Baltimore Orioles

Orange is for Oriole

Baltimore Orioles are arriving everyday now.  Ours were first seen this past weekend.  

Baltimore Oriole

As soon as oriole season arrives we put out oranges slices for them.  They have travelled a long way and need quick nourishment.  At this time of year they are attracted to oranges.  The colour attracts them and the fruit helps them replace their depleted energy reserves.  This year our oranges were only out for 2 days before we saw the oriole feeding on them.  I have found later on in the season they no longer prefer the oranges probably because they feed mainly on insects at that time.

Female and Male Baltimore Orioles

The photo above shows the colourful plumage of the male oriole.  The female, of course, is duller but still shows some orange.  She can be variable in plumage.  The female shown above has considerable brown on her head.  Others can show more orange on the head.

Baltimore Orioles breed in deciduous forests, forest edges of parks and forests along rivers.  They winter in Florida, Mexico and the West Indies and arrive here in mid-May.  They raise their young here and stay until mid-August to early September.  They are known for their woven hanging basket-like nests which used to be found in elm trees here.  Fortunately they have adapted to other species of trees when we lost so many of our elms to Dutch elm disease.

The Baltimore Oriole received its name because its colours resemble the colours of the coat of arms of Lord Baltimore.  The orange of the male oriole is the most brilliant orange you can ever see.  Being set off with the black makes it a very beautiful bird.  No wonder they are attracted to orange!  Last year we had an interesting sighting which shows just how much they love orange.  We have a solar garden light that is round and orange in colour.  I watched one day as the male oriole landed on it and began to pick at it.  He appeared disappointed that it was not filled with juice!

Sadie's Third Chance

“Something’s wrong. She’s not breathing,” one of the vet techs called to the staff veterinarian.

The tiny kitten had been born just a couple months prior at Animal Friends. Her pregnant mother Sonnet, and nearly three dozen other cats, had come to Animal Friends after being rescued from a severe hoarding situation. Sadie had just escaped being born into an unspeakable life in a now-condemned house.

But now, Sadie was on the verge of losing the second chance she had just been given. She was nearing the day where she was ready to find a loving home, but first had to be spayed. She was a strong, healthy kitten. And, there was no reason to expect that Sadie would have a life-threatening reaction to anesthesia during a routine procedure. But there she was … not breathing … and her heart had stopped.

As quickly as the 2-pound kitten’s breath had stopped, our skilled medical staff jumped into action, performing lifesaving CPR. After a few tense moments, little Sadie was back.

Every day, Animal Friends gives second chances to pets who have found their way through our doors. And sometimes, these animals are in need of a third, or fourth, chance at the life they deserve.

Sadie was given her second and third chances at Animal Friends even before she was old enough to be adopted. She made a full recovery, was safely spayed and found a loving family.

It’s not just the extra special animals, like Sadie, who receive this level of attention and care at Animal Friends. We work tirelessly on behalf of each and every one of our shelter dogs, cats and rabbits.

But without compassionate supporters like you, it simply would not be possible.

You can help more animals, just like Sadie, get another chance at a healthy, happy life. During 31 Days of Compassion at Animal Friends, your donation will be matched! Right now, you can help even more animals.

Click here to make your lifesaving donation today.

Welcome Spring Flowers

Trailing Arbutus (Mayflower)

We all look forward to spring flowers.  It doesn't take long for the beautiful colours and sometimes fragrances of spring flowers to make us forget winter.  

 

Trailing Arbutus (Mayflower)

Mayflowers (Trailing Arbutus Epigaea repens) are one of those special spring flowers.  These are found in woods in southern Canada and northern USA and on mountains farther south.  Here in Atlantic Canada they are found in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.  Blooming in May, their preferred habitat is cool, moist acid woods.  

Trailing Arbutus

The Trailing Arbutus plant is a low, creeping, evergreen plant.  Its leaves are oval and leathery.  Its stem is hairy and woody.  The flowers can be either white or pink and are oh-so fragrant!  They are tubular with 5 petals.  

I sometimes see these plants being sold at the Fredericton Market at this time of year.  That is a shame because these plants are slow growing and should not be picked in large quantities.  This activity should be discouraged.   Please do not buy these plants from local vendors, thus ensuring the longevity of this early spring treasure.

Yuengling's Story

Yuengling is a big, handsome guy with a playful personality and soft eyes that will melt your heart instantly. But like too many of the residents at Animal Friends, Yuengling’s story didn’t start out on a happy note.

In December, local police executed a search warrant while responding to a call of suspected animal cruelty. What they found was a German Shepherd that had been mistreated and neglected. Sweet Yuengling was also in immediate need of medical attention. In cooperation with police, Animal Friends’ Humane Investigations team brought Yuengling back to Animal Friends. Upon receiving a full physical exam, our veterinary staff found a cancerous skin tumor on his chest. Yuengling needed a lifesaving surgery.

Fortunately, Yuengling made it to Animal Friends just in time.

After his tumor was successfully removed he could start his second chance.

Since his surgery, Yuengling continues to recover at Animal Friends. As he continues to progress, his endearing personality (and love for tennis balls!) shines through … something that may not have happened if it wasn’t for our Humane Police Officers.

Animal Friends’ Humane Investigations Department serves as an invaluable resource to all of Allegheny County. While it’s hard to imagine, Animal Friends receives dozens of calls each and every day regarding abused and neglected animals.

Sadly, there are more animals, just like Yuengling, that need your help. There is no better time to give than right now!

Your donation will be matched!

Click here to have your $50 donation turn into $75!

Waiting Far Too Long

When you meet Marie for the first time, you’ll probably think what everyone else does… that she’s a happy and energetic puppy, no older than a year-and-a-half, two at the most. That’s probably because, while she is actually about four years old, we're not sure if she ever had the opportunity to be a puppy. Marie is making up for lost time now because the first couple years of her young life were unimaginable. She was rescued by our Humane Investigations Department and brought to Animal Friends after she was found abandoned outside without food or water.

With such a sad beginning, Marie’s story has slowly turned for the better as she has flourished in her new environment, receiving proper training, a safe place to live and play, and lots and lots of love! She has come such a long way from the frightened, malnourished, filthy from head-to-tail pup that first came to the shelter, and has developed a superstar personality. With her high level of energy, Marie is a constant source of laughs and smiles for the staff and volunteers who have gotten to know her so well.

Marie’s story is far from complete as she impatiently waits for a loving home. She has been waiting, in fact, for much longer than any dog with such a positive and compassionate spirit should have to. Marie has lived at Animal Friends for nearly two years.

While she receives plenty of love and all the care she needs each day, this beautiful girl desperately needs to find a place to settle in with a loving family to call her own. Marie is an incredibly intelligent dog with an abundance of love and happiness to share, with just the right amount of pep to keep her lucky new family on the move.

No pet should have to wait as long as Marie, but because of support from compassionate, caring people like you Animal Friends is able to provide a comprehensive, individualized approach for each of our dogs, cats and rabbits until they find the right family.

You can ensure Animal Friends' commitment to the animals in our care continues Animal Friends’ 31 Days of Compassion!

Thanks to a challenge from an incredibly generous donor, each donation to Animal Friends during the month of May will be matched 50 cents on the dollar up to $40,000! You can improve the lives of the pets and people in our region this month. Give a gift today!

Swamp Sparrow

Sparrow of Marshes and Wetlands

Swamp Sparrow

There is a sparrow that is well known to  seasoned birders but not to the casual birder, the Swamp Sparrow.  It is a small dark sparrow with dark streaked upper parts, gray breast, rust brown on its crown and wing, and a gray face with a dark streak running from the eye posteriorly.  

The Swamp Sparrow breeds in Canada and the northern regions of eastern and central USA.  It winters in central and southeastern USA and into Mexico.  Its preferred habitat is the edges of fresh water marshes, ponds, bogs and along streams.  It feeds on the ground mainly on insects and seeds.  

Swamp Sparrow

The Swamp Sparrow can often be located first by its song; a long single-noted trill.  Its call note is a sharp, metallic note.  When you hear either,  look around and you will find the Swamp Sparrow sitting on a cattail or willow bush near the water.  They have been back here in New Brunswick now for about 2 weeks.  The bird in the photos above has its crown feathers raised.  I have never seen that before and it probably indicates a bird alert to danger.

The photos above were taken at the St. George marsh where the Swamp Sparrows have settled in for their summer breeding program.  This is a species that is rewarding to look for.  Good luck.

Animal Friends' 31 Days of Compassion presents Corina

 


“But ma’am, your kittens …” a voice insisted, “… they’re sick.” After some coaxing, the woman  reluctantly handed over four very sick, very young kittens to Animal Friends’ Humane Police Officer. Our officer took one look at the kittens and knew this wouldn’t be our last visit. 

Within the week, we returned with a warrant and support from social services. We were prepared to save lives but not for what was inside …

The house was in total disarray. Buckets of human and feline waste, disassembled plumbing and walls torn down to the studs. Amazingly dozens of cats and kittens were surviving in the filth and refuse.

We quickly got to work. And, over the course of the next few weeks four dozen cats were taken to Animal Friends.

 

All of these sweet kitties were in need of immediate medical attention. Each one was suffering from upper respiratory infection (URI).

And, the condition of one gray kitten in particular, Corina, was especially worrisome. She was suffering from ear mites, malnourishment, dehydration and bacterial and viral infections. This sweet girl should have never had to suffer from these compounding issues over the course of her lifetime … let alone at such a tender age.

After she was treated medically she was placed her into a foster home. There, Corina would be provided much-needed around-the-clock care ... and learn what it means to be loved. 

Soon enough, this tiny kitten’s personality began to shine.

What an adorable, imp-like kitten she is! Bounding and skidding across hardwood floors when singsongedly called. It’s no surprise Corina loves to play. She is frequently found clomping around, entertaining herself with her favorite mouse-teaser toy.

Unfortunately, this tiny kitty didn’t come away from her past with a clean bill of health. She constantly has the sniffles. With the proper treatment we thought they’d clear up but each time we weaned her off of medication, her symptoms would persist. It was then we realized this tiny gray Tabby will forever cope with chronic URI symptoms. 

To some, those sniffles may seem endearing. To us, it’s a reminder of the mistreatment Corina endured. Had she received proper medical care her condition would have been prevented. And now she’ll require an extra special family with the patience and understanding to give her a home. Until they come along,we remain committed to giving little Corina her second chance.

Sadly, our region is full of pets, just like Corina, that still need your help. 

But you can ensure the lives of more animals will be saved from abusive and neglectful situations. With your support medical, behavioral and holistic care will be provided to the animals in our care. With your support thousands of pets will be given another chance at a life.

And, right now through May 31 every dollar you give in support of 31 Days of Compassion will be matched 50 cents on the dollar up to $40,000. Click here to help more animals just like Corina.

Please give generously. They're depending on your compassion.