1. St. Francis Wildlife Update: Winter 2003

Photo: Executive Director, Jon Johnson, feeds a recovering buck

This winter, each cold front has brought a new wave of migratory birds -- hawks and falcons, as well as song birds -- that make it as far south as north Florida, but then are just too weak to continue.

Up North, as the days grow shorter and colder, older hawks with established territorial clams usually stay put. But immature hawks, often last spring's fledglings, are forced to travel south in search of food. As a result, after traveling hundreds, perhaps thousands, of miles these young, inexperienced northern hawks are now on their own in a new territory, desperately searching for food.

As new development and roads gradually replace wooded areas, these migrants are finding it harder to find the natural food that will replenish lost body fat after their long journeys. Cold or rainy days are often hopeless.

Once rescued, these birds are generally so near death it takes very careful handling to bring them back from the edge.

When they arrive at our hospital, they are rehydrated and stabilized. Feeding starts in very small amounts with continued fluid support. After they regain their strength, many are kept over the winter. We hope that by releasing them in the spring, they will now have another spring and summer to hone their hunting skills after they return to their northern breeding grounds.

We've also had our share of deer, raccoons and opossums who have wandered onto roads or into someone's backyard or home while searching for food or warmth. After worming and a short vacation with plenty of good food, they are released on private land in a suitable habitat.

So THANK YOU members, for joining the St. Francis Wildlife Association. Your support has been so helpful to us during this cold winter season. If you are not a current member, please consider joining us.

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TCC Today, News from Tallahassee Community College: Local law enforcement professionals get wild

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Tiny critter in need
Sandy Beck /Special to the Democrat

Animal caught in trap for days: Dr. Sandra Brown and Jon Johnson, the director at St. Francis Wildlife Association, work to free a 4-month-old raccoon from an illegal steel leg trap. It had been dangling from a tree for three days near Lake Talquin. The raccoon is expected to be OK.