Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research

MONTHLY FLYER
A Volunteer Newsletter

December 2018

Celebrating 42 years of excellence in

wildlife rehabilitation and research

Photo: snyders/moonbeampublishing Compiled by Tri-State staff and volunteers

THEY DID IT FOR THE BIRDS

Nearly 200 supporters attended our Benefit for The Birds at The Chase Center at the Wilmington waterfront on
November 9th. Guests played casino games, listened to Anthony Barcola sing the sounds of Sinatra, and enjoyed
fine food. All 56 silent auction items (that were generously donated for the event) sold to happy bidders. And
speaking of generosity, 22 volunteers assisted in making the 2018 benefit a resounding success! As always, it
could not have been done without them! $95,000 was raised to benefit the birds…great job everyone!!!

Top left: Attendees enjoyed a Night in Vintage Vegas—Benefit for The Birds. Top right: Joyce and Ray Goldbacher, last year’s recipients
of the Lynne Frink award, presented the 2018 award to Maryanne Yingst and Dick Ho. Below: Attendees were entertained playing
casino games. All benefit photos courtesy of D.C. Cebula and Donna Harding.
Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research 2

Gail tests her skill at the wine bottle ring toss.

Roulette anyone?

Outstanding Wildlife Leadership Award winners: The

Fifth Coast Guard District (USCG District 5) and Kim and Kurt view one of the casino prizes.
NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Association)

A couple danced to the sounds of Sinatra

Lynda sported a big smile as did her table guests. provided by Anthony Barcola’s smooth voice.

Click here to view more Benefit for The Birds photos.

Monthly Flyer, December 2018 3

For those of you who did not attend the benefit, we’d like to share the Tri-State video that was shown to the
attendees. It is a peek into why we do what we do…every day of the year…and none of it would be possible
without you! Click the video to view.

A huge shout-out of appreciation to all

the fabulous volunteers who
contributed their time, effort, and head
to help create the video.
The photo on the left is just one
example of Fran wearing the GoPro
video device while feeding an Osprey!
Thank you!

A FISH TALE WORTH TELLING

On Saturday, November 3rd, long-time volunteer Marian received notification from a trout nursery volunteer
that a large number of trout had perished in stormy weather the night before. The deceased trout were
available to Tri-State if we could get volunteers out for them quickly. Marian immediately enlisted the aid of
volunteer Rand, who packed and transported this precious cargo to Tri-State that same afternoon. Over the
next two days, volunteers Charles, Martin, Marie, Marian, Tom, Linda, Liz, Rachel, and Terri donned aprons and
gloves and got to work sorting, counting, bagging, and labeling hundreds of trout.
Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research 4

As with rodent sorting and bagging, this step ensures that food can be readily defrosted for specific patient
needs. Portions of bagged trout were also prepared for Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. The trout were
being raised as part of the Cooperative Nursery Program of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Sportsmen’s clubs throughout the state care for nurseries of young fish year-round, in preparation for
restocking of Pennsylvania’s lakes and streams. Thank you letters and acknowledgement of the donated trout
were sent to both the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and West Caln Sportsmen’s Club in Chester
County.

Barbara from Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation Center

receives trout bagged by Tri-State volunteers.
Staff photos

We value their cooperative spirit in thinking of our avian patients rather than disposing of these beautiful trout.
A big “Thank you!” also goes to the volunteers who came out on a moment’s notice to retrieve, transport, and
sort this valuable donation and turn it into patient-ready portions.

TRANSCENDING THE TRANSPORTER ROLE

Volunteering as a transporter is much more involved
than just driving a bird from one place to the next.
Really, “transporting” is just one step of the process
in getting a bird help. Tri-State currently has about
72+ transporters in the state of Delaware alone.
While we also have transporters in Pennsylvania,
Maryland, and a couple other surrounding states,
we are always looking for more help. Over 72
transporters might seem like a large number, but
the more transporters we have part of our network
the greater our reach, because ultimately our goal is
to give as many wild, native birds a second chance.
This may only be accomplished through the work of
dedicated volunteers willing and able to be “on call” to
Transport volunteer Rand reaches for a net to retrieve an
rescue birds. injured bird. As an on-call transporter, Rand's vehicle is
always at the ready with nets, totes, and clean sheets and
towels. Photo by Rand McIlvaine

Transporter volunteers are part of the Bird Help Team. When a call comes in about an injured or orphaned bird,
the first member of the Bird Help Team takes the phone call and gathers pertinent information on the species,
location, situation, etc. After talking to the caller and assessing the situation, the Bird Help Team puts out a call
to transporters local to the area of the bird.
Monthly Flyer, December 2018 5

If a transporter is called and available, they will go to the location of the bird and do their best to retrieve the
bird. If the bird is retrievable and caught, then the actual “transport” process begins as the bird makes its way
to our clinic. Birds that may be at a greater distance from our location often require 2 to 3 transporters to relay
the bird; not always an easy feat to coordinate. This is why the more transporters, the merrier! There is always
help needed throughout Tri-State’s coverage area to not only meet our mission, but to share our mission by
serving our surrounding communities.
If you are interested in becoming a transporter, freshening up your retrieval skills, or just want to learn more
about being more involved in the Bird Help Team, please save the date for Sunday, January 13th. We will be
holding a Transporter Training from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Wildlife Response Annex with an introduction
to serving as a transporter and some basic bird handling. For more information, please email Melody at
mwhitaker@tristatebird.org.

A FLICKER TAKES FLIGHT!

A Northern Flicker patient was released after spending nearly a month at Tri-State. The kind folks who brought
us the woodpecker suspected she had hit a window. She was found on the ground, and a hawk was circling
above. Initially, the patient couldn’t stand or fly. With expert care and time, the yellow-shafted flicker recovered
from her injuries and demonstrated a healthy appetite and strong flight. Thanks to the many hands that helped
in her recovery process, this beauty gained a second chance to be free once more. We’ve slowed the release
video considerably so that you can see the golden-yellow colors on the underside of her wings and tail. Click
the video to watch Bebe releasing the beautiful bird!

Ode to Joy!
Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research 6

RED-TAILED HAWK RELEASED!

A Good Samaritan called us to report that an immature Red-tailed Hawk had crashed into a storefront window
and had fallen to the ground. After several minutes, it flew to the top of a trash container, lost its balance, and
fell in. One of our volunteer transporters retrieved the injured raptor and immediately brought it to our clinic for
professional care. An assessment showed it did not have any fractures; however, its attitude was dull, and it
was mildly dehydrated and had parasites. We administered pain medication and fluids and treated the
parasites. Initially, the hawk would not self-feed, so we fed it by hand. After several days of care and rest, it
began self-feeding and was moved to a large flight cage where it began exercising. We were thrilled when the
day came that the Red-tailed Hawk was ready and cleared for release back to the wild! The hawk was returned
by Joe to a state park near where it was found.

Storefront photo courtesy of Steve George. Release photos courtesy of Kathryn McCann.
Monthly Flyer, December 2018 7

GROWING THE BIRD HELP TEAM

One of our growing needs at TSBRR is acquiring more members for the Bird Help Team. Since we are open 365
days a year, we would like to provide as much coverage as possible to answer and respond to incoming calls.
The Bird Help Team, formerly known as Front Desk Reception, serves a very critical part in not only serving the
wild bird population but also members in our and surrounding communities. These team members help to man
the phone at TSBRR to provide a live person who can answer questions, provide education and guidance,
intake patients, and most importantly, secure transport for getting birds to our facility. Members of the Bird
Help Team have the very important job of professionally representing TSBRR and its mission since they are
often the first, and/or only person most people may come into contact with.

Right now the Bird Help Team includes our volunteers Joan, Linda, and Dawn. We are also excited to welcome
Debbie and Estella who recently started their training with the Bird Help Team. However, we are always looking
to expand our flock! If you enjoy talking to people, educating others, and want to help rescue birds, then
please contact Melody, Volunteer Services Manager, at mwhitaker@tristatebird.org about joining the Bird Help
Team.

Left: Linda shows new Bird Team Help volunteer, Debbie, the ropes. Middle: Dawn does desk duty and handles the calls like a pro!
Right: Joan assists new Bird Team Help volunteer, Estelle. Staff photos

VOLUNTEER ANNIVERSARIES—THANK YOU FOR BEING A MEMBER OF TRI-STATE’S FLOCK

WE CAN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU!

1 year: Karen Beck

VOLUNTEER LEADERS LEADING THE WAY

If you look around, you might see some new faces joining the TSBRR team. We recently held a volunteer
orientation, and from that group will have about 18 new volunteers joining our forces! Our recent recruits will
be assisting primarily with bird care, transporting, and the Bird Help Team. To help bring our new volunteers up
to speed, we have an amazing and dedicated group of volunteers serving as Volunteer Mentors. Our mentors
are volunteers that have at least a year’s experience (if not significantly more); are committed to providing the
most excellent care and training; have a willingness to plan, organize, lead, and energize others in successful
completion of clinic duties; and are able to share and impart knowledge through hands-on training. Mentors are
requested to serve seasonally, following incoming groups of new volunteers, such as our recent group of new
recruits. Mentors are strongly encouraged to assist with the on-boarding and training of new volunteers at least
3 to 4 times a year.
Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research 8

Long-term volunteer Jim expertly mentors new volunteer José. Staff photo

By having a designated Mentor, new volunteers will receive one-on-one training with more hands-on
experience. Bird Care Mentors use guidelines and a training checklist to help navigate training, while the Bird
Help Team has been responding to calls together for practice while referencing the Front Desk manual and
other resources. We are hoping that with the Mentor program, we will create engaged, skilled, long-term
volunteers to continue to help us achieve our mission.

If you are interested in learning more about the Mentor program, or would like to become a Mentor yourself,
please speak to Melody, Volunteer Services Manager. We would love to have your help!

Lyndsay releasing Carolina Wren patient 18-3241

This particular wren was brought to us after a dog pounced on it. It is

important to remember that one great way to be a steward for wildlife is to
be a responsible pet owner. Luckily for this wren, the dog owner was quick
to respond and the wren didn’t have any significant injuries. The wren spent
2 days in our care recuperating before being released onsite. Happy trails
little wren!
Monthly Flyer, December 2018 9

ANOTHER JOINS THE FLOCK!

Please join us in welcoming Margaret von Wodtke to the Tri-State flock.
Margaret joined the team as a clinic supervisor on November 19th. She is
no stranger to TSBRR and was a Spring Intern in 2017. The team was
impressed by her hard work ethic, how quickly she learned new skills, and
her winning personality. She comes to Tri-State from Leesburg Animal Park
and Zoo in Virginia as their Education Manager/ Zoo-to-You Manager and
Animal Keeper. Although she is a native to Virginia, she received her B.S. in
Wildlife Ecology & Conservation at the University of Delaware. Margaret
enjoys other animal-related activities, reading, and hiking. We know
everyone at TSBRR will make her feel welcome.

HOLIDAY GIFTS FROM TRI-STATE

Have you considered purchasing a unique gift for your family and friends that
will help Tri-State at the same time? Our 2018 Wing & A Prayer appeal is in
full swing and features hand-painted bird ornaments by a local artist showcasing three familiar species: Snowy
Owl, Wood Duck, and Yellow Warbler. You can also symbolically adopt a Bald Eagle, Cedar Waxwing, or Barn
Swallow. Each plush comes with an adoption certificate, species fact sheet, real patient case sheet, frameable
photo, and more! Also available is the 2019 Tri-State calendar featuring beautiful backyard bird photos taken
and generously donated by area photographers and compiled by a Tri-State volunteer! You can purchase these
gifts by mailing the response form you received with your Wing & a Prayer materials by clicking the button
below. Ornaments and calendars are also available in the lobby at Tri-State. Anyone who loves birds will surely
love these gifts!