#so we brought him to the wildlife rehab

[alexturner2005]

just found out the little baby raccoon we rescued from inside our wall and brought to a wildlife rehab a couple weeks ago died :(

[am-i-the-asshole-official]

AITA for being "negative" about a bunny and refusing to apologize? I don't think I can really shorten this, so I'm sorry for the lack of a TL;DR :/ It's pretty long!! TW for animal death(and potentially animal abuse?)

My mom(42 F) has a habit of randomly bringing pets home. For context, she's a single mother with four kids, with me(17) being the oldest, alongside my sister("E",13) and my two brothers(7 and 4, not relevant to the story). My sister and I share a room and my brothers share one too. My mom works a job that involves sleeping at work and doesn't think it's worth it for us to rent a three bedroom, so she sleeps on the couch on her nights off.

The first time was mid-2020 when she brought home a feral kitten my grandpa found underneath his house. What was supposed to be a family pet quickly turned into a pet that was kept only to E's and my room. He had some sort of sinus issue where he snotted everywhere all the time, so snot was constantly needing to be cleaned and being found randomly on our things. The cat was eventually rehomed after a year because it scratched my sister really badly to the point that my mom was concerned she would need stitches(she didn't. the cat didn't like being pet / touched and my sister wouldn't respect its boundries).

The second time was another cat(2021) that followed my mom from her cat to her place of work. This was when I started getting frustrated with my mom randomly bringing home animals, since the same set up that happened last time happened again- except this time, the cat got old enough to spray, and my mom kept forgetting to get him fixed so our room just smelled fucking awful. This cat was also rehomed when I broke down after realizing it has sprayed all over my books. I told my mom he either needed to be fixed or she needed to get rid of him. He was gone the next week.

Then last year it happened again- except this time, with a puppy(2022). My aunt was looking to get a new dog and sent some puppy photos to my mom, which she cooed over and showed me. She told me she was considering bringing one home, which I instantly told her was a bad idea and went over all the cons. Mom seemed to agree. Then guess what happened to be an early Christmas gift.... -_-

My sister and I took charge on the dog. We got our brothers to agree on a name for him(anyone with younger siblings knows this is a BIG deal lmao), started attempting to crate train him(basically making sure he's okay with eventually being left alone without crying the whole time), and we were the only ones trying to potty train him. Our mom didn't stick to any of this(including choosing a new name??) and the dog still isn't potty trained, and I'm the only one other than my mom that doesn't refuse to clean up after him. The dog doesn't stay in our room like the other animals, but it took months for my sister and I to convince our mom to get a hook lock for our door so the dog wouldn't keep coming in and peeing. The dog didn't end up getting rehomed, but now regularly stays at our aunt's house way more than ours.

It's worth noting at this point that all of these pets were "family pets" according to mom, and she would get upset when me and E pointed out we were really the only one taking care of them. The dog evened out after a while and now it's mostly my mom and I doing the work when he's here, but the cats are still a point of tension for us.

And now. For the fucking bunny!! Jesus christ I'm sorry there's so much backstory to this!!

A week ago my sister comes into our room and wakes me up to tell me mom brought home a baby bunny. It was scary small(3.5 inches long not stretching, 2 weeks old), and wasn't moving much but was clearly alive. My mom said it ran into my Nana's yard after the dog next door scared it off, and it's pretty safe to assume the nest is destroyed. But instead of bringing the rabbit to a wildlife rehab or something, my mom brought it home and told my sister she could keep it. They then put it in a box with some grass and water and did no further research.

I was pretty livid, because 1. This is a WILD rabbit. That's a crime in my state, 2. I think it was insanely irresponsible for my mom to drop this on us, 3. This is not a pet and it's very likely it'll die in our care just from us not being experienced, and 4. On a very basic and selfish level, I didn't want to take care of this animal and I didn't want it in our room(which it had to be). But E has been asking for a bunny for years, so for once she wasn't on my side about a new pet being dropped on us. So I was pretty outnumbered.

I kept pushing for my mom to contact a professional at the very least to ask about its diet(it's very easy to kill baby bunnies by feeding them the wrong thing), and kept trying to get my sister to stop holding / petting it since rabbits can die of stress. My mom listened after a day and my sister never did. Tbh I also thought if my mom contacted a professional the pro would tell her to absolutely not keep the bunny? But it was never brought up in their convo, so I think my mom might have lied about it or something, idk.

I continued being "negetive" about the rabbit and my sister kicked me out of our room for it. I refused to care for it too, even though my mom kept insisting it was a "family" pet(without me it was just her and E taking care of it, and since it stayed in our room my brothers never really got to see it). To be honest I really didn't feel like I had a lot of options, and I thought if I didn't help then maybe they would get overwhelmed or something and decide to give it to a professional. But I still kept trying to give pet care advice, because I didn't want any harm to come to the bunny(for example, my sister likes our room to never have to ac on, but i made sure she was keeping it cool enough for the bunny).

Well... After four days, the bunny died. E was pretty heartbroken, obviously, and my mom was sad, but to be honest I'm just sort of bitter. I'm upset a rabbit died just because my mom wouldn't listen. For more context, I also thought bringing in the bunny was a bad idea because my sister recently lost her dad, and I knew if it didn't end well this would just add more grief to her life. I 100% don't think she's TA in this situation, even if she has frustrated me.

I'm still pretty pissed at my mom for all of this, so yesterday when she sat me down and told me I should apologize to E for how I behaved, I didn't take it well. She said my negetivity made it so E didn't fully enjoy her time with the bunny, and that if I had handled things differently maybe things would have tunred out better. I know E has been avoiding me, which started when we first got the bunny and she kicked me out of the room for being too negetive. I feel like she just needs time to process, and to be honest I don't think this is something I should apologize for, even if it is an apology just to make her feel better. It feels like that would be irresponsible of me? Idk. I told my mom none of this would have happened if SHE hadn't been so irresponsible and brought the bunny home to a grieving teenager, when there wasn't much of a chance of the bunny surviving with us in the first place, but tbh ever since her dad died I've been really trying to do right by E, so I second-guess myself a lot now.

So AITA for being negetive about the bunny and refusing to apologize? To be clear again I don't think E is TA here, but they're both upset with me so idk.

What are these acronyms?

[dglvr1760]

Here's the two animals I took care of tonight!

This is our Chilean Redhaired Trantula, cinnamon. Then also,

Bruce Wayne, a rescued Big Brown Bat, his wing got injured and when fixed he couldn't properly fly so my teacher cares for him now at her wildlife rehab place! Anyways, here r the others we brought!

Have a good night!

[theramseyloft]

5/1/21 Loft Notes

As of this morning, Passenger is bright and alert.

They seem to have found their food dish and may have taken a sip of water.

Hopefully, they'll take more than that.

They kept their wormer down.

If they don't drink, I may have to subQ some fluid into them.

New places are always scary for ferals.

But they're upright and energetic enough to try to run.

Balance looks a little easier today.

Patron: "I have found that they will drink when I wiggle the water in front of them"

Patron: "Not sure if it scares pigeons, but is there any way to do a slow drip into the water bowl? To simulate movement but allow privacy if needed?"

Unfamiliar places and movement.

I'll try offering the dish closer.

Patron: "I'm so happy to hear they're trying so hard still"

Same!  As thin as they are, I was genuinely worried they wouldn't still be with us when I woke up.

Patron: "Oh that's how I felt when I took them in, it's why I didn't name them"

Patron: "You know how to subQ on a pigeon? That’s really impressive"

Patron: "subQ is so tricky for me in general, and birds have such thin skin ..."

Yeah.

I learned with Mourning doves when I volunteered for the local wildlife rehab.

If they are bad off enough they won't drink, using an insulin needle to give them a water pocket under their skin can save their life.

Passenger has recovered enough energy to be more freaked out by my hand than interested in the water and trying to offer directly is just scaring them.

They can see Vito across the room from them

Patron: "Hmm, would covering the cage help if Vito is spooking them?"

Oh, no, I need them to see Vito.

Pigeons are social learners.

Passenger can see him eat and drink and work out where everything is without me in there scaring years off their life.

Patron: "Ohhh okay. I thought maybe Vito was scaring them cause Vito doesn’t look like a “normal” pigeon, I was remembering what happened in your loft with Speedy"

Patron: "Yeah when I first picked up Passenger and there was 0 food in their crop I was like "there's no bird in this bird""

Speedy is the Pigeon equivalent of the Frankenstein Monster.  Vito just has a weird hardo.

Everything imaginable was wrong with Speedy, and he was still the most structurally sound American Fantail I've ever seen.

Vito is the bird equivalent of that guy on the history channel that thinks everything was aliens because indigenous humans couldn't possibly have been that smart.

Bird-Bird brought out her kitten bell.

Welp, I can never move again.

Chiffon on my shoulder, Couture on my arm, and Blue on my knee, all on my left side, loafed, and napping.

This is my life now.

Some one send help!

I don't have the willpower to leave.

Patron: "I'm not sure I'd have the willpower to disturb them"

"Been nice knowing ya, Dani"

Right?!

I escaped!

Today is the 21st anniversary of my husband asking me to be his girlfriend.

We've been away from home celebrating most of the day.

On our return home, Passenger was next to the water dish sipping a sip.

Got this message a few minutes ago:  

"I found something wild on reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/CuratedTumblr/comments/n2ilnk/the_great_pigeon_relay/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=sharereddit r/CuratedTumblr - The Great Pigeon Relay 585 votes and 19 comments so far on Reddit   I think this is you???"

There will be video of them up later, but it will not be exciting video.

They were NOT interested in moving.

Patron: "i can imagine, poor little thing. i hope they can feel just a bit of how many people are cheering for them"

I hope so.

Patron: "The pigeon relay post doubled it's notes on tumblr while I was sleeping"

Patron: "oh so that's the whole pigeon relay was about"

I do think people's good will makes a HUGE difference.

Y'all, I have so many new followers that tumblr mistook me for a bot trying to follow them all back.

It just blocked me from following any more back for now.

Patron: "i'm honestly so damn happy it got so popular, spread the love of pigeons all over the place, maybe one more person is going to look at some pigeons and think of this post and decide to be nice to them."

I'll just resume tomorrow and so on until I catch up. XD

Patron: "i was gonna ask if the wobbling was from PMV / paratyphoid fever but i actually read and seems it was just that close to death from starvation + parasites huh.."

Patron: "also possibly head trauma?"

"well, there is head trauma, but that is also maybe because of it, i think. (i missed the livestream last night despite my best efforts)"

Head trauma and weakness.

The wing seems the oldest injury. Then the head trauma.  

The crop wound is the newest. 

Patron: "Are those new feathers growing in over Passenger's injury?"

No. No new pins have formed. This is what's under the clump that stick out in their profile photo.

That's how I can say this is the freshest of their wounds.

By the scabbing, he received it maaaybe a day, day and a half at most, before he found his way into your hands.

The emaciation seems a combination of the wing wound grounding them, the head injury with vision loss in one eye, exacerbated by the worms.

They found food last night and ate again this morning.

This afternoon, they found and drank water.

We received a $50 tip from a follower

Bringing our PayPal Balance to $234.20

[rightasrainee]

Just a little experience this week: it's not a huge deal, but it was really significant for me.

I was mowing the lawn on Tuesday and found two baby fledgling on the ground next to one of the shade trees. My mom and I tried to find the nest but the trees have been really thickly leafed this year, so we took them inside and tried to keep them warm while we called the local wildlife rehab center. They were closed so we had to wait until morning.

Unfortunately, one of the fledglings didn't make it through the night and the other one was crying a lot on the drive over, but we brought him to the wildlife center in the morning and were able to leave him with the volunteers who told us that he was a house finch and invited us to call back if we were interested in hearing about his progress.

I know there's something to be said about interfering with wild animals and not getting attached, but I'm a sucker and threw everything I'd heard about that out the window. I got very invested in their care and I was a mess when the first one died in my hand while we were setting up the heating pad.

I called the rehabilitation center this morning - the survivor is doing great and they have him with three other fledglings to help keep him warm and from getting too lonely. They're excited to see him grow. Those volunteers are amazing and I just want to thank everyone who's ever cared for an animal really quick. Thank you for your time, your talents, and your perseverance. You guys are my heroes.

[sophchoph]

Info Time!

Hello everyone! Well this was bound to come eventually, but here goes! This post will be a bit on the longer side, I apologize for that in advance, but it’s a needed one in the end so here we go.

This is for my new RP sideblog @soph-choph-rp (real original name I know) which is where anything I do that’s related to rp related will be posted. Click that URL and head there if you’re interested!

Now then, under the cut, you’ll find Mun Info, Rules, and Muse info, so please give that a quick read to know how stuff works!

Mun info!

Hi y’all! First off, my name’s Soph, I’m 18, any pronouns ya want, and I’ve been writing/doing RP for around 4 years now. Not long compared to some, but hey I’m doin my best. Currently my main fandom of choice, thank you ADHD brain for hyperfixating so much, is on Dragonball and from there specifically saiyans. I’ve written for different fandoms in the past, but as of recently it’s pretty much been majority DB related things. Let’s seeee what else to say here... 

I’ve got a dog named Baby who’s real sweet, she’s a Maltese poodle mix who thinks she’s a damn Great Dane even though she looks like a marshmallow. I work with wildlife to rehab animals to be released to the wild, lots of raccoons and opossums for the most part, but occasionally get some neat oddball animals in such as foxes, beavers, otters, bobcat kittens, fawns, and we even had bear cubs get brought in at one point! Animals are something I like a great deal, always have. 

Back on the topic of writing though, I’m a bit scatterbrained sometimes, what can I tell ya I’m an ADHD mess, so if I’m a little late on replies (taking more than a day) please please please message me with a reminder, I promise it won’t bug me one bit! My inbox is always open, as are my DMs, so please feel free to message me or send in an ask or two whenever ya want! I’m happy to do all kinds of RPs with all sorts of characters, but I’ll definitely go out and say planet Vegeta AUs are absolutely a guilty pleasure of mine, probably cause I just love the saiyan beans as much as I do. Whether canon compliant or AU, I’d love to start writing/interacting with all you wonderful people in this community, so please don’t be shy!

Now for the not so fun, but also needed bit. Without further ado, please take note of the

Rules:

Now, I don’t have too many rules here, I’m open to majority of things, however there is a handful of hard no categories and actions that I feel the need to lay out.

1) I will not do solely NSFW rps. Now, this does not mean I will not ever have more NSFW leaning content, however I will not participate in a RP where the only purpose of it is to get a character laid rather than plot/character development. I’m here to write for plot, not porn, and I wanted to be sure that was quite clear from the get go. This is honestly just a personal preference, I have no qualms against anyone who writes smut/ERP actively, I just personally don’t enjoy writing it myself especially if there’s no real point to it. Even if the characters are in a relationship, there’s far more aspects to a healthy relationship than just the more lewd bits and that’s just what I enjoy getting into more and feel most comfortable with.

2) I will not tolerate racism, homophobia, transphobia, or any other sort of hatred on this blog. In regards to a RP setting, this is a thin thin line that can be tread on, but my stance on such things is no slurs (obviously) and do not glorify it in any way. It can be part of a character’s past or a plot point (as in overcoming a past history of it to grow as a character or something to that extent), but it must be handled in a manner that is respectful to those who have had to personally endure such things.

3) If I come to find you are someone who actively sends hateful messages to those in the community or are just generally a toxic/hateful person towards others, I reserve the right to block you for such transgressions. This includes if I find out this has occurred even after already starting a thread/RP with you. Essentially, don’t be a dick and you’ll be all good.

That’s it when it comes to rules for now, like I said not many to worry about, however if more stuff comes up that I failed to put in here along the way I reserve the ability to make additions. Pretty much though, just be decent/respectful and we’ll be 100% okay for the most part. Now for the fun part!!

Muses!

As stated in my bio and above, my main muses are definitely the saiyan beans, namely Vegeta, Goku, Raditz, and Bardock; however, Turles, Tora, and Gine are also on the table there as well, I’ve just got a bit less experience when it comes to characterizing then. There’s also a chance I may use two of my OCs here, so may as well give them intros just in case.

Short of it is, there’s Daikon and Glacius. Daikon is a saiyan, a good bean honestly, real sweetheart when it comes down to it and someone gets to know him. Can be a bit cold at first, he’s somewhat shy that way, but get him to warm up to you by earning his trust some and his true colors come out. Glacius on the other hand... yeeeeah no, no he’s an ass. Glacius is a member of Frieza’s race, a nasty bastard really. Manipulative and cunning don’t even begin to cut it with him, not in the slightest, and he’s definitely not a merciful one. If you happen to be interested in those two, I’ll post a much more detailed google doc down below for you to click on and read. Will go more in depth on their characters in both personalities, fighting styles, and backstory along with give you an idea of what they look like. Drew the art you see on the sheets myself! Just click the names of each below to access the sheet and you’ll be all set.

Glacius

Daikon

[empty-dream]

Just watched 13 Reasons Why S4

Ended up making a full blown commentary per episode because this is finally the last season and I’ve been enjoying this mess since S1. I even forgot that it was released until a friend brought it up to me. So in short,

Ep1

OKAY WHO DIES AGAIN HUH??

Clay, narrating: *I'm good at hiding shits so my parents don't notice at all." His parents: *concernedly looking at him pale and mushing food on the dining table*

The concequences of investigating murder cases and creating conspiracies instead of studying your ass off because it's a damn school really caught up huh.

Charlie holy shit I love you he's so chill and good.

It's been years I still can't believe Justin is really adopted by the Jensens. Funny that now the table is reversed, with Justin finally actually doing better and taking care of the increasingly-ill Clay.

SCOTT!! OH MY GOD! SCOTT REED!! OH MY FUCKING GOD!! AAAAAAAAAAAAA HOLY SHIIITTTTTTTTT AAAAAAAAA!!!

Wow my headcanon is approved, he already graduated by S3. No reason he didn't hang out with the gang after all the shits in S2 if he was no longer around in the first place.

He's still so nice even in Clay's trippy nightmare. Is that what Clay remembers about him? Well not really surprising, considering Scott actually was worried about him in S2.

Good god finally Clay meets a therapist- Wait a minute that's the guy from CSI:NY?!?! Isn't Clay just gonna get clobbered instead.

Okay I knew they are really close and I do adore their relationship so much but HOLY SHIT THEY ACTUALLY GO AT IT WITH ALEX AND ZACH???

Alex: *panicking over the kiss* Zach: Ayy don't worry let's just continue perhaps-suicidally hanging out on dangerous rooftops that you were almost fall to your death from. Alex: ????

Ep2

That narration of Clay ranting about college applications. I'll drink to that bruh.

Ya I too make my applications and other supposedly important matters at 3AM instead of any other more sensible time.

Oh my fucking god that is the creepiest smile I've ever see.

I feel like as Justin gets better and better with his life, Clay goes worse.

Justin is so excited about going to college! You deserve the future man. 

The old-time stoners and drunkards are rehabbed or dead. Enter Zach.

Winston: *eyes and ears up to your shit 24/7*

Nobody likes Tyler in S1 but now everybody likes him.

Okay. Cops doing shit jobs at protecting. This feels too real with this situation right now.

Clay's adventure to put the trash into the trash bin.

Omg they got the paint to the lab this is going real CSI.

Idk about u but at this point I don't exactly want to pay attention to Jessica/Justin problems anymore.

I know Zach and Clay don't get along and that's why I need their adventure together.

Clay drunk-puking on Justin. Well well well how the turntables.

The return of Monet!!

"I have 2.8. If I work hard, I'll get 2.9" Winston omg same.

Tht held gaze between Alex and Winston.. Is this slow burn fanfiction???????

Yes Mr. CSI it will definitely get worse.

I know writing about your feelings can make you feel better but probably not in your college essay form.

Ep3

I'm starting to think Clay is the one who dies in the end? Idk tho.

I guess the toll of busting ass trying to save everyone by yourself is catastrophically high, huh, Clay? Funny that he now goes from 100 in S3 to 0 in here and that's actually realistic.

Alex and Winston are really pining each other with Zach in the background lmao.

"You don't wanna go on the Valentine Dance with me? Even as friends?" Well sometimes there are moments when you just don't go back to being friends. It's an actual normal thing.

And besides the last time Alex goes with Jess for something she wanna do, he ends up murdering somebody. So.

"Hey Zach. Hey punch me. Hey you pussy now? Hey hey. Bitch." *poke* *poke* *poke*

No Zach he's trying to save all of your asses. You can't just say that.

Charlie is really just there trying to do his best in this shitshow and like Justin I wanna laugh but also am proud.

Everyone: *being paranoid and unto each other* Alex and Winston: *having the date of their life*

I wish everyone doesn't have this level of trust issues but then again we won't have a shitstorm drama like this.

When did this become "what is love?" philosophy class?

"You know love but you love so fiercely and sometimes it hurts."Wow Mr. CSI you hit the mark.

How many parties can the Liberty High hold in a year?

"You go with Charlie to get back to Justin, right?" Wow Diego you HIT the mark.

I still have problems with Ani as a character, but I do like her casual banters with Clay.

You know, with all these trust issues, I'm surprised nobody actually tries to peek on other's phone. Like, I know that's low. But, you know, faster solution. And better than having mass hallucinations.

Oh God the football team really is a bunch of jerks. Good fucking thing Scott is outta here.

Alex and Winston almost die like couples in a cheap slasher movie.

"Fuck Love." Clay Jensen, 2019 (according to the movie timeline)

Ep4

Why is Charlie talking? Why is he wearing the football jersey? Who on earth dies?? Is it Zach? Justin? Somebody else from the football team? But the content of your speech man...

Ah yeah. Clay did survive a great big deal of many ugly shits. Single-handedly thanks to adrenaline, mostly.

Jess got a point tho. Ani could have followed Clay to stop him, by herself or with the gang. What did she do? She spied on Winston and Alex, and then went back to the dance. So much for handling anything themselves.

Or maybe, the gang shouldn't have let Ani and Clay take care of it themselves.

Does anybody in this show ever figure out Clay has dead people hallucinations?

Domestic Jensen family is my everything.

Charlie really out there bribing Zach with his homemade cookies I-

Ah yeah, I kinda forgot that in reality Alex and Winston have a really difficult situation. With Bryce and Monty stuff.

"Looking back on your time at Liberty, do you have any regrets?" Really? Isn't that all they have?

"Who do you trust most in your life and why?" Everybody: *immediately side-eyeing each other*

Clay c'mon wtf Justin is really just worried sick and trying to help you. Aaand he's gone.

Jess you don't put your hands into something without checking it first...

Why would you only send 2 adults to supervise 30-50 kids on a camping wildlife trip? They wouldn't be able to do shit.

"I thought you were a football player!" "I AM a football player! And so are YOU!" Gold.

Dream!Monty and Dream!Clay really sit like that and I almost laugh were it not for the fact that I do that too. It's strange to see that for once, they talk normally, heart-to-heart, without the usual snickering, chiding, all that venom.

Oh shit they really make Monty and Clay mirror each other like that. They both protect people they love but have tendencies to snap, one way or another.

Zach, dude, I know you've been a real good friend. But Alex almost died. Twice. Because of your drunken ways. And you laughed. Didn't you spend an entire season trying hard to not let him die again? What's wrong with you?

When did this become a horror movie?

The Standalls :((

CHARLIE MY MAN WITH HIS COOKIES. And incidentally, a wild Zach appears.

"So are we gonna fall apart or trust each other now!" Justin my man.

Clay dude that would have been an amazing entrance were it not for the fact you looked insane.

I can't fucking believe they just go normally at campfire like that. Two people almost died. Several got beaten. What the fuck.

Does it come from the bottom of your heart or it doubles as a threat, Clay?

Alex you had us at the first half not gonna lie.

GR A NO LA CA MP C O OKIES? ??

Wait. So who has been fucking around with the football team? Who moved Clay?? Huh??

Ep5

GUYS THERE IS A THING CALLED GPS ON THE PHONE?? What are you? 3?

Justin finally breaking down after 5 episodes being the most decent and healthy person around. Well Charlie is too but he's new, so.

Finally an obligatory meeting at Monet.

CYRUS AND THE PUNK GANG!!! God I love you guys where have you been. And you guys are computer geeks?!?!?! Perfect.

My question exactly, Clay. Good replies tho, Cy.

I'm still thinking how for a nerd, Clay knows A LOT of people and knows who to ask what.

"How am I even friends with you?" Ya Alex that's my question too. How are you suddenly bff with Zach? I don't remember you two being close in S1?

Hm. If you aren't holding his family at stake, there is no way Tony would even think to rat out.

Mr. CSI starts going CSI on Clay.

I almost forgot Charlie's last name is St. George. The cast goes by Charlie mostly so.

Justin really shows up at the party with the angry mom pose and disappointed look at Clay. The turntable, people. Flynn's voice got raspy.

Oh no no Clay you don't go there. Please don't split my Jensen-Foley brothers like that. Meanwhile the punk gang be like just watching there.

C O O KI E S??? Goddamn Charlie do you bring cookies everywhere you go??

Charlie my boy you T_T I was kinda suprised that the cookie baking actually had a sad backstory.

Clay-Zach bonding that I fucking wish for oh yeah. I definitely didn't expect it with piano and drunk singing tho.

While Clay is having the time of his life, Tony is seeing life flashes in his eyes.

Yassss he winssss!!!!

Caleb's expression when the sherrif hugs him lmfao

Nice try Sherrif but Tony knows your tricks.

"What of any of this is okay?" Wow things you'd never hear Justin says in S1.

Meanwhile, Charlie and Alex are high on weed cookies as fuck. Their conversation is the most interesting thing I've seen beside the Scott cameo till now.

The look on Justin's face when Clay pushes him :((

MY DUDES HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN ABOUT JEFF'S DEATH? WHAT HE WAS ACCUSED FOR?! You do not, under any circumstances, drive drunk.

Ep6

Clay be spitting truth.

They really be discussing Clay's chronic hero syndrome huh.

Okay. Operation Clay-Zach failed.

Weren't Zach all fuck it all yeah! kinda guy? Guess when you are the one who faces death it's not that fun anymore huh.

"One Clay Jensen is enough" Jess truth.

Do Alex and Charlie really study Spanish in front of Tony who is not helping at all? That would be embarrassing lmao.

Clay: Fuck off. Hallucination!Monty: *sits next to him*

Gotta hand it to Timothy Granaderos. He could go venomous to puppy eyed in 1 second. Amazing.

Man. School shootings are fucked up. There are many things I wonder about mankind and one of them is why is school shooting even possible?

Hallucination!Bryce: Hi I’m sorry I’m late. I hear this is time for Clay’s dead people hallucination party.

"Are you a hero or a martyr?" Wow they really throw the question.

And here is Clay sitting under the desk between his two most hated dead people hallucinations whispering moral dilemmas to him.

Meanwhile Winston and Zach got high.

Charlie helping Alex to breath.

The talk with Estella and Tyler.

"No offense, you are cool, but I don't wanna die with you." Zach chill lmao.

Are.. Are you sure outing that to Winston is a good call, Zach? For a guy who was super paranoid that his gang would narc him, he sure is loose mouthed himself.

I like how everyone from Tyler to Zach to Winston, admits that Alex is a really kind guy.

Wow Tony did you really expect anyone could do anything in that situation, in fucking Evergreen situation, for that matter?

Charlie is a great friend wow.

Cl-CLAY DON'T GO OUT that is EXACTLY what you are NOT supposed to do!!!

Goddamnit Clay. Holy shit Clay. 

Dylan Minnette really worked hard in this scene.

.......... WAIT A MINUTE IT'S NOW ACTUALLY CHARLIE ALEX????? Tony be just walking in.

Ep7

Clay really got into a psych ward. Talk about darkest hour. And it’s only ep 6?

Wow Ty that's some brave lines.

Which hallucination-induced person is Clay talking to before Ani gets there?

Ok that therapy session made me tear up.

These kids are having college interviews at the worst time possible. They are all fucking breaking down one way or another.

And Charlie just, really never gives up on Alex huh.

What's most important to Clay is his friends. Real quick to answer that question huh.

God Justin lashing out at the Jensens. It's the first time he does it and it hurts.

Zach holy fuck. I appreciate you didn't out it but holy fuck you didn't have to do that are you trying to die

Clay-Tony combo is back baby I miss them so much. Although perhaps Tony you would mind a bit about Clay's health because clearly he was out of it.

This is so short. I too really don't like application essays and interviews and the inevitable revisit of the sadder parts of my life because of them.

Ep8

When did this become sci-fi apocalyptic story?

God I miss the time when Clay's dreams are just Inception-styled trippy shit with Scott randomly says hello and gets him water.

Okay. Everyone's got their own way to cope with existential and moral crisis huh.

You know what, I would like one movie out of this sci-fi dream.

I knew it Tyler was a bait to smoke out illegal gun dealers. Is that... An okay thing to do for a high schooler? Sounds fucked up, all things considered.

Yaaay Justin's got the college! I'm super happy!

Wow Estella good question.

Wow Tyler good statement. If they trust each other a bit more, everything would have been a bit better.

Ah shit. Justin relapses again.

Does Tony need to be pummelled first before he finally goes all off to finish his opponent or what?

Is this going Big Brother Is Watching

What the fuck. That locker fight scene is disgusting.

Jess and Clay might throw shades at each other but together they share one brain cell.

"I think it's a walkout, Sir" Tyler lmao

Wow Zach and Alex heart-to-heart.

Cyrus really steps on some pedestal to make his point.

Aaand Zach and Alex really go all out on "doing it right" huh.

They really have students vs cops riot at this time. Talk about timing.

It's nice to see the punk gang enjoying the fighting again.

Dude what happens if you don't have anything on your bag tho.

Aaaah the punk gang with Tyler again!!

"Why are you with me and not with Charlie?" Zach ouch that hurts.

Zach no no no Zach get out of there too Zach pls

Clay really becomes 2nd in command to Jess huh.

Charlie tries to save Clay but gets whacked on the head instead. 

Tony you came back!! Oh so that college scout was.. Oh.

Oh shit Clay. Oh. Shit. I should have realized that. Goddamn.

Ep9

"I like sleep." Charlie me too. 

God Alex and Charlie literally sleep together jaldjwaownaljewoalsj that some cute shit.

Wow Clay really takes Mr. CSI's advice to round up the gang and confesses. That's a step.

Charlie sometimes has a good idea, huh.

The Jensens meeting is probably the reason why the idea of parenthood scares me.

Also Clay and Justin really put the practice of "tell the parents the less-harsh-but-still-harsh truth, then ask them to get prom back" by the book. And it's awkward.

Aww Charlie coming out to his dad and the response he gets... When you put the rich fams like Dempseys, Walkers and Saint Georges together, the last one is really the only healthy one huh.

Way to go Jess!

Ah I forgot Alex has an older brother.

Aaaahhh Charlie has dinner with the Standalls! Their reaction is so sweet!

"Does he make you happy?" "Yeah. A lot." AHDKWJWOAKDUWLAOEL I mean after everything that has happened to Alex, man I am so happy he can say that with a fond smile.

WHAT THE FUCK HAHAHAHHA CHARLIE WHAT THE FUCK HOLY SHIT LMFAO I THOUGHT THIS WAS JUST AN TRIPPY ANIMATED IMAGINATION THING and Alex is so done with his extra shit.

Wow Ani you do karaoke good, asking Jess out even better.

OH MY GOD IT ESCALATED. Also Alex is right that one is creepy Charlie.

I thought by special doughnut Caleb means some diet-related stuff fit to Tony's menu for fighting. Why didn't I expect a literal Will You Go To Prom doughnuts?

CHARLIE PLEASE STOP AHAHAHAHA you dumb rich kid where did you get all those lamps and prop candles.

"Would you love me any less?" Aww Clay knows Justin loves him.

"You three all look adorable" Ya Jess, same.

Tony really out there doing the "I'm here because he's here" to Caleb.

Clay, Alex, and Charlie be like judging Zach hard.

Oh right that one kid from Cyrus's gang is gay and he brought his boyfriend!

Zach: You two sitting here like it's a funeral. Also Zach: *proceeds to continue sitting as well*

"We deserve to live." Finally something from Zach's mouth that I can agree for this season.

I love that Tony and Caleb are such good friends to Clay.

And now it's Winston turn for dead people hallucination.

..... The door to the other side again.. :'''((

CHARLIE AND ALEX WON THE PROM KINGS AAAAAAHHHHHH I mean with all those extra efforts, it'd be hard to not to. And there goes Alex finally giving in to dance.

I don't like Luke the football guy when he's the enemy but I like him when he's a friend. He's a hype man lmao.

Alex I'm so happy for you man. I'm glad you are finally happy. My heart was tight at the dance part .

Everyone: *dances* Clay: *sits there, monologuing philosophically*

I like that Clay and Ani finally being honest that they don't fit each other romantically. As romance goes there is not much romantic tension between them. And they have way too many flawed traits that when paired, would turn the relationship sour and possibly toxic in the end.

Justin do u like to show up and make everyone step aside for you or what.

I like that Clay was just watching from a distance. Then at last minute decided to join the crowd with his mother, whom he had a few trust issues with in all seasons.

Charlie: "Foundry's gay?!" Alex: "Mind's blown" Me: Same.

There has been nothing wrong going on in one episode, aside from the Zach one that's timely stopped by Charlie and Alex. I'm suspicious.

Ah. Yes. Of course.

Oh my god Justin's the one dead huh?

Ep10

Oh thank God he hasn't died. Yet.

Oh God Justin no. No no no.

Get your shit together Zach. Even Charlie tells you that.

No no no not like this not after everything oh god.

Somebody would you actually please run after Clay too.

Oh my god Clay.

Oh my god Alex you. Even when he admits it to Winston, he still covers for Jess. I- oh god.

It's been only 15 minutes and it hurts.

Charlie and Alex, the moms of the group.

You know, for a guy who says he doesn't love Justin, Alex gives a lot of shit about him. I guess you can still be around people you don't like?

I know the kiss is huge news Charlie but that's not the issue here lmao.

Zach: *hugs Clay* Clay: ????? Alex and Charlie: ?????? Zach: *pats Tyler's head* *leans on Clay*

The Padillas :''')

Clay Jensen. Class speaker. Wow.

Yeah Mr. CSI's voice is really calm, rather chilling, actually.

"You've looked at death too many times for a young person." Damn right Mr. Jensen.

Ah so that's the reason why Zach stole that letter. Makes sense, emotionally.

You know, I did say Idc anymore about Justin/Jessica problems but when it gets to this point, I can't not care.

So many people come to the hospital...

Clay and Justin's talk. I'm sorry I can't hold it in anymore. I'm fucking sobbing at this moment.

He's dead. He's dead. He's dead just like his mom. But he died not in the same way. He died holding his bro's hand. He died surrounded by his family. He died with people who loved him around.

"After everything, this is how it ends." Fucck

DID HE HAVE TO DIE??? DID JUSTIN FOLEY-JENSEN HAVE TO DIE?? Did you really have to put yet another sucker punch in the last episode of the season?? Yeah I know real kids and people do die from AIDS but really? After a whole season of Clay screaming kids wants to live to the point he lost his mind???

I spent the entire funeral screen crying. I couldn't even scream again when Scott is present in the funeral. I know he'd be there but god I can't right now.

Mr. CSI sure knows super effective ways to make Clay react.

"If Justin's dead, the none of the rest of it matters. " Clay..

He opens up.

Oh yeah I forgot Charlie is a junior.

AAAA COURTNEY AND RYAN ARE HERE!!! I MISS YOU GUYS!!!!!

SCOTTTTT!!!!!! And CHLOE TOO!! It’s nice that they come together. But they aren’t like, together, right? I mean if he is her boyfriend she would say his name right away to Zach instead of a mere ‘would you like to meet him? He’s outside.’

These 4 are such good friends to attend their friends’ graduation ceremony.

The punk guys in toga are so... Refreshing to look. Such hype men.

"It's easy to hate. It's easy to fear. It's goddamn hard to love. But it's not optional. It's essential." Jessica Davis, everybody.

Jeff, Hannah and Justin really died in the span of 2 years. Add to that is Bryce and Monty, whose deaths left uncountable traumas on top of existing traumas. Yeah. It was hellish time.

Scott’s proud small smile when Clay gives his speech. Im love.

"Choose to live. Even on the worst day, life is a pretty spectacular thing." Clay Jensen, everybody.

Ma boi Zach really teared up at Clay's speech. 

Luke and one of the punk kids talking about some geek thing I am not familiar with I-

“No offense Luke. You’ve got great arm but you haven’t been known for your brain.” PETER That BURNS LMAO

Poor Winston just being alone. OH HELLO RYAN YOU ARE FAST.

Zach is gonna study music! Nice foreshadowing since he plays a lot of music this season.

Clay having a gratitude moment with his parents and Scott be like munching cupcakes in the background.

Oh god Hannah ...

Wow the old tape gang is here!! The nostalgia hurts.

They bury the tapes on the same hill again asdfwosaiofai.

Kinda salty Sheri and Scott aren’t here. But then again I guess back then Scott was just helping Clay and co when he could and mostly minding his own business. HOWEVER isn’t Sheri like in the tape and pretty prominent too :(( Like she was really cool with Clay (despite the whole guilt over Jeff), tried to make amends and really helped with the polaroid cases.

Also you can't just insert Scott in Clay's dream and then not have them interact in the end. The dream was such a perfect bait. Like we know at least they apparently get along well.

Everything in Jessica’s final conversation with her Bryce hallucination. Everything in it.

Ryan: “Gordon Lightfoot?” Ha Ryan you miss a whole lot of drama.

Fuck I'm tearing up again at Justin's essay. He deadass makes an entire essay about Clay and how he is his savior I- 

Oh my god they end it exactly like S1 with Tony and Clay riding away. They are really each other’s ride or die.

That’s it. It’s over. It’s been a long trainwreck. So the 2019 class graduates, so does Justin, they are doing uni right now and keeping in touch with everyone. Bye.

[squirrels49]

What Fowl Can Be Known as a Hawk, But Isn't a Hawk in Any Way?

It was not the first moment that our kitty had brought a surprise back with her. It was not the first time she'd attracted in a live fowl. Maybe it had been she published it in the sack instead of the basement or livingroom (her standard locations to place her victim unfastened ). I presume what really surprised me that the most was the size of the bird that has been now flying in a panic around my bedroom.Over years, using just two female house cats who we let outdoors a few of hours per day, we have experienced our share of rabbits, mice along with other bark , and birds input our residence. Most of time they're still alive, fearful, but for the most part, unharmed. Cats that are satisfactorily fed do not hunt for meals, they hunt for fun, and thus they ordinarily don't eat the animals/birds they capture. They often bring them to the individuals as a present or to demonstrate that they'd caught something.Being a Healer, I understand the value of aiding those creatures and critters overcome their shock before discharging themas it is the jolt which often kills themnot any injury they may have sustained.So the chicken that was currently flying across the sack was just the modern chicken necessitating my attention.Unfortunately, which has been going for considered a significant issue. I was used to helping little sparrows that frequented our garden and the neighbor's bird feeders. This chicken was much bigger-in factthat he had been a predator . He was a hawk.I need to admit my close connections with hawks has been lacking. I feel the nearest I came into one was one had been at an tree eyeing a deceased bird close by. Still, the chicken proved to be much further away compared to main one who currently stood in my dresser looking like it would attack anything or anyone which moved.Normally I'd have let the chicken settle down a bit before approaching him, but it was hurt by my cat like I saw blood onto the ground and walls where the hawk had flown. This absolutely had been enough bloodstream to imply that waiting was not wise if I wanted him to survive.But there have been those talons. And there clearly is that sharp, pointed beak.And these very modest eyes were seeing each movement I made.I shut the bedroom door to contain his flight then grabbed a small blanket to throw over him. This functioned. The bird can barely fly. I donned leather gloves and sunglasses (for security ) subsequently lifted the package, careful to grip the ft. With my husband's assistance, I had been able to examine the bird without even any the damage to either of the us. He experienced only a small cut on his rear and one of his wings had been overlooking a couple larger feathers. Each wounds were bleeding.As I found no other wounds that were of immediate consideration, '' I gave the fowl that the homeopathic medication Aconitum napellus("Aconite") for the shock. Aconite operates great to relaxed shock in animals along with human beings. I have used it before on creatures and critters, also when responding to vehicle accidents.When the remedy had slid the bird, I washed the cuts afterward gave him that the homeopathic medication Gunpowder to stem infections. I bandaged his wing it wouldn't proceed for transport to the Wildlife Sanctuary. For rehab, they'd execute a excellent job.But Al As, these were shut, or so the hawk was attracted house and put from the spare rest room because of the night-it was quiet and there was nothing the hawk could damage himself should he drift all about. He looked a ton better than he'd had before he had been awarded the homeopathics.The subsequent early morning , the hen was doing great, however that I still wasn't certain about the wing. I removed the bandage from his wing, lifted up him and enabled him to fly-he didn't do so good-so I took him into the Sanctuary for more treatment. The hawk was possibly the size of my kitty and that I wondered just how she'd gotten the jump on him. Marin (my kitty ) had no harms, that had been surprising since the hawk was a predator who would prey . Maybe, becoming that the hawk was not small, he was not a threat to Marin.The hawk was published from your Wildlife Sanctuary that a few days later. The rehabilitation helper had been amazed the bird had not arrived for the Sanctuary in jolt, and failed to develop an infection and was able to become released so fast. I wasn't amazed, however, due to the fact I understood the healing skills of homeopathy.I believed the stories that the hawk would tell to other hawks, even joked only just a bit believing the hen could probably come up with a very dangerous and exciting story, telling of this great struggle which had hurt him. Had he told the truth-that he was captured by the cat-he would have already been teased for quite a while.The initial issue we did our trip was supposed to check to our hotel which was that the Barrier Station re sort at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. On our holiday bundle we've got a 3 days and 2 night live, they gave us some dinner certificates to Mulligan's restaurant and pub and Jolly Rodgers. Also a excellent surprise in our vacation package had been 2 tickets to a Musical Show.After checking in we moved right into the hotel to examine it empty the large quantity of luggage we had brought us. The room was we predicted. Even though there were only 2 of us they gave us a two bed room accommodation. This was the bomb because we had our own toilet. The master bedroom had a huge Jacuzzi inside (which we use every night) along with also a king size bed together with a huge balcony. The other bedroom needed to bedrooms and your bathroom. They both had television's and were very well decorated. Along side a huge living space, dining room and kitchen that they also had a washer and dryer. Had we know this we'd have brought much less clothing?After unpacking we moved into the welcome center and assessed all those tasks that these were presenting. They had special to ground meals, games and a variety of lessons, along side several traveling excursions. Perhaps not merely did they all will have outside pools however they also had just one of the largest indoor grills that I have ever seen. And of course a weight room with all types of exercise equipment and also in door and outdoor hot tubes. Of course, when that was not enough they had a superb character walk trail and a location for runners.After exploring the resort we chose to simply take benefit of one of those dinner certificates we had been given and also went on Mulligan's for lunch. We're impressed by the number and high quality of the food and service we received. They'd a deck which moved to the surface of the cafe s roof with tables up there and also you could take pleasure in the sea view as you dined. I do feel just a modest sorry for its waters since they needed to go upward and down about half staircase all day long.When we ended dinner we continued with our vacation going to the shore where we did just a small sunning and tried some small fishing in the fishing pier that had been a few miles from our resort. Not bringing some fishing gear together were surprised that they'd everything you might want to go fishing. It simply cost us about 40.00 for all the apparatus and bait you wanted and now being outside to the pier you did not need to worry about getting eaten alive from almost any critters which might possibly be wondering all around on the island. We also toured about thirty kilometers of the island also found many great places to eat and shop. One of my favorite areas in Kitty Hawk to eat would be Jimmy's Sea Food Buffet. They offer an early bird special at which you can win $100.00 in funds as well as to get the first hour they give you lobster. You really don't even miss the lobster though, because with every different kind of seafood you may think of they possess ten different sorts of crab legs plus you can eat everything you want. Unfortunately we didn't get to eat there this time round because of the a number of other locations we never tried while there on vacation.However we did get to see one of the better musicals that I have ever gone . It was mixed with oldies and classical tunes together with some humor. The entire cast was superb. It lasted about two hours was so interesting that it felt which we're only there for half an hour. They change shows frequently so if you visit into the outside banks regularly you may get to see distinctive reveals. On Wednesdays that they offer you a magical show for those magical buffs in the same construction. So the next time you go there on a break please put that on you are todolist because you won't be sorry when planning on taking my own advice.One issue I did not plan moment doing our vacation was a round of golf and I am sorry I didn't because there weren't several really nice cheap golf courses near. I'm not sure but some one told us there were 12 in the area. Sounds like a golfer's paradise to me personally and together with this most golf courses I think that you need to plan to stay per week instead of just a few days. We did not go into any one of this course's this time round whilst the temptations would have already gone to great but I am certain that with many that they might never have been on to crowded.Well the bottom point for the full article is that it was really so relaxing and so gratifying our next vacation will likely be in the outside banks next year plus people also plan on taking a couple mini holidays or long weekends because a few call it there on a normal basis. And certainly will always be towards the top of my record for vacations to get quite a while for you to come.Because a few varieties of hawk some times kill game critters, the full class continues to be contested. You can find those, and they are several, who fail to observe that birds of prey fill out an important part in the amazing scheme of character. Does the hunter who shoots down the hawk at each and every prospect, because some species occasionally captures what he is very happy to take into account his special property, ever cease to request exactly what caused the quail along with different non-migratory match critters to reach the powers of swift flight that alone create sure they are desired as things of sport?It may be that the bird of prey, pursuing one opposite since the days of these invention, which has evolved not only its own strength of wing, but but in addition that of its quarry. And just as certainly as it is accurate, therefore indeed will that electricity be lost in the event the contributing cause be removed. The do do, a pigeon, found himself over the island of Mauritius in which enemies were unknown. He yielded to gluttony and in action, designed a corpulence that uttered traveling, and was eaten out of the face of the planet in a limited while right following his discovery by gentleman. His relative, the rock dove, who'd to flee the chasing hawk or perish, created but retains a power of wing which is famous around the world.To find additional details on this please dig this. At the same manner some other species, notably a number of the rails, by adopting a carefree lifetime, have forfeited flightand now face extermination if some active enemy invades their haunts. The most hawks, which we have been now , have made our grouse and quail what they are. Close students of the area additionally recognize that the amazing significance of hawks from removing game animals suffering from infectious diseases. Just a small thought should convince people of the fallacy of this debate the diminishing ranks of our game critters are the consequence of depredation by hawks, an idea that's become the foundation of most of the prejudice directed toward them. In case this were well founded then the decimation of the hunters would have caused a gain in match birds.In real truth the two hawks and match possess diminished concurrently, and also from exactly the very same primary bring about. For example of the destruction of harmless hawks under mere sensing, there can be cited an item only published in the report of advancement within an evaluation of methods for increasing quail. Up to thirty marsh hawks had been frequenting roosting regions from the match addresses, and so approximately 1 / 2 of these were taken. Subsequently over one million of the castings of the birds have been analyzed, each signifying dinner with the result that the stays of 4 quail had been observed, whereas a lot more than 2 hundred dishes had comprised one or even cotton rats, which eat the eggs of the quail. Really the announcement is highlighted that the majority of the opponents of those quail are the destroyers of its foes.The nighttime bird that is described being a Frequent Nighthawk is not a hawk in any way, but also a Nightjar. The title derives from the fact that the man makes a exact loud'jarring' call. All these 10" jay-sized birds have plumage that is indeed well camouflaged it renders them almost undetectable once they are nesting around the ground. They like to use gravel on which to rest and also build their nests. Nightjars additionally utilize dry grass and leaf litter, which hides their brown and gray mottled feather coloring perfectly.Nature also has given the nightjars' eggs with camouflage by creating grayish brown scrawling marks all around the off-white egg-shells. Mama nighthawk incubates the eggs all by herself. Preventing the nest emptied at the early day and afternoon, the feminine nightjar ventures outside to collect pests on that to feed, whilst her male counter part watches from a position never far away. He will finely lure off any prospective predators. Surprisingly, regardless of the typical nighthawk's custom of nesting on the ground, they are remarkably long-lived. The normal life span for a nightjar is 5 years, which is quite a while in bird years.After 18 times have passed, and the younger nightjars hatch. Now they're totally coated with fluffy down feathers. This really can be when the male measures in to help feed the younger hatchlings. Flying pests comprise their whole diet and are pre digested and then regurgitated with their own ma ma and papa.If the infants are jeopardized by almost some other predator, including individuals, ma-ma nighthawk pulls a nifty trick out of her bag and acts like she was hurt. She is good at this action which the predator is tempted to move off out of her nestlings since she clumsily blows off a brief distance away. After the intruder was taken enough by the nest, ma-ma nighthawk flies off usually. Nightjars are all about foraging at dusk, twilight and in moon light. Additionally they hunt as darkness turns to dawn. Their highly sensitive crimson reddish eyes tend not to require plenty of light as a way to locate their prey. In fact, too much light can blind them into your own foodstuff. In case the current weather is wet or snowy, nighthawks revert to a country of torpor to reserve their power. When problems are favorable to good searching, they take to the skies all over again. Nighthawks forage only on the wing. Once they restthey lay length wise across a branch or right on a lawn. Their feet are so tiny and their legs really long as to be not quite ineffective to them.The telephone of a nightjar can be a high-pitched'spee-spee-spee' sound that I have heard often when I am out throughout bliss. During a night of trying to find insects like moths and mosquitoes, even a nighthawk can rid us of thousands of pests. Their mouths are deceptively large and open very wide while they scoop the air for all types of traveling bugs. As they want more open spaces near forests in which insects are plentiful, nightjars are one of the very first ever to take advantage of a freshly burnt forest region. These areas afford a very good background due to their bright colors, thus helping them combine in to that environment additional easily.The decline of common nighthawks has been brought about partly with using pesticides, deficiency of habitat in which to hunt, and also the deficiency of their favorite nesting sites. That are the older style apartment lava roof. The other exact obvious rationale is that their habit of earth nesting and resting makes them much more at risk of predators such as owls, falcons and hawks.When their instinct tells them to go for warmer climes at South America, they shape flocks at times numbering in the tens of thousands Their migratory travel starts in mid July as the nightjars take the own time to stop and eat on the way. If they spot a river or marshland about sunsetthey are going to pause to eat their fill and re-energize, subsequently continue their very lengthy trek southward. Nighthawks return to the united states and Canada around February with the very same leisurely method.Common nighthawks also have been referred to as'bull bats' because of their nightly . However, they don't use echo location as snakes do to find prey. Nightjars have likewise obtained the strange name of'goatsuckers'. At some point it had been mistakenly thought they made their way into barns at night time to sneak the milk out of goats, but this is not true.There are just six species of us Nightjars: Eastern Whippoorwill,'' Mexican Whippoorwill, Chuck-Will's-Widow, Pauraque ('pa-RAW-kee') and Buff-collared Nightjar. All of these species are on the reduction. It isn't probable that you may understand a nighthawk because of these nighttime flights along with camouflage, form fact which they can stay absolutely still whenever approached. They will only fly when the prospective predator has too close for comfort. But in case you need to ever see one of these birds, consider yourself quite blessed indeed!Connie Smith could be the proud operator and director of Grandma Pearl's Backporch, LLC, and the professional writer of many online content about effortless and one of a kind methods by which you can cause the greatest bird-friendly lands to enable wild birds thrive and thrive. Understand just how to produce fun and secure backyard habitats for wild creatures with their preferred crops and foods, even whilst adding shade, odor and beauty to your landscape. Uncover simple how-to projects for producing your very own one of a kind bird feedersand find out how easy it's to entice various birds into your gardens and lawn. Visit today!

[the-shadows-request-candy-corn]

Last night I had a dream that my sister was going to play a card game or board game with the bat family in the wildlife rehab center that I work at and she brought me along to meet (JPV) Azrael, who apparently had seen my fanart of him and was very excited because supposedly I was one of the few people who actually made fanart of him(I mean, he is an underappreciated character, but he actually has lots of fans and fanart in real life tho?). Except apparently he was actually a girl, and sometimes it was just the actor who plays Azrael (JPV Azrael hasn’t made an appearance in any tv shows or movies in real life, I don’t think), and every once in a while it wasn’t Azrael but was instead my friend Garfy. Anyway, I don’t remember that much, but what I do remember is we became great friends and hugged a lot and the last time we hugged, I immediately woke up with my sister’s cold and I was drenched in sweat. I was so disappointed

[nancypullen]

Hellooooo

Yep, I’m still alive.  We made it back from Mickey’s annual birthday trek to the woods without any Bigfoot sightings or snakebites.  Or Bigfoot bites or snake sightings.  Frankly, I’d rather see Bigfoot than a snake.

Anywho, we drove to Natchez Trace State Park, just a couple of hours but a world away from home.  Spring was scattered here and there in the park, some places more than others.  Friday was gray and cool but it never rained, Saturday was absolutely gorgeous, and Sunday brought stormy weather.  So we had a good two days for exploring.  Our cabin was lovely - right on the water and equipped with everything we needed.  That’s the fun part of staying in park cabins, most of them are stocked with everything you need right down to a spatula or colander.  I mean, you won’t find tiny shampoo bottles and mints on your pillows - but you also don’t have to haul cookware and towels with you.  Bring your own groceries and you’ll be set.  

Nothing fancy, but it sure was cozy and fun. We roamed the park, spotted wildlife, searched for spring, sneezed from all the pollen, and even ventured into the town of Lexington for an ice cream.  Lexington’s Main Street was so pretty and quaint.  There are plaques on each building listing what businesses have resided there since Lexington became Lexington.  A restaurant was once a livery stable and then a dry goods store.  A shoe shop used to house generations of doctors.  It was interesting and a lovely nod to the town’s history.  We met a chatty young man outside the old-fashioned Princess Theater (they were showing a matinee of Dumbo) who filled us in on all of the musical events and festivals that Lexington hosts. When we were saying our goodbyes he asked, “Y’all want some popcorn to carry back with ya’?”  It was small town hospitality at its finest.

One evening we ended up at Brown’s Creek Lake where Mickey wanted to snap some sunset photos. It was quiet and still and we could hear every plop of a turtle, leap of a fish, the chattering of squirrels and the scolding of blue jays.  It was wonderful.

Although it’s not a marsh, that little cove made me think of the novel Where the Crawdads Sing.  I watched a hawk swoop and saw an egret wading nearby and as the sun started to sink the frogs began to sing.  It was all kinds of wonderful.

Tucked away near the spot where I was sitting was a cabin - had to have belonged to a park employee. This particular cabin had quite the feline population, I counted eight that were showing themselves, who knows how many were in stealth mode.  A woman came out of the cabin and went to an out building and the kitties fell in behind her like a little parade.  It was hilarious.  Then several went fishing for dinner.

They looked healthy and happy living in that cat paradise.  

The sunset wasn’t glorious that night, not enough color to please the mister, so we made our way back to our cabin and grilled a yummy dinner before I trounced him in a game of Scrabble.  Fast paced lives we’re living, folks.  We raced the storms home on Sunday and we’ve been chugging along all week.  Today I met a lovely pal for lunch at a new restaurant and then threw money around at the Lowe’s garden center.  I can’t help myself this time of year.  Remember when I swore I’d never plant another Knockout Rose? Guess who bought a rose bush today?  It’s not my fault.  They had orange ones and they’re so hard to find.  It would have been a sin to leave it there to be purchased by someone who wouldn’t appreciate it.  I know, I know. I need an intervention. I lose my mind this time of year. My lunchtime pal mentioned that she’s found a water aerobics class that she enjoys, so I’m going to give it a whirl on Monday.  If I like it I can go three times a week and maybe, just maybe, that will rehab my ankle since nothing else seems to have worked.  I did water aerobics several years ago and enjoyed it, but the pool chemicals gave me a rash. I can’t win, the universe doesn’t want me to exercise.  This place also has Zumba classes which excites me.  I’d love to start going to Zumba classes again - they really make me happy. So that’s what’s been happening and what’s about to happen. I’m still having a ball with vintage photos and glitter, and learning as I go.  I tend to get everything not quite right, but good enough for me.

That couple on the right needs a message, maybe “There’s a lid for every pot.”

These are all in various stages of decorating and drying.

The gals on the far right will probably say, “Strong women -may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”  I made this guy to go on one of Mickey’s birthday presents. He was whipped up pretty quickly so he looks like a rush job.  Still good for a giggle. 

So there ya’ have it. I spend my days sniffing glue. That explains a lot.

More tomorrow. Until then, treat yo’self. You deserve it.

[fbwzoo]

I’m super curious, how did you decide you wanted the pets you have? My first exotic pet (a turtle) was basically brought in by my dad bc he’s has no impulse control but after reserching that pets care I decided I liked caring for hands-off animals who needed varied diets. (Also turtles make horrible impulse buys kids don’t do what my dad did lol)

I’m glad the turtle ended up working well for you! Definitely not a good impulse purchase, oof. And uhhh I ramble a ton, so this turned out really long. So I’ll put the long stories under a read more and the tl;dr version is:

Hedgehogs - wanted small animal pet to be my very own, but wasn’t interested in small rodents at the time. Hedgehogs were new & interesting, and I stuck with them because I loved their personalities & that for the most part, they just snuggle with you while you read, watch TV, etc.

Hermit crabs - commonly neglected pet, which I’m a sucker for. My mentality was “well, I can provide better than like 95% of people”. I’ve stuck with them because I love to feed them & they’re amusing to watch…and I’m going to keep ending up with them bc I can still provide better than like 95% of people so I have a hard time saying no.

Ball python - commonly neglected pet & I’ve always wanted to get into reptiles since my mom wouldn’t let me before. Got Charis specifically because previous owner was my roomie’s cousin & horribly neglected her.

Cats - I love cats & wanted more since losing family cat when I was 19. Fell in love with Ebony specifically at wildlife rehab & got her as soon as I had a full-time job secured (I literally called from the parking lot to give the news & arrange to go get her). Ditto chose us bc we’re suckers!

If you want to read more of my ramblings, look under the cut! :)

I got into hedgehogs because when I turned 18, my mom agreed to let me get my own pet that would be just mine (as the dog/cat were family pets). Couldn’t be a reptile, I wasn’t terribly interested in fish, and it had to be fairly small - she ruled out rabbits & ferrets. So I was looking at hamsters, mice, rats, etc. I wasn’t very interested in hamsters, mice, & other small rodents at the time, so kept looking. I found out about hedgehogs and was fascinated. So I ended up getting my Lily! I didn’t do nearly enough research before I got her, unfortunately, but luckily she was forgiving of my mistakes & I spent the first year I had her getting things fixed & doing my best to spoil her. I still love hedgehogs because they’re fairly chill and don’t absolutely need tons of hands-on handling time, but they’re still good for bundling in a blanket and snuggling with you while you read, watch TV, etc. 

When I moved out, I hadn’t had a hedgehog for several years by that point & was desperate to have them again. So I ended up in contact with a rescue in the KC area - who I ended up befriending, and now he’s my bf (and his husband is my partner too)!! ♥ I got Bindi and Pancake both from him & he also has my Bassy boy too.

For the hermit crabs, I read an article about them sometime in college, about how they’re all taken from the wild & about the shell shortage in the wild. It went into a bit of detail about how their needs are often unknown or overlooked as well…and I was hooked. I’m a sucker for commonly neglected animals! I did some more reading & decided I wanted to rescue hermit crabs eventually. I ended up getting the chance shortly afterwards because I was talking (infodumping) to a classmate about what hermit crabs need & it turned out she had two that she wasn’t providing all this stuff for. She wasn’t really interested in improving things & offered them to me. When I posted about it on FB, a neighbor who only had one left after losing the second offered me theirs as well. So I spent 2 weeks in a flurry setting up a 40g tank & brought home my first three crabs! 3.5 years later……a 130g tank of 19, and a 55g tank of 5. Sigh. XD I still like having hermit crabs because again, they’re hands-off & I love feeding them! They have a massively varied diet and that’s my biggest interest within my animal interest. Plus they’re fun to watch because they’re dorks.

Charis, my ball python, I got because I wanted a ball python for a few years, again due to the commonly-neglected type thing. They’re so common in the pet trade that people don’t always do enough research, and there’s so much misinformation out there on how big of enclosures to give them & that they “don’t need enrichment”, which is bullshit. My roommate’s cousin had Charis & was NOT taking care of her at all. Seriously - she was in a 20g tank with one open hide, one water bowl, no heat, and no light. Prior to that he was keeping her in a PILLOWCASE for at least a month because he didn’t have a tank set up for her. She has scars on her because when he first got her at a couple years old, he didn’t know better & she had access to a heat bulb in her tank - which of course she wrapped around & got burned. It was just a mess and I’m so glad she’s safe with me now (though she lives at my partners’ house bc of apartment rules). Once I’m living in a bigger place where snakes aren’t banned, I would like to rescue another ball python & perhaps some other snake species as well! It’ll depend on how much room I have to work with though, and it’ll be slow due to wanting to purchase good sized cages prior to getting the sneks.

The cats…Idk, I love kitties! I missed having a cat around after we lost our family cat when I was around 19, I think. I was still around them a lot from petsitting & working at Wildside. I fell in love with Ebony at Wildside & told the rehabber there for years that she was mine & I was taking her home someday. She was quiet, but loved when someone would come over & give her attention, and liked to climb up on your shoulders to purr in your ear & lick your cheek. So literally the day that I was offered a full-time job at my workplace here, I called Wildside from the parking lot & asked if I could still have her & made plans to drive up & get her at the end of the month.

Ditto….well, she chose us because we’re suckers. XD Gotta feed the poor skinny stray cat…and pet it…and shit, she’s friendly….oh look she came straight into the living room….crap she’s really lovey and adorable and oops, she’s ours now.

[gelastocoridae]

Today on Wildlife Rehab:

- kind-hearted rescuers please stop feeding the animals yourself, you are most likely going to harm them further

- rescuer, about a fledgling grackle they brought in: he has a weird foot *pushes on it*

- intake staff upon seeing the "weird foot" in question, which is literally just not attached anymore: oh he's not going anywhere *immediately takes him to be euthanized*

- finch found dead. Inconsistent, prolonged symptoms of aspiration, being treated with appropriate medication. More at 11 (necropsy TBD) 🤔

- oh my God does anyone realize glue traps are the most evil and bloody thing you can do to an animal, pest or not??? One of my fledgeling starlings was the only survivor of glue traps around their nest in a chimney. We confiscated him and put him with two orphan starlings

- he's doing great and he's teaching his new nestmates what he knows about being a bird so far, including how to peck food and fly

- In attempt to teach a separate group of starlings how to eat from their food dishes themselves, I have maybe taught one of them how to cosplay tweezers. It is only a matter of time that the others follow suit.

[heartsofpets]

Man Saves Bear Cub From Drowning

Earlier this month, when Elijah Barkley headed out on a fishing trip with some friends and family in West Virginia, he never imagined that he’d end up saving a life. But that’s exactly what he did.

Barkley was stopped by a forest ranger while traveling back to camp from the river. The man had brought along a bear handler as well. They asked him to be on the lookout for alone, young bear in the area. Turns out, the cub was an orphan, apparently having lost his mother — and based on recent sightings, was faring very poorly on his own. Sure enough, not long after continuing on his way, Barkley spotted the bear in question.

“He looked as if he was just completely worn out or something was wrong, because we pulled up closer to him and he wouldn’t move,” Barkley told The Dodo. “He kinda just stayed there.” Barkley motioned the forest ranger and bear handler to where he was, near the riverside. The cub appeared to be on verge of collapsing by then so Barkley urged them back towards it with a quick wave in its direction.

The bear handler, Joel Rosenthal, runs a wildlife rehab center called Point of View Farm, Inc. He’d been trying to track down the lonely cub in order to take him to his facility and save him. As it turns out, Barkley had found the cub just in the nick of time. Before Rosenthal had the chance to sedate him, the cub’s paws gave out from under him while trying to cross the river. Too exhausted to even lift his head from the water, the cub was now beginning to drown.

With the cub drifting away downstream, his death seemingly imminent, Barkley leaped into action. “I saw his head go down underwater, and that’s when I made the instinctive decision to run after the bear,” he said. “My mind was so solely thinking of getting to that bear as fast as I could that I didn’t think about the risks.” Barkley traversed the slippery rocks at the riverside. And jumped into the freezing water swimming toward the cub before it was too late. “I got to him pretty quickly. And immediately grabbed the bear by the scruff on the back of his neck,” Barkley said. He then hauled the cub to shore.

For several moments, the young bear remained lifeless — but then he slowly began to rouse. Barkley had reached him in time. “I immediately carried him over to [Rosenthal] so he could check things out,” Barkley said. The bear was tranquilized and wrapped in towels to sleep in the handler’s truck.

Barkley’s heroism was not missed by those who saw the scene. But he’s just happy he was able to help. “Everyone thanked me,” Barkley said. “I had never in my life thought of an event that would take place like this. I believe we were meant to be there at that moment in time.” Now, things are looking up for the cub.

The young bear is regaining his strength under Rosenthal’s watchful care at the rehab center. And with any luck, will return to the wild in full health in the coming months. “He is very small and starved, but we believe he will do great,” Rosenthal said. “He will gain weight. The bear will then be put in a pen with other cubs from the previous year who also lost their mothers to hunters. We hope we can release him this summer.”

Man Saves Bear Cub From Drowning was originally published on Hearts Of Pets

[theramseyloft]

hey there, found your blog through a friend. ive been scanning your blog and patreon, and i felt like reaching out because, well... you're basically living my dream life, haha. i would love to do work like you do, rehabbing birds and training them, especially as companions/aids for disabled folks. pretty amazing! do you mind if i ask how you got started? is it an expensive venture? do you own farmland or live in a suburban area? im gonna send this before i take up too much of your time, haha. :)

I have raised ALL kinds of animals, but it was rats that lead me to pigeons.

I’ve had fish, herps, and inverts most of my life, so the way rats, mice, and Gerbils were able to bond with me felt really special.

Rats being the most intelligent and cooperatively social

When I had to stop raising small mammals, I wanted a pet that would similarly enjoy handling. Like, be happy/excited to see me when I got home, more than just wanting out.

Warm blooded, but non mammalian left birds.

Psitticines are wild animals that have needs WAY beyond our capability to meet, so they are all firmly on the no list.

I enjoyed Zebra finches, but my husband and I are sound sensitive, and he finds their song physically painful.

We can’t have chickens where we live...

Ringneck Doves ticked all the boxes for what I needed in a companion bird:

Docile/tractable Small/easy to house Easy to feed Physically incapable of biting or making painfully high pitched noises.

Turns out I was wrong about that last one! That’s pigeons. XD

We learned this with our first ringneck: An ANCIENT rescue and his wife named Nigel.

What a story those birds had!

My dear hubby was dubious about letting me raise another species, but after some shared research, was ok with me fostering some unwanted ones and finding them a new home.

I found them on Craig’s list, with cage and all.

When we went to pick them up, their owners explained that they had been unwanted, but traditional wedding gifts they felt they couldn’t refuse.

Ten years later, their owners had long ago gotten tired of caring for them, and just wanted them gone.

Their parents had purchased the pair when they retired from a magic show, and had had them as long as the couple could remember.

Having since sold white ringneck doves to magicians, I’ve learned that a trained dove retires between five and ten years of age, depending on temperament.

The parents were reported to have owned them for 15-20 years.

And the owners we picked them up from had had them for ten.

Making this pair of white Ringneck doves at LEAST 30 years old.

After this history, the wife brought them for us to take.

They were in a filthy black finch cage that had been left on their owner’s back porch long enough for a colony of fire ants to bring their own dirt and build a camp-nest in the bottom.

The birds were actively being swarmed and stung.

It took me a full thirty minutes to pull all of them off the two ancient doves...

It was touch and go for a bit, but they pulled through, and we found a home for the hen.

The cock, Nigel, had a twisted beak and the WORST coo!

High pitched and severely nasal, it could bore into your brain through ear plugs. >v<

He LOVED us, though, and liked to sing us the song of his people! At random. On Mike’s shoulder, directly into his ear.  All hours of the night. During the day, up where we couldn’t reach him. Even through trying to shoo him off his favorite perch...

He had SO much personality, and even though his song caused both of us severe physical pain and prevented us from sleeping, we could not help growing to dearly love him back.

Mere weeks after my Dear Hubby decided he wanted Nigel to spend the rest of his life with us, his time ran out.

He passed very suddenly, in our arms.

We mourned him. Lamented having so little time.

And we considered where to go from there.

We decided to find a breeder, so we could get little peeps and have the maximum amount of time with what felt like the perfect pet for us.

I had no idea they could be parent raised and still be tame, so I raised that first pair like I had my Zebra finches in College.

We took them home just feathered enough to keep warm and fed them formula.

Gordon and Sasami were those babies.

And they were such a delight, we wanted nothing more than to share with the world how wonderful hand raised dove could be.

So I got the Dear hubby’s permission to seek out more breeding pair.

Between what I could buy and what I could raise, we ended up with 8, and then eventually 16 pair.

There was not much knowledge about keeping them as house pets, or their behavior, beyond what it took to get them to reproduce.

It was common at the time, and still is, to treat Ringneck Doves like small pigeons: Keeping them in large decorative flocks in an out door pen.

It was only through raising the young of my 16 pairs and letting them grow out free flying in the middle room of my home that I learned that these long since domesticated birds could be tamed through socialization from a young age, like a puppy. 

But more importantly; just how vehemently anti-social they are!

One or two Ringneck Doves can be perfectly happy in an enclosure, but there should NEVER be more than two in any space where they can make physical contact!!!

They are VICIOUSLY territorial!

Every pair NEEDS to be an an individual enclosure, with ABSOLUTELY no way to make physical contact with any other bird, including and especially their own weanlings!

The second even their own peeps are fully self feeding, the parents start to mercilessly attack them, hell bent of driving out what they now see as an intruder invading their space and stealing their food and food from their future babies at any cost, up to and including killing them!

The actual Bird of Peace is the Rock Dove: the wild ancestor of the domestic Pigeon.

Two years after I started breeding doves, I started showing them. You can really only show doves in their own section of pigeon shows, and after seeing all the beautiful variation in pigeons, I was smitten. 

I brought home my first pigeon egg from my second show: a Portuguese tumbler hen laid it in her show cage, and I was shocked to find that breeders usually just threw those away.

Pugsly was hatched by a pair of doves, and he was amazing.

Friendly, outgoing to the point of being obnoxious, adorably, delightfully funny.

SO much more personable than the doves!

At another show, I picked up some Classic Old Frills.

Them some Old German Owls a year later.

Then some Old dutch Capuchine.

The more breeds I worked with, the more fascinated I became with the differences in the temperaments of different breeds, and the more I found I enjoyed working with the pigeons.

I knew we had used pigeons for lots of interesting studies.

Like this one about the development of heart disease!

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060729133950.htm

This one, using training tosses of urban homing pigeons wearing special back packs to monitor lead pollution

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160719144733.htm

But these using their natural pattern recognition as a diagnostic tool for human diseases:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/pigeons-can-spot-breast-cancer-medical-images-180957323/?utm_source=facebook.com&no-ist

https://www.audubon.org/news/how-common-street-bird-could-coach-doctors-against-bad-diagnosis

Led me to finding this article.

https://www.audubon.org/news/the-origins-our-misguided-hatred-pigeons

And it hit me like a ton of bricks: 

Pigeons are not native to North America.

European settlers and immigrants brought them.

They had already been domesticated for thousands of years by then.

There is no such thing as a Wild pigeon in North America.

They are the avian equivalent of the street dog problem in Mexico: 

Generations of domesticated animals entirely dependent on human hand outs or left overs for survival, with no shelters to take them in or sterilization programs to prevent more unwanted individuals from being born into a hostile environment that can’t support their numbers.

As long as I have bred any species of animal, I have been active in rescue, rehabilitation, fostering, and finding homes for unwanted individuals of that species.

For me, the two just go hand in hand.

I started volunteering for the local wildlife rehab as soon as I started breeding, initially using my domestic doves (that will raise absolutely anything) to foster orphaned Mourning and Eursadian Collared Doves: hoping to prevent them from bonding to me so that they could be soft released.

When it became known that I raised pigeons, I started getting calls for them too.

Ankhou was the first that needed really hands on care.

He arrived with a baby Mourning dove.

He and it were both recent orphans. 

The wild native dove baby is well muscled, and the appropriate size for its age.

Ankhou, at 4 weeks old, should have looked like Pippin:

You can pretty accurately compare the difference between rehabbing a Mourning Dove and a Pigeon with the difference between rehabbing a grey fox kit and a stray puppy.

Like a grey fox, the Mourning dove is a native wild animal. It is absolutely vital to keep direct human interaction to the absolute minimum because developing a dependence on and friendliness towards humans will get them killed.

Either immediately and out right by hunters, or more slowly through malnutrition.

Puppies are not expected to survive in the wild, and absolutely NO rescuer would raise a puppy they found behind a garbage can or in a dumpster to weaning and nurse it to health only to dump it right back in the ally.

So I absolutely REFUSE to abandon a rescued pigeon by dumping it right back on the street it barely escaped from with its life and it honestly sickens me how many pigeon rescues advocate doing exactly that to any pigeon that doesn’t look purebred or fancy enough.

Feral Pigeons not being wild animals, and being an INTENSELY social and touch oriented species, it would not only not have been beneficial, but out right cruel not to interact with tiny, emaciated Ankhou.

Ankhou was going to take a VERY long time to catch up on enough of his development to safely find a home, so we ended up adopting instead of fostering him.

I spent a lot of time holding and talking to him, and he bonded so closely to me that the became sensitive to my anxiety attacks and started alerting for them.

He also started responding appropriately to requests, as if he actually understood them.

He had pretty severe separation anxiety, and if I stepped into the quarantine room to deal with a bird that might be ill, he would panic the moment his line of sight was interrupted.

If, however, I took the time to tell him “Ankhou, I need to go into quarantine. I will be back. Wait here.”, he would sit down in front of the door and wait quietly until I came back out with sterile hands.

This got me curious, and I started researching pigeon social and cognitive development.

As it turns out, they have a shockingly human society.

A pigeon flock is a large, extended family of birds. 

Young birds don’t split off when they wean. They join the flock, forming a close knit friend group among the other weanlings from whom they will select mates as adults and with whom they will learn to find food, water, and nest materials and what to do with those.

Very like human children moving out of their parents’ house and forming bonds among their peers.

Pigeon society is an efficient democratic meritocracy.

Communication on the wing is INCREDIBLY efficient

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150609213053.htm

They vote on nearly EVERYHTING

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100416214045.htm

And if a leader proves to be ineffective, or a navigator inaccurate, the flock can and will vote to demote them.

https://www.audubon.org/news/in-homing-pigeon-flocks-bad-bosses-quickly-get-demoted

Pigeons are absolutely CRAZY-Smart!

Pigeons are capable of high level cognition. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas…/2009/…/090212141143.htm

To the extent that they understand the concepts of space and time! https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas…/2017/…/171204144805.htm

They are self-aware enough to distinguish themselves from other pigeons, able to recognize themselves in photos, video, and mirrors AND differentiate between the three. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas…/2008/…/080613145535.htm

Their brains are wired SHOCKINGLY similarly to ours: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas…/2013/…/130717095336.htm

They categorize things and learn the equivalent of words the same way human toddlers do!

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas…/2014/…/140402095107.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas…/2015/…/150204184447.htm

They can even learn to read written language well enough to differentiate between a real word and an acronym with the same number of letters.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releas…/2016/…/160919111535.htm

They are pattern mapping social learners.  Exactly like we are!

Building on this list of scientific studies, I started to experiment with teaching  each successive generation of the resident pigeons to understand the basics of verbal communication by the same mechanic as one would a toddler.

And in just the last two years with Ankhou, I have learned that they can literally learn to understand both spoken AND written human language, and literally all it takes is talking to a pigeon as if it is a nonverbal human toddler who does not know that word yet to be able to teach them to understand object words, action words, emotion words, names, and locations.

Pigeons are pets you can literally communicate to in your native language.

It is absolutely amazing!

Ankhou was not trained to alert for my anxiety attacks.

He literally did that AND started alerting me for blood sugar spikes entirely on his own.

Not even a pigeon hatched in a human house hold. A feral.

No special genetics. No training what so ever. 

Just a pigeon being a pigeon: bonding with what he considered a flock mate, and getting worried when he noticed something was wrong.

Which made me wonder: What would happen if specific traits conducive to bonding with humans and being sensitive to their emotional state were selected for in a population?

What if those birds were given at least basic communication training? On top of the matching we already do by temperament.

I’m actually working on documenting our finances and plan to discuss them in more detail at the end of the month.

Just taking in rescues to foster is an expensive process.

You need to have quarantine space that keeps new birds as completely separated from your residents as possible.

You need a vet who is either experienced with or willing to learn to treat pigeons. Each new bird will need, at absolute least, a fecal test for parasites.

You need to have dip on hand for external parasites, and the funds to buy what ever wormer, anti fungal, antibiotic, or anintimicrobial is required to treat what ever the fecal exam turns up.

Which could legitimately be all of the above, as I have had one individual come in with two species of lice, two species of intestinal worms, coccidiosis, AND salmonella, all at the same time. I have had several others come in with Trich or thrush in place of or in addition to the coccidia or salmonella.

Most will come in malnourished or injured on top of being sick and/or parasitized.

You REALLY have to plan for the worst with rescues.

Because taking in animals you cannot house or feed or for whom you are unable to provide the necessary medical care is NOT rescuing them.

It is subjecting them to the exact neglect that rescuers intend to save them from.

It is REALLY easy for big hearted people to find themselves overwhelmed and exhausted trying to save every one, and that is something every one who wants to rescue needs to keep in mind for the sake of their health as much as the quality of their care.

I live in a trailer park in Ga, on a little plot of land just big enough to say I have a front and back yard.

The modest inheritance my parents left me and my sister when they passed funded the loft being built, and my husband’s job pays for what ever daily maintenance and veterinary care that bird and harness sales and my Patreon can’t cover.

It was designed around comfort and disease prevention for them and pain management for me. It really makes my day to know that people have enough interest in my work to ask detailed questions!

It’s a bit of a bear for an autistic woman with ADHD to get to a bunch of them all at once, but I still REALLY want to hear them and am THRILLED to get to answer!

It’s easier for me to answer in detail if I can focus on one question at a time, though.

There is absolutely no limit to the number I am willing to answer, so don’t be afraid to flood my inbox with a ton of individual questions. ^v^

[fightmejai]

wildlife, wildnight

where: cara’s work place

when: saturday 21st july

triggers: mild NSFW

@wildlifecara

Jai: It might not have been the best of ideas, but what really did Jai have to lose? Cara seemed like a cool kinda chick and he was getting bored without his daughter in the house. Not sure if he should take the dog or not, he eventually decided to leave him at home. He followed the address he had been given and wandered up the small patch on the look out for the gorgeous younger woman, "Uh..." he began, getting a little confused as to where he was going, "Cara?"

Cara: Cara worked at the wildlife sanctuary and she was always there after hours when no one else was. She handled a lot of things there, so it was never a problem. The girl was used to doing crazy and spontaneous things, so this was nothing new to her. Although, the Australian Male had an air of something exciting about him. She started making her way to the back gate and heard her name being called. Sliding the large gate open, she waved him in. "You actually showed up," he stated laughing as she closed the gate behind them.

Jai: When she spoke, Jai raised a brow and wondered if he was actually supposed to have shown up or not. Was he not supposed to have shown up? He cleared his throat a little and made his way past the gate when invited in, "I didn't want to be branded a tease," he replied with a small shrug, "I can leave if you're happier with that..."

Cara: "No, no. I'm quite glad you did show up I'm just not used to people being quite as reckless as I am," the British girl grinned. "You certainly are not a tease. I'm sorry that I implied it. Come on then," she said, taking his hand and pulling him further into the park. "Is there anything you'd like to see?"

Jai: Jai was always one for an adventure, it was probably how he'd ended up with a daughter in the end, but that was another conversation for another time. He chuckled when she mentioned him being as reckless as her, "It's my wreckless weekend," he joked, following along with her as he was tugged along, "We'll ignore the comment of teasing from both of us, yeah?" he asked before adding, "So... what brought you here? Your accent is almost as obvious as mine."

Cara: "Wreckess weekend. I like it. I've got to start calling it that," she said, walking along some of the trees and animals. Most were asleep at this hour, but some of the nocturnal were out. "Heard Stonecastle had sexy Australian men,: she joked with a grin. "Eh, tragic family story. Moved her to be with the animals," she shrugged. "How about you? What's your story?"

Jai: "At least once a month I get myself a reckless weekend and it's pretty fun. I'll be sure to hit you up in the beginning of it next time." He hadn't ever actually been to that side of the town before so he didn't even realise the wildlife area was there, "Tragic family story?" he asked, though he smirked at the comment of sexy Australian men, "Sounds intense... but the animals help, I hope?" When asked about his story, Jai was truthful as he explained, "Trained for fighting in Australia, knocked a chick up. Got a break in the US, Is' mum died and she and I moved to California. This was a pretty decent place when I stopped off on a roadtrip, thought we'd relocate."

Cara: "Oh, you better. I'll be very disappointed if you don't," she grinned. "Yeah, mum was into drugs. In and out of rehab. A few overdoses. Pretty much raised myself. My best friend Kendall moved here with her sisters and it sounded pretty nice so I decided to go for a change of scenery " she shrugged before listening to his story. "I'm sorry to hear about that. Her death. Is is your little girl then? At least you got her out of it, yeah?" she asked.

Jai: "You'll be on speed dial under 'Nature Woman'," he chuckled softly, his brows raising softly at the revelation about her mother, "Fuck Mate... that's intense... Sorry to hear that -- but I'd be without an adventurer if it wasn't for all that, right?" he was trying to make light of it so nothing was awkward between them. He nodded, "Isabelle," he provided, "Yeah... we weren't together when her mum died. I didn't really know she had had a baby until she died and someone knocked at my door talking about custody."

Cara: Cara shrugged. "It is what it is. I don't let it define me," she said, looking at him with a smile when he mentioned he would be without an adventurer. "Wow. Surprise, here's a baby! That's gotta be something to wake up to," she shook her head and lead him to a little building. Opening the door there was a little room with a bed, a fridge, and a computer desk. She had an apartment, but this is where she spent most nights. It was convenient. "So trained in Australia," she sat on the bed, cross legged. "I bet I can take you," she said, putting her arm up in an arm wrestling position.

Jai: "That's something not a lot of people actually achieve these days," he pointed out, an air of pride in his tone. He chuckled a little at the comment about the surprise baby, "Yeah, it was a bit intense... but she's just so me at this point I can't imagine not having her in my life. If Tez hadn't died... I don't think I'd ever have met my own kid, y'know?" He watched her move into a surprise room that looked more like an apartment, "Is this a people zoo? Are you about to lock me away and study me or something?"

Cara: "That's sweet. You must be a good dad," she commented. She couldn't imagine keeping a baby from someone. At least give them the chance to be in the child's life. Of course Cara would know if she gave birth to a child, but it was weird to think about not knowing you had a child out there. "Everything happens for a reason right? At least that's what they tell me," she commented. A laugh escaped her at his worries. She realized how this may look. "Firstly, not a zoo. Wildlife conservation. The people have free reign. I mean the animals," she teased. "No, it's just easier to stay here cause I'm here so much. Now are you gonna wrestle me or what??"

Jai: "She's more like my mum, but y'know, we make it work." He grinned a little over at her, winking for good measure. He agreed when she said everything happened for a reason and laughed when she added the last part, "I actually believe that," he told her nonchalantly, "What happens is meant to happen." Jai grinned over at her and made his way to sit next to her, "Aah, a people conservation. My bad." He sighed loudly as he say down properly and faced her, holding his arm out, "Alrighty, let's go. What's the prize?"

Cara: "Well someone has to keep you in line then, huh? She must be a tough girl," Cara grinned. "What would she say if she knew you were playing with strangers, tsk tsk," she grinned and turned to face him as he sat down. "Dont worry. We feed our people three meals a day if you do some tricks," she mused. Wrapping her smaller hand in his large one, she pursed her lips thinking. "Winner gets... whatever they want," she shrugged.

Jai: "Y'see, none of this would have happened if I had her. She'd be yelling at me that I was being a 'silly bum' or 'butter butt' -- that's one of her favourites." It felt weird talking so openly about his daughter with a practical stranger, but it was easy to talk to someone as open as Cara seemed to be, "Three meals?! Fuck yes, sign me up!" He gripped her arm and wondered if he was supposed to let her win or if this was a real competition, "Fine, fine... winner gets whatever. C'mon now, let's go."

Cara: "Butter butt? That's incredible. I need to start calling my sister that. I think I'd quite light this Isabelle. You should bring her by during opening hours sometime. She can hold a tiger cub," Cara said, chuckling. "Alright. Don't you go easy on me now," she said. "3...2....1....go!" She said, pushing his hand though it didnt seem to be going anywhere. "No!" she laughed, using her other hand as well to try and make it budge.

Jai: "You'll have to credit her or she'll copyright strike you," Jai said seriously before breaking and grinning. He kept his hand still once she counted down, not pushing, but making sure she didn't just toss his hand down the moment they began the 'fight'. When she added her second hand, Jai groaned dramatically and let her win, his hand falling down with him gasping in 'pain', "Fuck... well shit, you're a little pocket rocket, aren't you?"

Cara: "Oh boy. I dont think i can handle another copyright lawsuit," she joked in return. Cara used all the strength she could muster and eventually his arm went down. She knew he let her win but she was still gonna take the glory. "YES!!!!,"she exclaimed, throwing her arms up in victory. "Now I get one wish," she tapped her cheek as though she was thinking. "I've got it then," she said, leaning forward on her knees and putting her hand against the scruff of his face. She pressed her lips against his, her back arching forward into him.

Jai: Another barked laugh escaped Jai when she joked back with him, his mood improving now he had someone to actually talk to who wasn't his dog. Her celebration was cute and Jai watched her 'gloat' as she cheered herself. He clapped her gently and nodded, waiting to see what it was he could do to grant her wish. What he wasn't expecting was for her to be as bold as to kiss him, but after a moment of surprise, his felt himself press back against her, his large hand covering her lower back as he deepened the kiss slightly.

Cara: Cara leaned into him, pressing her whole body against his as she felt his larger hand press into her back. The girl pressed him down onto the bed and moved onto him. Her hand traveled from his face down to his chest and she began to smirk against his lips. "Ha!" she said, sitting on him and breaking the kiss. "Told you I'd sit on you"

Jai: He certainly wasn't going to complain when it seemed like Cara was taking exactly what she wanted considering it had been a decent while since he'd had a gorgeous woman push him down onto a bed. He gently tugged her bottom lip between his teeth before she broke the kiss. He looked up at her, a little confused for a moment before nodding, "Uh... I did tell you you could..."

Cara: "Hmm, you're right. Well, I guess you followed through. I would say were both excellent at keeping our word then," she grinned down at him. She studied his face for a moment, her finger circling one of his curls. There were signs of old scars and she wondered if it was from his days of training. "You know," she said, leaning down and kissing him again. "I'm not an easy girl," he kissed him once more.

Jai: "If anything, we're truthful you and me." He watched her carefully, not sure if this whole thing was a joke to her or not. Normally he'd whack someone's hand away when they were toying with his hair, but it felt nice as he laid there with her on top of him, "I wouldn't dream of suggesting that," he assured her between kisses, making sure not to move his hands along her body unless expressly asked to. He wasn't about to get himself into trouble with a gorgeous woman like her.

Cara.: "Truthful. I like that word. Truthfully, why did you come here tonight?" she asked him, cocking her head to the side and looking at him with curious eyes. A small grin spread to her lips at his reply. "I kind of just like watching you sweat a little bit," she teased him. Cara swept her hair to the side and pulled her shirt up over her head, laying back down on him, connecting their lips again.

Jai: She'd asked for truth, he'd give her the truth, "I spent the day talking to my dog. I don't have many friends and I thought the company of a gorgeous woman would do me good. Regardless of the making you." A beat passed and he asked, "Why'd you ask me. Truthfully." he watched her take off her shirt and was definitely into the sight of her with less clothing on, but he tried to keep his cool, "You should see me fight," he hummed against her mouth, hand pressed into her back still.

Cara.: "Truthfully, I've been talking to wild animals all day. I don't have many friends here and the friends that I do have are all busy working all the time. You were very sexy and you made me laugh, which... is a pretty good combo in my book. Loneliness is a hell of a drug," she bit down on her bottom lip. Pulling back a little bit to look at him, she raised an eyebrow. "What exactly is it that you fight?"

Jai: "So you invited another one over?" he asked with a small tease, though he was in agreement with her comments about loneliness. It felt nice to be called sexy again though, in person and not just on some social media post of his, "I'm in Mixed Martial Arts... like cage fighting, y'know?"

Cara.: "Yeah, I invited like five people, but you were the only one to answer my call," she teased, obviously joking. "No, like I said, I'm not easy. I mean... I'm kind of easy, but in a way that I'm okay with my sexuality. Huge supporter of free the nipple. Boobs are great, you know," she said, cupping her own chest. "But I don't just sleep with any handsome stranger either. I'm quite picky about my handsome strangers," she laughed. "There's something that I find quite enticing about you," Cara added. "Cage fighting? Damn it, you just had to go and say something sexier," she said, throwing her arms up in defeat. "What's your winning streak?"

Jai: "I meant animals," he laughed gently, "It wasn't another easy comment." Jai nodded as if agreeing with her about her sexuality and boobs. He was definitely into boobs, that was for sure. When they began to actually chat, Jai sat up a little and held her hips so he could wriggle them back together until his back was against her headboard, "Why do people think fighting is sexy?" he asked, shaking his head, "My last stint was one loss, five wins. I lost because I fell back into a pole and got a concussion."

Cara.: "Right. I totally knew that. Do I seem defensive?" she teased. Cara braced herself when he began to wiggle himself up, holding onto his shoulders and curving his legs to wrap around his torso the best they could. "I don't know. I guess it just means... you're not afraid to get dirty. I don't know. It's not one of those things you can explain into words. Kind of like how...jealousy is kind of sexy? When you think about it it's not a great feeling, but the concept of it is sexy. Maybe like a protection thing," she shrugged. "Wow, tough guy. Is your head okay?"

Jai: "A little," he grinned in return, making sure the both of them were comfortable once he'd settled back against her headboard, "You don't have to be defensive here. I'm not one to judge. You wanna fuck nine people in a day? You've got great stamina, that's all I'll ever say." He listened when she explained what she meant and gently nodded, "Yeah, okay... that kinda makes sense." He'd never heard of the 'protection' thing, but it did make sense. People liked being safe, after all. He felt himself smirking as he replied, "No one's ever complained about my head before. So I think it's better than okay."

Cara.: "In that case.... I am feeling slightly less dressed than you and I think we should even the playing field a little bit," she said, tugging at his shirt upward. She chuckled at the stamina comment and shook her head. She was certainly in good company. Cara smiled at the other and let out a small sigh. He was quite charming wasn't he. "So do you like fighting then?"

Jai: Jai lifted up a little and let her tug his shirt up and off if she saw fit, "As you wish," he laughed gently, resting back against the bedframe one his shirt was off and out of the way, "I love fighting," he nodded, "It's a great way of keeping fit, getting aggression out and earning money without a real job. Do you like working with Wildlife?"

Cara.: When the other finally pulled his shirt off, she rested his hands against his pecs and bit her bottom lip. "Well... you definitely have the body to prove it," she commented, patting his chest. When he asked if she enjoyed wildlife. "I love it. It's my absolute favourite thing. Don't get me started talking about it because there's a good chance that I will never stop," she admitted. "Besides. You have a topless girl on your lap. Do you really want to talk about jobs?"

Jai: He has a fake few scars on his chest along with tattooes and hoped neither was a bother for her, “Thanks,” He grinned bashfully, his hands gently tracing circles in her hips, “I wouldn’t mind that,” he shrugged easily, happy to hear whatever she wanted to talk about. He laughed gently before smirking and replying, “Well, I’d could listen to you talk all day while MY month is busy.” To emphasise his point, Jai lent forward to press his lips to her jaw, kissing down her neck ever so slowly.

Cara: Cara traced her finger along some of the scars on his chest. None of it bothered her. She had tattoos of her own everywhere, including one of a lion on the finger she was using to trace the scars on his chest. The feeling of his hands circling on her hips sent a delicious chill up her spine. "Mmmfh,"she moaned softly as he kissed down her neck. "Thinking with your mouth bust doesn't seem in the cards, " she said.

Jai: Jai felt himself smirking against her skin as her reply came. The way she was reacting to his touch was definitely a good sign. He nipped softly at her skin when she moaned and took a long breath through his nose to fully appreciate the smell of her softened skin, "Try it," he challenged her, words muffled against her body, "Try talking while I keep myself preoccupied... when did you first get interested in wildlife?" Jai continued to move his lips against her skin in hopes she’d relax and tell him a little more about herself while he kept himself busy.

[crc-rehab-blog]

((Note: We got a SECOND interesting patient this week--a blog entry on him will come soon!)) Lady, you aren’t from around here!

A Snowy Owl Irrupts at Carolina Raptor Center

When we posted an article from Audubon Magazine on our Facebook page about a possible Snowy Owl irruption in 2017, we had no idea that we would be telling this story just a few weeks later. 

On Monday, December 4, 2017, Rehab Associate Lauren Allen took a call from a very excited wildlife officer in Anson County, NC. He had picked up a bird off the side of the road that he was pretty sure was a Snowy Owl. Transport Volunteer Clyde Kiser brought the bird to the Jim Arthur Raptor Medical Center and all he had to say when he got there was, “this is a BIG bird. A beautiful bird.”Senior Medical Coordinator Mathias Engelmann confirmed later that day that this was indeed the first Snowy Owl admitted to the hospital in over 40 years. Certainly a milestone. One that many of us will never forget.

When she was admitted, the staff found that she was severely emaciated: about a skinny as they get. Engelmann recorded a 1 out of 5 keel score. Her initial examination was done quickly to reduce stress; stress can easily kill a bird in her state. She was put on fluids to rehydrate her, vitamin B and iron to help her create new red blood cells and restore her energy, and given liquid calories. When animals are emaciated, immediately giving them solid food can actually cause their bodies to fail, so we always rehydrate them first. She was also started on a preventative anti-fungal, since emaciated birds are very susceptible to contracting aspergillosis, an airborne fungal disease affecting the air sacs of raptors and other birds. After receiving quick and thorough treatment from the team, the Snowy Owl was put away in a warm incubator for the evening.

The next morning, she was perched but still very weak, and her wings were drooping from her weakness—not a good sign. We completed her treatments for the morning quickly and quietly returned her to her incubator. At midday, we did a more thorough exam and discovered some green bruising on one wing, though no bones felt broken. She was still too weak for a radiograph. We also switched her to a medication that treats aspergillosis, since CRC’s Staff Veterinarian Dave Scott suspected that she might already have the disease.At the same time, we drew a small amount of blood. It turned out that she had a packed cell volume of 29%--normal is around 45-50%. More alarming was that her blood albumin was nearly zero. Dr. Scott told the team that she had a 0% chance of survival without a blood transfusion, or a mere 10% chance of survival with a blood transfusion.

We do not have any resident Snowy Owls at CRC. We consider it too warm for them here to live comfortably year-round. Instead, we drew blood from one of our resident display Great Horned Owls, Harmony. We were successfully able to complete our first ever cross-species blood transfusion. Since Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) and Great Horned Owls (Bubo virginianus) share a genus, we had hope that this would work, and we treated the Snowy Owl with a medication to help prevent allergic reactions just in case.Thankfully, she did not have an allergic reaction. She actually seemed to regain a little strength, and she tweezer fed a few bites of food later that evening. 

Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse that night. We found her deceased on Wednesday morning.

The Jim Arthur Raptor Medical Center is a teaching hospital as well as a medical center. A group of vet students and their professor were visiting from NC State University and were able to complete a necropsy (autopsy) with an endoscope. We used this less invasive method to help preserve the cadaver for educational purposes—and it had the bonus of giving the students practice with an endoscope. Aspergillosis was confirmed: she had multiple lesions in her air sacs.

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More Information on Snowy Owls

Snowy Owls typically live way up north, in the Arctic tundra. They do migrate in the winter, though typically not all the way into North Carolina. Experts predicted an “irruption” of Snowy Owls this year throughout the United States, and our Snowy Owl was certainly one of those. This is not the first Snowy Owl to be seen in North Carolina, nor is it even the furthest south they’ve gone; sightings of them as far south as Florida have been reported in previous irruption years. Most of these birds are very hardy and do quite well despite the change in landscape. Some do not make the journey so well and find hunting more difficult in the unfamiliar environment of the south—such may have been the case with our Snowy Owl. It is also possible that whatever caused the bruising on her wing also damaged her ability to hunt, thereby causing her to become even weaker and more stressed, leading to her develop aspergillosis.

So why are Snowy Owls moving so far south for the winter? This is not a new phenomenon. Over 30 years ago, a Snowy Owl was seen in Columbia, SC on the day one of our staff members was born! In fact, a very large irruption was reported in the 1920s, and irruptions have been reported even before then, and as far south as Florida. Irruptions do not tend to correlate with a lack of food up north, but with an abundance of food up north. Lemmings, the Snowy Owl’s main prey source, have a population boom every four years or so. In response, the Snowy Owls lay many more eggs, leading to a population boom of their own. When this happens, we see small irruptions, with “mega” irruptions once or twice a century.

To follow this year’s irruption, click on this link.