! While most raptors are happy to eat a variety of prey items, this youngster has decided that rabbit and rainbow trout are her favourites-- and that she would really rather not eat anything else. Luckily, a very kind gentleman who visits Mountsberg regularly has been keeping Pawgwa stocked up with trout... but we have it on good authority that our male bald eagles, Cornelius and Phoenix, may be getting jealous!<br /><br />We are happy to report that Pittsburgh Pete the peregrine falcon is also doing quite well. Mountsberg Raptor Centre would like to thank the local Falcon Watchers who have visited the park since Pete's arrival, and who have been generous enough to share stories and photos of Pete's 2008 season on the Burlington Lift Bridge. We will be sure to continue Pete's story in a future blog entry.<br /><br />If you are interested in supporting our resident raptors, we invite you to visit the park and pick up an Adopt-a-Raptor brochure. Your donation helps to pay for food, equipment, and veterinary care for non-releasable birds like Otus! Volunteering is also a great way to support the Raptor Centre. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated and talented volunteers for all their hard work in keeping the Raptor Centre (and the birds) running smoothly. We can't do it without them! If you are interested in volunteering at the Raptor Centre, <a href="mailto:jaikenhead@hrca.on.ca">please contact us</a> for more information, and stay tuned for a future blog entry detailing volunteer experiences at the park.<br /><br />We hope to see you on the trails-- and have a safe and happy holiday season!Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-56460379822289261802009-11-13T17:58:00.000-05:002009-11-13T20:07:26.907-05:00Autumn in the Park<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYtLV9OzrUO_99e9w3jsi5t3dji17wqoQqdgiSNdoBEMq7lU1tw-cAceGxvSbWQjX-8H0ht-o-z4D74lIE9K4OvCmSPxDkzFwUJ3eEsKLp-YT_kHaDa-sypghkoiX_Y7LoKkQTb0IYrSB/s1600-h/conanhead.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqYtLV9OzrUO_99e9w3jsi5t3dji17wqoQqdgiSNdoBEMq7lU1tw-cAceGxvSbWQjX-8H0ht-o-z4D74lIE9K4OvCmSPxDkzFwUJ3eEsKLp-YT_kHaDa-sypghkoiX_Y7LoKkQTb0IYrSB/s200/conanhead.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403727341491666786" /></a><br />Autumn is already well underway at Mountsberg Conservation Area, and the Raptor Centre is beginning to prepare for the coming winter. At this time of year, park visitors often ask us about how winter affects our resident birds. How do they cope with the cold? Where do they go in the winter? How can they stay warm? The answer to such questions depends on the individual needs of our birds of prey. With over thirty resident raptors currently in the park, there's a lot to keep track of as the weather starts to get colder!<br /><br />As the temperature drops, the quantity of food our birds require goes up; some of the smaller birds are fed more frequently than they are during the warmer months to keep energy levels high. Migratory species, such as Turkey Vultures, are brought inside during the worst of the cold. Temperature-sensitive species such as Barn Owls also come inside, as does any individual bird with reduced tolerance to the cold. Mountsberg is currently putting the finishing touches on new indoor winter housing with full-spectrum lighting that will help to make the winter months more comfortable for our temperature-sensitive birds. A note to park visitors: while our birds are inside for the winter they are off public display. If you visit the park and don't see your favourite feathered friend, they are probably away for their winter vacation!<br /><br />Not all of our birds have trouble with the cold. Some species, such as large owls, hawks, and eagles, have thick plumage and are very capable of comfortably surviving a Canadian winter. These birds are monitored daily to ensure they are coping well with temperature changes. Our Snowy Owls definitely enjoy winter, and are often to be found nestled down (and perfectly camouflaged) in a snowbank!<br /><br />Snow removal during winter is always a challenging chore at the Raptor Centre. Luckily, our staff and our dedicated volunteers are adept with shovels and scrapers, and are ready to brush off perches and shovel pathways first thing in the morning after a heavy snowfall.<br /><br />Winter is certainly a wonderful opportunity to see Mountsberg's raptors against a different backdrop, but it isn't quite here yet! There are still lots of gorgeous fall days left to enjoy. We are also happy to report that Pawgwashiing Migizi ('Pawgwa') the Bald Eagle and Pittsburgh Pete the Peregrine Falcon are both adapting extremely well to their new homes, and some lucky park visitors may see them out and about during their training!<br /><br />As always, if you are interested in supporting our non-releasable birds of prey, please come on out to the park and enjoy what Mountsberg Conservation Area has to offer. Consider adopting a Mountsberg raptor as an environmentally-minded Christmas gift; if you adopt a raptor for a year, you will receive a free annual pass to all Conservation Halton parks. What better way to bring the love of nature to a friend or family member! Contact Conservation Halton Foundation Director <a href="mailto:bhobbs@hrca.on.ca">Brian Hobbs</a> for more information.<br /><br />See you on the trails!Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-89549318969374242722009-10-22T21:31:00.000-04:002009-10-22T22:23:08.026-04:00Pittsburgh Pete<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg335teJ45e_sYTFAFIojxnmFI_2KhWyMfYd6R2KcE-9nkLOda9IhSFC0ovUa-16DhMDnKscayzaHKms1LH9CSpxdCAM9zxKQ3CAe3-R_YOwYJSvvOoiNe5eCvEXIdKoCUQ85uJuFvuI_rd/s1600-h/pete2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 168px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg335teJ45e_sYTFAFIojxnmFI_2KhWyMfYd6R2KcE-9nkLOda9IhSFC0ovUa-16DhMDnKscayzaHKms1LH9CSpxdCAM9zxKQ3CAe3-R_YOwYJSvvOoiNe5eCvEXIdKoCUQ85uJuFvuI_rd/s200/pete2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395613028129863522" /></a><br /><br />The Mountsberg Raptor Centre is pleased to announce the arrival of another new member of our education team-- and another Species at Risk ambassador, as well! Pittsburgh Pete is a peregrine falcon who has led a fascinating life since he hatched in 2006 on the Gulf Tower in Pittsburgh, PA. By 2008, Pete had made it up to Burlington, Ontario, where he established a nest on the Lift Bridge. While he and his mate were able to successfully raise a brood of chicks, Pete (also known to falcon watchers as '3/K' because of the identification band on his left leg) was <a href="http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/2008/08/05/a-pittsburgh-peregrine-nearly-dies-in-canada/">attacked and badly injured</a> by a rival male. Luckily, he recovered from his wounds-- thanks in part to his mate, who brought food to him while he was healing-- and his chicks fledged successfully. You can read more about Pete's family in the <a href="http://www.hamiltonnature.org/publications/Wood_Duck_Oct08_4.qxd.pdf">October 2008 (PDF - 7.64 MB)</a> issue of The Wood Duck, published by the Hamilton Naturalists' Club.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Pete's life was not about to get any easier. He was found <a href="http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/2008/12/04/pittsburgh-petes-in-rehab/">grounded and unable to fly</a> in November of 2008, and was picked up by Hamilton Animal Control Officer Judy Bailey. Close observation in captivity revealed the problem: Pete was having seizures, but no immediate cause for them was discovered during subsequent visits to a veterinarian. Because of this, Pete was declared non-releasable, and efforts were made to find him a permanent home. <a href="http://www.wqed.org/birdblog/2009/08/14/pittsburgh-pete-learns-a-new-skill/">That's where Mountsberg enters the story!</a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc87HX5BRcKBR-z594cZVroxSjuCuvMpWKru7eLQXYcFKeyIqZk0cTjVR2J4e7h5SMaRtcO5jGHZfCHal6DYwVw3dLgp3IiorjzFKS1SvmS3mtC0CpcRgvGriy_ASwsSkibpowDdKP0iEc/s1600-h/pete1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc87HX5BRcKBR-z594cZVroxSjuCuvMpWKru7eLQXYcFKeyIqZk0cTjVR2J4e7h5SMaRtcO5jGHZfCHal6DYwVw3dLgp3IiorjzFKS1SvmS3mtC0CpcRgvGriy_ASwsSkibpowDdKP0iEc/s200/pete1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395612938582787538" /></a>Thanks to Judy Bailey's tireless efforts with his training and care, Pittsburgh Pete now has a new life as an educational ambassador; he will help teach the public about the plight of the peregrine falcon, and his story will bring immediacy to the fragile nature of Ontario's Species at Risk. We are proud to be able to provide Pete with a permanent home, and would like to thank everyone who has been involved in his saga: from the dedicated falcon watchers on both sides of the border to the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, along with every individual link in the chain which brought this special falcon from the Gulf Tower all the way to the Raptor Centre.<br /><br />Pete's story, of course, is far from over-- and you and your family can be a part of it! Come out to the park and see the birds at the Raptor Centre. Your visit will help to support Pete and others just like him, and ensure that we can continue to provide non-releasable birds of prey with a safe place to land!Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-86375875830029118962009-10-16T19:57:00.000-04:002009-10-16T20:23:43.827-04:00Pawgwashiing Migizi<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjive7GMpw1xLqawNhSp5f8hJYT7YdUON78ML2Dl0yuPlImwq_60LKAnlQfSkbUaldBsV58Q9XxONrbqh3mPCSjoES0B_58TW4An8KAYZLaT1xMuPxgAAbQL0z5Q7CBC0mSsfM2ps6RKoxZ/s1600-h/pawgwa.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjive7GMpw1xLqawNhSp5f8hJYT7YdUON78ML2Dl0yuPlImwq_60LKAnlQfSkbUaldBsV58Q9XxONrbqh3mPCSjoES0B_58TW4An8KAYZLaT1xMuPxgAAbQL0z5Q7CBC0mSsfM2ps6RKoxZ/s200/pawgwa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393353036427662034" /></a><br />Mountsberg Raptor Centre is proud to announce the arrival of a new resident-- a six-month-old Bald Eagle! After suffering a permanent wing injury, this juvenile female was initially cared for by members of <a href="http://paysplat.com/">Pays Plat First Nation</a>, who gave her a traditional name: "Pawgwashiing Migizi", which means 'Eagle of the Shallow Water'. Thanks to many caring individuals, the expertise of both her veterinarian and wildlife rehabilitator, and the support of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Pawgwashiing was transferred all the way from Thunder Bay to her new permanent home at the Douglas G. Cockburn Centre for Birds of Prey.<br /><br />Mountsberg is thrilled to be able to provide a home for Pawgwashiing, who will take approximately five years to develop the white head and tail that makes her species so distinctive. While she will not be on public display during her acclimatization and training period, we will post periodic updates and photos to chronicle her progress and development. We have high hopes for her future as an ambassador bird for Ontario's Species at Risk!<br /><br />Would you like to help permanently non-releasable birds of prey, like Pawgwashiing? Please consider adopting one of our residents! Your generous donation contributes to the care and feeding of these important representatives of our natural world. Pick up your Adopt-a-Raptor brochure on your next visit to the park, or contact Conservation Halton Foundation Director <a href="mailto:bhobbs@hrca.on.ca">Brian Hobbs</a> for more information.Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4585929966955290105.post-639438923006869572009-09-23T21:04:00.000-04:002009-09-26T08:47:46.323-04:00New Beginnings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kTWXMKbZXMt1jf-0Hu5HJgI6-jGRnMa8kLugAjUPHkCnKz_0MdgG9DhK0S_VPWdScOFnT2Vk6cFu0Mr8zlPo_mCI0XEJo9UdBzsvj1nhULVKolCOEVzN4q6Q4gEd-R33uZ19HbmX_rPj/s1600-h/tuftsblah-sm.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9kTWXMKbZXMt1jf-0Hu5HJgI6-jGRnMa8kLugAjUPHkCnKz_0MdgG9DhK0S_VPWdScOFnT2Vk6cFu0Mr8zlPo_mCI0XEJo9UdBzsvj1nhULVKolCOEVzN4q6Q4gEd-R33uZ19HbmX_rPj/s200/tuftsblah-sm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385756946407896274" /></a><br />Welcome to Mountsberg Raptor Centre's new blog! We plan on using this blog to share anecdotes about the Raptor Centre, talk about the birds themselves, and update everyone on the new and exciting things we have planned in the future!<br /><br />Mountsberg's Raptor Centre is located within Mountsberg Conservation Area, and currently provides a home for approximately 30 non-releasable birds of prey. Many of these birds-- eagles, owls, hawks, falcons, and vultures-- have been damaged due to human impact on the environment, and are unable to survive in the wild due to their injuries. With the gracious support of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, we are able to provide these injured birds with a permanent home at our Centre. Some of our resident birds are tolerant enough to allow what we like to call a "nose-to-beak" experience-- not only can you come to our park and visit our birds, but we can also travel offsite with our birds for educational programs, bringing our feathered ambassadors right to you! <a href="http://conservationhalton.ca/mountsbergraptorcentre">Visit us at the Conservation Halton webpage</a> for more information.<br /><br />Currently, it's all hands on deck as the Raptor Centre prepares for our Grand Opening Event on Sunday, September 27th. This event celebrates the support of our donors, whose generosity made our new pens a reality! These new pens-- which we call 'the flights'-- provide housing for six birds of prey, and demonstrate the high quality of animal care we are dedicated to maintaining. We must also thank our dedicated construction crew, as the flights would certainly not exist without their tireless efforts and extremely hard work!<br /><br />As always, we encourage visitors to come out to the park and see the Raptor Centre's resident birds-- but there's also lots more to see! Mountsberg Conservation Area has a playbarn and farmyard animals to meet, over 15km of beautiful hiking trails, a reservoir with fantastic fishing (season guidelines permitting), and lots more. We're looking forward to seeing you there!Mountsberg Raptor Centrehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10500744363614606129noreply@blogger.com