Fellow Mortals--Compassion Changes Everything

Although 'baby season' may be over, winter is not a quiet time at the hospital.  In the last few days, we have admitted a Cooper's hawk, screech owl, goldfinch, squirrel and mallard drake to the hospital.  Common injuries we see during the winter months are birds that hit windows and birds and mammals that are hit by cars.  We also admit animals suffering from lead poisoning or hunting-related injuries.  We feel fortunate to work with such a compassionate pubilc, as the animals we care for are brought to us by the people who find them.  Often, the animal a person finds and then rescues is his or her first experience thinking about wild creatures as more than just 'animated scenery.'  It is a whole new world when you realize that non-human animals are trying to survive and raise families just like us.  As we care for the animals inside the hospital, we also provide food for those already released, like the two birds in the picture.  Thanks so much to all of you who help make our work possible, and Happy Holidays!