Meet an AWC Volunteer: Holly Whitmire

There are certain volunteers that we rely on so much, we have named the day they volunteer in their honor. Thursdays have become “Holly days,” because that is when we are so fortunate to have Holly Whitmire amongst us. Holly has been a volunteer with AWC since 1999 (wow!) and is truly a jack of all trades. A small sampling of her volunteer work includes grocery shopping, cleaning rodent bins, taking care of our resident snakes, handling raptors, feeding baby songbirds and freeing hawks trapped in warehouses. In fact, she is one of two volunteers we can count on time and again to get trapped birds out. When asked what keeps her coming back every week, Holly said “being with others of like mind,” and “seeing the birds thrive” is what motivates her. We are so thankful to Holly for her many years of dedicated service. On behalf of our patients, our heartfelt thanks go to you Holly!

You can become an AWC volunteer! New volunteer orientations are scheduled for the first Sunday of most months from 1-4pm. The next dates are: September 5, October 3 & November 7, 2010. Register online via our website or arrive a few minutes early to complete your registration in person. One-of-a-kind experiences await you!

My Experience at the Oiled Avian Center in Theodore, AL

by Sandra Allinson, Alabama Wildlife Center's Director of Education

Located in central Alabama, it is not very often rehabilitators at the Alabama Wildlife Center
have occasion to help coastal birds such as Royal Terns, Northern Gannets or Brown Pelicans. Recently I spent 5 days in Theodore, Alabama at the oiled avian center working almost exclusively with Northern Gannets. Until then I knew very little about these birds. In fact, I had never even seen a Northern Gannet other than in photographs. They are beautiful birds with voracious appetites for fish. Adults are mostly white with contrasting black primaries and primary coverts. Their gray-blue eye rings and bills are finely outlined in black against buffy-yellow plumage on their heads and napes.

Intrigued by their beauty and raucous behavior, I spent my evenings in the hotel room reading about this species and thought you all would enjoy a little info on how the species hunts. On average, a Northern Gannet weighs in at over 6 pounds and has a wingspan of 72 inches--that's a large bird. Northern Gannets have long, thick, serrated bills (for which I now have a great respect) which make them very adept at catching fish. They are skilled hunters and practice a foraging strategy referred to as "plunge-diving." Gannets locate shoals of fish during flight at heights of up to 130 feet. Then, they tip into a vertical or slightly-angled dive, extending wings backward and close to the body just before penetrating the water's surface at speeds 62 miles or more an hour! AMAZING!

The Gulf Coast oil spill has brought together folks from all walks of life in a very unique way. Rehabilitators at the Alabama Wildlife Center (both staff and experienced volunteers) are honored to have participated in efforts to aide coastal birds. We have had a rare opportunity to work side-by-side with wildlife rehabilitators from across North America, veterinarians, veterinary students, U. S. Fish and Wildlife biologists and people whose daily lives depend on the health of the Gulf Coast. The long-term impact of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to our precious wildlife and coastal communities may not be completely known for many years. The experience and knowledge we gained, and the professional relationships we developed, will continue to benefit Alabama's native birds for many, many years.

Thanks to all of you who are making a difference by supporting Alabama's wildlife.
  Donate today!

Meet an AWC Volunteer: Erin Johnson

Erin with Coosa, the Barred Owl

Erin Johnson is such a great volunteer that we knew we had to have her on staff. In the summer of 2009, Erin was hired as Songbird Intern and anyone that worked with her can attest to the fact that she did an amazing job.

Continuing on as a volunteer after her internship ended, Erin has become MUCH relied upon in the clinic. During her shift (and she does two a week, by the way!) Erin moves deftly from Bird Nursery to Raptor Handler to Help/Info Line to Aviaries to Raptor Wing to Tree Top Nature Trail -- WHEW! She basically does it all and does a great job. Erin has also helped out with many tours, helping us educate the public about our native birds. She is also a member of the Education Bird Team.

Her great attitude and sense of humor don’t hurt either and we always look forward to an “Erin shift.” Thank you, Erin, for all your hard work. You’ve made such a difference around AWC!

How will you help Alabama's wildlife? New volunteer orientations held the 1st Sunday of each month form 1-4pm. More info at http://www.awrc.org/.

by Lee McDonald, AWC Wildlife Rehabilitator

Meet an AWC Volunteer: David Gray

Volunteer David Gray with baby Chimney Swifts

David Gray began volunteering this year at AWC in the throes of baby bird season. David got a few shifts under his belt before attending orientation (in fact he is here for no less than three shifts a week!) and has learned the ropes the best way—by fully submersing himself into the many demands of this unbelievably busy time of year.

David arrives with an unfaltering willingness to pitch in wherever needed, often taking on labor-intensive jobs such as cleaning out and resetting aviaries, disinfecting shift cages, convalescent rooms and cleaning the rodent bins. Without prompting he’s off to Treetop Nature Trail at the start of the shift to feed and check in on our Tree Top residents and he’s always willing to make a run to the vet for us for whatever is needed to be dropped off or picked up.

The icing on the cake is David’s great attitude and cheery nature. Working hard and always with a smile, David’s the kind of volunteer we are so thankful to have at AWC. Thanks for ALL your hard work this summer, David!

How will you help Alabama's wildlife? New volunteer orientations held the 1st Sunday of each month form 1-4pm. More info at http://www.awrc.org/.

by Lee McDonald, AWC Wildlife Rehabilitator

Crafts for a Cause!

Most Saturday mornings Leah Dodd of Irondale is at the Red Cat Coffee House selling rings she’s made from beads and recycled wire. Unable to directly help the wildlife affected by the Gulf oil spill, she donates the proceeds of the jewelry sales to the Alabama Wildlife Center who is helping at the Oiled Avian Center in Theodore, AL.

Pictured above, Leah is meeting Alabama Wildlife Center ambassador Ireland the Red-tailed Hawk, held by AWC Education Director Sandra Allinson.

To see Leah's jewelry, visit:  http://www.blogger.com/www.leahdodd.etsy.com.

How will you use your skills and talents to help wildlife?

by Janet Byars, AWC Administrative Assistant

Photo credit:  Mary Stockard, artist & AWC volunteer