EVW Bird Tracks Blog

Wishing you a Happy New Year filled with health, peace, and prosperity.  Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers who make our mission of rescue and rehab possible. We also appreciate our supporters and the kind people who rescue an injured or orphaned animal. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, it is easy…you do not need specialized experience. We train our volunteers and “newbies” can get support from experienced volunteers through our “bird buddie” program. Even if you can only help with “fostering” a few birds, particularly waterfowl…give us a call. We particularly need help in “baby bird season” which here in the valley can begin as early as March.

Happy 2012 and we hope to see you at one of our meetings!

Merry Christmas to our wonderful East Valley Wildlife volunteers, our supporters and our friends. We are grateful for all the work of our volunteers to keep EVW a place of comfort and rehabilitation for wildlife. We hope that next year will be a healthy, happy and prosperous one for everyone.

Lisa and Quinn-stars of Animal Planet

This is the photo of Lisa with Quinn, soon to be featured on Animal Planet – Dec. 10.

Follow this link for an article about Lisa Limbert of EVW and her animal ambassadors who will be a feature on Animal Planet. www.azcentral.com%252Fcommunity%252Fchandler%252Farticles%252F2011%252F12%252F01%252F20111201chandler-pets-101-location.html  Although the title of the Animal Planet show is Pets101, Lisa’s critters are anything but your average “pets” and Lisa makes clear that her animals require special licensing and care. Watch the episode on Dec. 10!

Lovely baskets heaped with home-made treats

The time is just around the corner, December 11, for the annual Christmas Basket Luncheon of our group.  EVW volunteers gather at the home of Patty to enjoy holiday goodies and pack the Christmas baskets with homemade treats. The baskets are then distributed to our supporters around the Valley who have helped EVW continue our work of rescue and rehabilitation. The photo is from last year’s luncheon and you can see that the decorated baskets (creations of Darlene – one of our volunteers) are truly beautiful…each one is a one-of-a-kind.  This annual event brings our volunteers together to share stories and also to get “up close and personal” with some of Lisa’s Creatures.

Wow! Grass!

Timber the beaver is one of the educational animals of “Lisa’s Creatures” Program. He was a juvenile not too long ago, but look at him now! Timber actually has his own halter and seems to enjoy walkies around the yard. When he is not hanging around the house, Timber joins Lisa’s other “critters” as part of the educational program where youngsters can get “up close and personal” with exotic animals.

Ginger, Barb, Patti, Sherri, Darlene, Nancy & Lisa. Marge took photo

A Board Meeting of East Valley Wildlife was held this past Sunday at Nancy’s home.  Several topics were on the agenda including discussions of the newsletter format and the website.  Lisa brought her newest “critter” to be introduced to the Board members.  His name is Felix and he is just about the cutest possum you will ever see. Along with plans for the annual Christmas Basket Luncheon, there was also a planning session about the coming fund raising event – ‘Help Feed the Babies’.  It was noted that the costs for the feeding of rescued and rehabilitated animals has been increasing over the years and volunteers continue to need assistance to maintain the animals in their care.  As an all volunteer network of wildlife rescue and rehabilitators, East Valley Wildlife has been in existence for over 22 years and is supported solely through annual membership dues, donations and grant funding.

Felix the possum with Lisa

Be a smart bird and read the raptors section of Bird Tracks!

For members and supporters of EVW, expect the annual issue of Bird Tracks to arrive in your mailbox soon.  The issue is filled with helpful hints and information about our organization. Also, the date, time and place of our annual Christmas Basket Luncheon is announced in the newsletter. The last page of the newsletter will have the names and telephone numbers of organizations throughout the valley that are involved in wildlife rescue and rehab work, along with some groups who help with domestic pets. So keep an eye on your mailbox for the “hard copy” of Bird Tracks. In the meantime, check the blog from time to time for updates and photos or our “doings and happenings” in the coming months.

Colette & Corky make a cute couple

Here is another phots of Colette and Corky – the pari of capyabaras, making their home with Lisa of Lisa’s Creatures.  These two will grow to be 150 pounds each, so will need plenty of space to roam.

Colette will grow to be 150 pounds!

from Lisa of Lisa’s Creatures

“After wanting one for years, I finally have a baby capyabara.  I have named her Colette.    Corky is an unrelated male, who is going to live with friends.  Check out the feet.  Capys have such cute webbed feet.  Colette is going to be raised as an indoor pet.  When this does not work out, and it probably will not, she will join her “husband” on horse property.  Capyabaras grow to be about 150lbs.  Right now Colette is just a few pounds.  We are told that raising them separately will help with their socialization.  I am delighted.  I have wanted a capyabara since I was a kid. ”

Lisa heads our Education Program which is accessed through the Chandler & Gilbert Arizona Parks and Recreation Departments. Youngsters can get up and close with exotic animals like the capyabara.  Unfortunately, Lisa is not able to bring her “critters” to private events, like children’s parties or scout meetings. A reminder that keeping exotic animals requires special licensing, as well as a knowledge of the needs of the particular species.