Meet an AWC Volunteer: Tamara Bahlke

In addition to the many extra shifts accumulated over the years, Tamara has been a loyal Sunday volunteer for the past 5 years, just recently celebrating her anniversary this September.

Specializing in Eastern Cottontail Rabbits, Tamara has fostered hundreds of baby rabbits, first for AWC and now for our friends at Wild Mammal Care of Alabama.

Tamara was also a dedicated caretaker for our educational display animals (Bob Kitty the bobcat, and Foxy and Joe the grey foxes) before they were transferred to excellent facilities.

Tamara now enjoys the comfort of sorting mealworms and sexing rodents during her regular Sunday shift in addition to helping us do pretty much anything that needs doing. As a trained clinical assistant, Tamara has even filled in on occasional as a Shift Supervisor and worked many other shifts throughtout our busy baby season. Thank you so very much, Tamara - your hard work and dedication are greatly appreciated!


Our hearfelt thanks to everyone that volunteers in support of the Alabama Wildlife Center. You are heroes every day.

Want to become an AWC volunteer? Our next new volunteer orientations are scheduled for Sunday, October 3 and Sunday, November 7 from 1-3:30pm. Schedule online at http://www.awrc.org/ or arrive early to register in person. $10 fee if you are not an AWC member.

One Tough Bird!

On Wednesday of this week, AWC received a message on our Wildlife Help Line concerning a hawk trapped in a warehouse in Birmingham. Before we could assemble a rescue team, a rep from the warehouse called to let us know the hawk had flown out of the building.

Initially so relieved that the bird was free and no rescue team was needed, our relief turned to concern as we learned the hawk had flown through a window to gain her freedom. We just knew the bird was somewhere hurt, possibly dying from the impact, but there was nothing we could do--she had flown away.

About an hour later our doorbell chimed, alerting us that we had a new patient needing care. AWC staffer Lee McDonald answered the bell and met with an employee from the warehouse. They had found the Cooper's Hawk on the roof of their facility lying on her back and obviously in dire need of help.

Our initial exam revealed that she was suffering from head and possibly spinal trauma from the crash through the window, unable to stand but thankfully with movement detected in the legs. It was also found that she was in great shape--a successful hunter that judging from her weight, had not missed too many meals!

Steroids were administered to reduce the inflammation from the impact, fluids were given and she was placed in a box with a supportive "donut" to alleviate the weight from her legs. By the next day, she was beginning to use her legs more and by Friday the beautiful young hawk was standing on her own! Now also eating on her own and no longer in need of hydrating fluids, the Cooper's Hawk is making a steady recovery, though still listed in guarded condition.