Lin Kaymer's Blog

Picture this: You follow a sidewalk to your office on clear, early October day. Most Friday mornings don’t yield big surprises, but huddled near the entrance of your building is a dazed owl. You do a double take. This is a stunningly beautiful, big bird! What’s she doing in front of your office door? But more to the point, why isn’t she moving? Those thoughts must have passed through the mind of a recent rescuer-caller to our island’s Wildlife Shelter.

Here’s what likely happened: Hunting in darkness, owls focus intensely on their prey. This Barred Owl may have had her eyes so locked on a running rodent that she didn’t navigate the cedar shake covered office building in her path. And then, boom! She crashed and fell.

A call to the local wildlife shelter mobilizes action, and the owl is soon in the hands of a licensed veterinary technician. The vet tech determines the owl suffered a concussion, with slight feather damage, but no wing breaks or dislocations. A few days of food and sleep at the shelter are in order.

After her R&R, the young owl is moved to a Flight Cage. If she has no impairments, and flies with ease, she’ll be released to the wild, or, in this case, island suburbia. Three days after the owl’s accident, I was lucky enough to witness the release of the now-mended owl back to her native, residential territory. Dottie Tison, Wildlife Photographer, captured the saga on film, complete with flight-happy ending. For a fascinating slideshow of the rescue and release, click on the link, below.

Owl rescue and release slideshow

The post The Curious Case of the Barred Owl Who Went Bump in the Night appeared first on Lin Kaymer.

Photo by Dottie Tison

I’m taking a step away from writing today about Mackie and Jeremy in my Who Is Mackie Spence? follow-up to blog about animals under duress. Wherever you live, you may see a change in bird population behavior, or see a decline in mammal species populations.

The National Wildlife Federation lists wildlife dependency on healthy habitats as:

The right temperatures
Fresh water
Food sources
Places to raise their young

Photo by Dottie Tison

Indeed, wildlife shelters everywhere have been stressed by recent extreme weather conditions. Record numbers of animals are in need of relief due to storms, flooding, tornadoes and temperature volatility.

Examples of trauma to wildlife come from Texas, which saw weeks of high flooding in May of this year. Burrowing animals such as rabbits have been decimated. Fawns have been unable to cross floodwaters and record numbers of birds in peril have been reported to wildlife shelters.

Like flooding, tornadoes severely impact bird populations by killing birds and decimating their habitat. According to the US National Weather Services, states that have seen tornado activity since January of 2015 include: Oklahoma, Illinois, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Kansas, Ohio, Tennessee, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming.

Photo by Dottie Tison

Another factor, extreme temperature, affects a range of animal species around the world. The list of at risk animals with homes on the land, trees, and water continues to grow. As featured by the National Wildlife Federation, some North American species most affected include the American pika, waterfowl like ducks and geese, trout, and salmon. The National Geographic cites coral, polar bears, and frogs as hard hit.

Our wildlife friends need help. Whether you improve your backyard habitat, send funds to your local wildlife shelter, or show support on a more global level, your efforts make life possible for wildlife species in distress.

The post Weathering the weather, wherever appeared first on Lin Kaymer.

Photo by Dottie Tison

Today, I took a look at our local Westsound Wildlife Shelter’s web page, and noticed eighty-four animals have been treated since January 1. That number begins the spring season, when wildlife are injured through territorial disputes, accidents to young, and run-ins with human neighbors.

This month Westsound Wildlife Shelter will host a fundraiser auction on April 25. Wildlife are part of everyone’s ecosystem, whether rural or city. If you have a local wildlife shelter, now would be a great time to show how much you care by making a donation or pledge. It’s always the right time to be a good neighbor!

Another way to be a good neighbor is to avoid using pesticides and herbicides. Read labels carefully, and look for safe products that state “organic”, “all natural”, or “non-poisonous to animals”. An organic orchardist in central Washington once told me, “Anything you put on your plants, trees, or in the soil [fertilizer or compost] eventually goes into ground water.” Think about that next time you drink water! And remember that wild animals are also affected by what we spray on our plants and how we amend in our lawn and garden soil.

Photo by Dottie Tison

There are so many ways to keep habitat safe for our wildlife neighbors. Depending on where you live, turning off nighttime, outdoor lights offers nocturnal animals like owls and bats a friendly habitat. Owls and bats keep rodent and mosquito populations down. When you prune, leave trees that birds nest in alone. No trees? Arbor Day is coming up soon. Consider adding a species tree or shrub to your yard that would benefit local birds and squirrels.

Living with wildlife: Last week I headed to the back of our property to remove an outdoor faucet cover. I was off in my head and didn’t notice a young deer until we were about twenty feet from one another. He stood up from his sunny nap, and I muttered, “Oh, so sorry, so sorry.” That deer had a good seventy-pound advantage on me, hooves as sharp as knives, and a small but dangerous rack on his head. To my relief, he ambled down the hill as I turned to the side of our building. We both enjoy living on the land, and we both have found ways to cope with each other. He eats the blackberries and wild grasses in the field; I have a deer fence around our domestic plants.

Parting thought: Wild animals play important roles my novel, Who Is Mackie Spence? and I very much value their presence in my daily life. Happy Spring to all!

The post Wild Animals Matter appeared first on Lin Kaymer.

Though fictional, the shelter in my novel, Who Is Mackie Spence? is based on real wildlife rehabilitation centers, where professionals and volunteers heal sick and injured animals. For this blog, I’ll interview those who work on behalf of our wild animal communities. – Lin Kaymer

Q&A with Dottie Tison Wildlife Photographer

More photos by Dottie

Q. You shoot still photography and video film as well. Do you have a preference, and if so, why?

A. I prefer still photography. I like capturing a moment in time. I am beginning to learn video and editing. It is a challenge, and I always enjoy learning something new.

Q. Why are wild animals your preferred subjects?

A. Photographing wild animals takes luck to patience, and every thing in between. I am honored to take photos at the WestSound Wildlife Shelter. The enclosures are fairly dark, especially on a gloomy day. This has really pushed my skill as a photographer. In the wild, it is always a gift to encounter a bird or animal, no matter the size.

Q. Where do you find the animals that you photograph?

A. Naturally, the easiest place is at the Wildlife Shelter, especially in the spring when all of the orphaned babies are brought into the shelter. I only take pictures while the animals are being cared for. This cuts down on the time they are exposed to people, and reduces stress. Taking photos of animals out in the wild has it’s own challenges. Knowing the behavior of the animal helps get “the” shot. I have taken photos everyplace from my kitchen window to hiking in the Mountains, and from Zodiac boats in the Sea of Cortez.

Q. What are the most exotic shots that you’ve taken?

A. I would have to say the “eye” of a Grey Whale is the most recent. Years ago, long before digital, we traveled to Kenya, and took photos of a large variety of exotic animals. Getting a great shot of a grizzly bear in Yellowstone was a thrill.

Q. Do some animals photograph better than others, and why?

A. Every animal is unique; it is up to the photographer to use the correct parameters to get a great photo. Of course, that is part of the challenge, changing the parameters quickly to match the light and movement of the animal.

Q. What are the main challenges of shooting film in the field?

A. It is easier to shoot a digital camera than film. With large memory cards, hundreds of photos can be taken without changing the “film” roll. Carrying all of the gear and making sure everything stays clean and dry can be a challenge when hiking into a location.

Q. Of all the animals in the world, what one(s) would you like to still photograph?

A. We are heading to the Galapagos Islands this year. I am really looking forward to getting close-up shots of a Giant Tortoise. And, I know there will be other animals to discover!

Q. How do you decide what kind of camera to use on any given day?

A. If I know a photo will be printed, I use a full frame digital camera. If I am taking snap-shot photos to share on-line, I use anything from my phone to a point and shoot. I also make use of a GoPro to take short videos of animals being released into the wild, after they have been rehabilitated. Of course, the best camera is the one you have with you, assuming you know how to use it!

Q. Who are the most camera-friendly animals?

A. There are two answers. Orphaned animals raised at the shelter are the easiest. The handlers try very hard not to get the animals used to people, but the animals who have never been in the wild are easier to photograph, especially the gulls and the raccoons. I don’t think there are any camera-friendly animals in the wild, with the exception of those who have been fed by people. Most wildlife photographers use lenses that are capable of shooting photos from a great distance.

 

Q. Who are the most camera-shy animals?

A. If we are talking about the animals at the Wildlife Shelter, I would say a bird called a Flicker. Baby bunnies are also difficult in that they become stressed very easily.

 

Q. If you could wave a magic wand, what kind of animal would you be for a day?

A. I had to think about this for a couple of days. I would choose to be a whale. They are intelligent, live in family groups, and live in a world that humans have barely explored. I have had the opportunity to scuba dive in many places, and would love to be able to see the underwater world through the eyes of a whale.

The post Interview 3: Wildlife Photographer, Dottie Tison appeared first on Lin Kaymer.

Though fictional, the shelter in my novel, Who Is Mackie Spence? is based on real wildlife rehabilitation centers, where professionals and volunteers heal sick and injured animals. For this blog, I’ll interview those who work on behalf of our wild animal communities. – Lin Kaymer

Q&A with Elena Fox

Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist

State of Washington

Q. How long have you been a certified Wildlife Rehab Specialist?

A. Since 2001 – so, thirteen years! In Washington, rehabilitators are licensed to work with rehab animals only at an approved facility—I am licensed to provide care to wildlife at the West Sound Wildlife Shelter.

Q. I know your specialty group is Neornithes, especially Corvidae. What birds are in that family?

Crow at the wildlife shelter. Photos by Dottie Tison

A. Crows, Ravens, Jays and Magpies are all in the family Corvidae.

Q. Why are crows and ravens special to you?

A. Crows and ravens are so very intelligent. These two species of birds are the very smartest of the Corvidae–they not only use tools, they make them! They also seem to play together and do funny things just for the sake of fun. They live in large family groups and they choose mates for life.

Q. Compared to other birds, will crows and ravens live long lives?

A. Well, yes and no. Many passerines (perching birds) live only a few years in the wild, while some parrots can live for more than eighty years! Since they are so curious and mischievous, many crows and ravens get into trouble in their first years that cuts their lives short, but the crows and ravens that live through their misadventures and learn from them can live as many as eighteen years in the wild.

Q. What are the differences in the size between crows and ravens? Are there other major differences?

A. Ravens can be as much as three times the size of crows. Other differences include:

Ravens have a much larger beak compared to the size of their head.
Male and female crows are the same size whereas male ravens weigh almost twice that of female ravens.
As seen from below, ravens have a pointed, kite-shaped tail and crow tails are a smooth fan shape.
Raven calls sound like croak and crows make a caw sound.

A crow that has been rescued.
Photo by Dottie Tison

Q. Why are crows considered such an intelligent bird?

A. As mentioned earlier—they make tools. They find situations and objects in the world and adapt them to their own use. They do more than learn responses; they apply the learning to new situations and conditions. One generation teaches the next generation about things they have learned.

Q. Since they’re so smart, can crows be raised as pets by humans?

A. No. The fact that they are intelligent and fun-loving makes some people want them as pets, but those same traits make them especially ill-suited to live in captivity. Crows grow up and live in large families, they form deep friendships and share games and communication. Crows separated from other crows are unhappy, lonely and frustrated. This unhappiness can be reflected in destructive and self-destructive behavior. It is unkind to keep a crow as a pet.

Q. How do birds that know you react when you reach out to touch them?

A. I don’t get the opportunity to touch most birds unless they are injured or ill. Wild crows will not allow you to touch them, but you can almost always make eye contact and talk to them. They will be intrigued that you are interested in them and will very often engage with you.

Q. Since they’re also smart, do ravens develop unusual relationships?

A. Yes, ravens and crows have been known to develop relationships with individuals of other species—dogs, cats, wolves, etc. The important thing to remember is that any bird is in much greater danger of injury when it fails to react appropriately to species they should be wary of. In the wild, making friends with a dog (or a human!) can make a raven vulnerable to other dogs and humans that may harm them.

Q. Do crows deserve the bad reputation they have for being bullies of neighborhood songbirds?

A. Crows are smart, loud and opportunistic and they can often dominate a backyard birdfeeder. However, they rarely kill other songbirds as say, coopers hawks and sharp-shinned hawks routinely do.

Q. What is likely to be wrong with a Corvid that’s brought to a wildlife shelter?

A. Most often corvids brought to a shelter are kidnapped. Yes! Baby crows are as big as their parents and they often end up jumping from the nest before they can fly. They can spend days or even weeks on the ground–often with other crows making a ruckus. People think they are injured when in fact they are just baby crows learning important lessons about survival with their family cheering them on.

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Though fictional, the shelter in my novel, Who Is Mackie Spence? is based on real wildlife rehabilitation centers, where professionals and volunteers heal sick and injured animals. For this blog, I’ll interview shelter caregivers who work on behalf of our wild animal communities. – Lin Kaymer

Q&A with Lynne Weber

Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist, State of Washington

Operations Manager, West Sound Wildlife Shelter 

Q. When did you first become interested in rehabilitating wild animals?

A. When I applied to become a volunteer here at the shelter eight years ago.

Q. What kind of training do you have in the animal rehab field?

A. I’ve taken care of cats and dogs and horses my whole life, but after arriving here I figured out what I wanted to be when I grew up and started to work towards getting my licenses with the state and federal government.

Q. Does everyone who works at a shelter have to be licensed?

A. No most definitely not! I started as a volunteer and that’s what most of our people are. We only have six paid staff.

Q. What kind of training do you need to become licensed?

A. In Washington, you have to take a test. Before the test you work all four seasons, have a veterinary sponsor your application to take the test, and after you pass the test you also have to apprentice under a licensed rehabber for a year.

Q. Do you have favorite animals at West Sound Wildlife Shelter?

A. Mammals are the easiest for me, I understand them and their body systems more than I do the birds, but the birds are fascinating and the first time I held a Bald Eagle was life changing for me.

Q. An eagle! How big was the bird? What was wrong with it?

A. It was an adult female Bald Eagle, who had unfortunately been shot. As she fell from the sky, she broke her back and for a reason we never figured out, lost her ability to make any sound.

Q. When you held that first eagle, what was going through your mind?

A. Absolute AWE! TERROR, JOY. . . I couldn’t breathe. I grew up in Iowa where we only had eagles twice a year during migration. It was a huge deal to for the family to go watch the eagles.

Q. Does West Sound Wildlife Shelter perform surgery on injured animals?

A. Just small surgeries, at this time. We don’t have the room for big ones now. We hope to have the facilities for more complicated surgeries in the future.

Q. It’s astonishing that wild animals let you touch them. How do you keep them calm so they won’t hurt you?

A. They fight! You have to know how to work with them using hoods, and towels and big heavy gloves. They do not know we are trying to help. They think we are a predator that wants to hurt them.

Q. What happens to the animals after they’ve healed?

A. They are released back to the wild! Hopefully it is back where they came from, but if that is not possible, than we make sure that the area they go has others of their kind and the resources they need to support them.

Q. What do you consider your greatest success in returning an animal to the wild?

A. That Bald Eagle I just spoke of. She was with us for three years, rehabilitating. And we were able to return her to the skies!

The post Interview 1: Wildlife Rehab Specialist, Lynne Weber appeared first on Lin Kaymer.

In my debut novel, Who Is Mackie Spence? several characters represent professionals or volunteers in the field of wild animal rehabilitation. Interviews in upcoming blog posts will be with real people who work hundreds of hours every year at wildlife rehab shelters. But first, I offer two samples of shelter activities from Mackie Spence.

In the first excerpt, three characters, Mrs. Vartan, Dru, and Jeremy volunteer at the Olympic Wildlife Shelter. Jeremy, the story’s lead character, narrates:

It’s four o’clock and we still have more cleanup. Mrs. Vartan motions us over to the front desk. “The Large Flight Cage didn’t get cleaned this morning. They were short a volunteer and just ran out of time. Jeremy, would you handle that?” she asks.

I nod because I like being in the big cage with Number 26. Cleanup includes removing bird droppings and food scraps that haven’t been eaten. Those can be almost anything. Like the hair or bones of dead, thawed chicks, rats, mice—whatever has been sent to the wildlife shelter. Though we breed mice for food, sometimes there isn’t enough, and our director, Gabe Hawes, purchases “frozen dinners.” We have an old microwave for defrosting the “dinners” before they are placed in cages for the birds to find. I remember watching in horror when a new volunteer took her warmed sandwich from the animal warming microwave to eat. Whoa! We have another microwave for our own food!

Mrs. Vartan continues. “Dru, let’s transfer the new dry feed from the bags into the bins. Then we’ll check the boxed donations that came in yesterday.” The gifts will include old towels, linens, and bandaging items that people have dropped off.

With my hood and goggles in place, I approach the Large Flight Cage quietly. Afternoon is down time for Number 26. Eagles sleep at night, but are most active in the morning, when they usually hunt. Since Number 26 has been with us for about six months, she knows our schedule for cleaning this cage. If she wanted to, she could get territorial and come after me, but she never has before. A part of me wants to believe that she understands how much we’ve been trying to help her. Or maybe she doesn’t and only tolerates us because of her weakened state. . . .  With two centers of focus, eagles can see both forward and out to the sides of their eyes at the same time. When an eagle hunts, it spots small animals on the ground up to one and a half miles away. There is no way that anyone could sneak in and surprise Number 26.

 

In a second except, Jeremy and Mackie, the story’s other leading character, make volunteer rounds at the shelter:

We’ve saved the best for last: Diana, our resident Barred Owl. Strix varia. She came to the shelter during its first year of operation and has been a star teaching assistant ever since. With a damaged right wing, Diana can’t fly, but she accompanies our wildlife director on field trips to schools and speaking events. My favorite at the shelter, Diana has spooky, glass-brown eyes and dark, striped markings running vertically on her chest feathers. Her call pattern to other owls in the surrounding woods is a cadence of eight hoots, in groups of four.

I have a gutted, defrosted mouse for her, a top pick on any owl’s menu. As we approach, Diana gives a low hoo-hoo. She knows her dinnertime, and it makes me happy to see her reaction to the food. Tonight, however, she doesn’t put on a show of lifting her wings to remind me of her superior size. After Mackie appears, Diana becomes quiet and lowers her eyes.

I leave the mouse near her on a feeding dish and clean up the smelly owl pellets under her perch. If they aren’t removed daily, oh gach! The stench can get bad fast. I scoop and bag the waste, and Mackie and I exit through the door.

*****

Wildlife shelters throughout the world are places of healing. My next post will begin a series of Question & Answer sessions with professionals and volunteers who enable the daily rehabilitation of wild animals and their return to native habitat. – Lin Kaymer

Note:  All blog photos courtesy of and copyrighted by wildlife photographer Dottie Tison.

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