Cedar Waxwing

Late Summer Nester

Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a common New Brunswick summer resident.  It is usually found in brushy habitat, open areas, and suburbia where it can find its favourite food: flowers, buds, berries and other small fruits, and insects.  Its high pitched zeeeee call is a common summer sound.

Cedar Waxwing

Any brownish bird with a crest and a yellow tip on its tail is a waxwing.  We have two species, the Cedar and the Bohemian Waxwings.  Generally the Cedar Waxwing is a summer resident and breeder here and the Bohemian is a winter visitor.  The Cedar Waxwing is a bit smaller than the Bohemian Waxwing.  It is 18 cm long (7.3").  It is usually seen in flocks as it flits from one food source to another.  It has a black mask and black on the upper throat.  Its body is a smooth brown which transitions into yellow on the belly.  It has white under tail coverts.  The dark wings sometimes have bright scarlet 'wax' appendages.  The Cedar Waxwing can be told from the Bohemian Waxwing because it lacks the cinnamon colour on the under tail coverts and it has no white bar on the wing.

Cedar Waxwing

As indicated in the title above, the Cedar Waxwing is a late summer nester.  It delays its nesting until there is an abundance of berries to feed its young.  This is an interesting adaptation by this species.  They can be seen almost everywhere in summer in New Brunswick.  This species is native to most of southern Canada and the United States.  It winters in the southernmost parts of Canada (including a few in New Brunswick), the United States and into Central America.  In winter it is not unusual to see some here mingled in with flocks of Bohemian Waxwings.  

Cedar Waxwing

There have been some Cedar Waxwings reported with an orange tail tip rather than the characteristic yellow.  That is because they have been eating the fruit of an exotic honeysuckle species during molt which taints their feather colour during new feather growth.

The juvenile waxwings are mainly grayish with the characteristic crest, streaks on their breast and a white chin.  They will soon be seen in our area so watch for them with the flocks of adults.  Good birding!

Home to Home Adoption Program: Millie

Millie was adopted by her current family when she was just 4 months old. Now, at 6 years old, this pretty girl is in search of a family that will continue to give her all the love she deserves. Millie needs a home where she will be able to snuggle up on the couch with people who love her. She loves to play fetch with her toys, enjoys going for walks and rides in the car, and is even content to just relax around the house or outside.

This Poodle/Dachshund mix is extremely well-mannered and is friendly toward everyone she meets. She runs to greet guests at the door with her tail wagging and loves to give kisses. She is housebroken and knows how to sit, lay down, roll over, sit up, give paw, speak, dance and fetch (whew!). She is a very smart little lady and is always eager to please.

Millie is in excellent health, is spayed, up-to-date on all of her vaccinations and has a microchip. She gets along well with other small dogs but isn't quite as comfortable with larger dogs. Millie's family wants to find her a home where she will get all the same love and attention that she is used to. All that's left to happen is the right family to meet her and fall in love!

If you can give Millie a loving home, please contact jackieandken@hotmail.com.

Home to Home Adoption Program: Bruce Wayne

This beautiful, 4-year-old kitty with big eyes is Bruce Wayne. After being involved in an accident when he was a kitten, this sweet boy only has three legs – he’s missing his front right leg – but he doesn’t let that stop him from getting around. Once he warms up to you, he’ll follow you around the house until you’re ready for his favorite activity … cuddling!

 

Bruce Wayne is great with other cats, but hasn’t had much experience meeting dogs. He has spent his entire life as an indoor cat and would like to keep it that way! Since he has a sensitive stomach, keeping his diet consistent has helped him to live a perfectly normal life.

This lovable guy has been an amazing companion, but his current owner will soon be moving and is unable to take him along. Can you give Bruce Wayne the great family and loving home he deserves?

 

 

If you’re interested in meeting Bruce Wayne, contact Ashley:

412.799.4919 | athrone@live.com



A Fighting Chance

“Come on. Just a little further sweet boy,” our veterinary technician gently encouraged. She wrapped her arm around the young dog’s torso to help him take a few wobbly steps. She was holding a plate of warm chicken to entice him. This brindle-coated, emaciated dog is Cory. He arrived so ravaged by neglect that you could count every one of his ribs and see every notch of his spine.

It was a wonder that he was even alive ...

She steadied Cory on his feet and removed the support of her arm. He attempted to take a step on his own. But it was too much. His atrophied muscles gave out and he collapsed to the floor. A forlorn wag of his tail was all he could muster. She kissed his nose and rewarded his brave attempt with the plate of chicken.

She worried if Cory was going to make it. It was still too early to tell, but she would do everything she could to give him a fighting chance.

We’ll never fully know what Cory went through. Maybe it’s better that we don’t.

We can only assume that he survived by scavenging for anything edible in the house. That is … until he became so weak with malnourishment that he simply couldn’t move.

When the local police found him, Cory was huddled with another dog in a pile of trash. He could barely lift his head to see the faces of those who would remove him from his suffering.

It’s hard to imagine, but two children were also removed from the residence. Thankfully, social services stepped in to provide them the help they needed. And, while another animal organization was able to take the four cats that were found, Cory and the other dog, Topanga, became part of our Animal Friends family.

The moment the two dogs came through our doors, the Animal Friends team jumped into action. Our experienced Medical staff immediately provided them the emergency medical care they so desperately needed. Topanga was in critical condition. Cory was on the verge of death.

For the first few weeks we held our breath. Cory received blood transfusions, a specially formulated diet and feeding plan, extensive physical therapy ... and the list went on. Day by day, Cory continued to fight.

Within a few weeks Cory was able to stand on his own. Shortly thereafter he was walking. And now, the only collapsing we have to worry about is when he excitedly collapses into the waiting
arms of staff and volunteers.

It was still some time before Cory was ready for a new home. Until then, we’ll be sure to give him all the love and care he can handle. And, just maybe, we’ll be able to erase the past that he so narrowly escaped.

None of us wants to believe that situations like Cory’s really do happen right here in our own communities. That right next door there may be animals – and children – clinging to life. But that’s why Animal Friends is here. To step in, provide rescue and safe haven, and offer that critical second chance.

Rescuing and rehabilitating animals like Cory takes a lot of time, energy and resources. And, no matter how long it takes or what it costs, we know it is worth every second ... and every dollar.

Tragically, Cory is just one of thousands of animals who come to Animal Friends each year in need of a fighting chance. And, that’s why we are coming to you.

We need your help.

Please consider a gift in support of our work. From humane investigations and rescue to adoption services and low-cost spay/neuter clinics, you will ensure that our lifesaving programs will be here for the pets … and people … who need them.

Click here to give them a fighting chance.

Crested Caracara

The Impossible Visitor

Crested Caracara [Internet Photo]

There has been an elusive raptor flying in southwestern New Brunswick for nearly two months.  It was first reported in early May and was considered a false report by many.  It was relocated about a week ago in the Lake Utopia area and seen by just a handful of people.  It was coming to roadkill on a road east of the lake and first viewed by a passerby.  A blurry photo confirmed its presence.  I think I saw this bird on May 8.  It was with ravens and flew across the road quickly in front of our car.  I noted the white on the rounded wingtips and could not identify it at the time.  The species is so rare here one does not immediately think of it as a possibility.

Crested Caracara [Internet Photo]

The Crested Caracara (Caracara cheriway) is a large raptor.  It is classified as a falcon but does not look much like a sleek falcon.  It is 58 cm (23 in) long with a wide wingspan.  It associates with scavengers like ravens and vultures.  It has a long white head and neck, long yellow legs, black crest, orange facial skin, grey blue beak, black body, white tail with a black terminal band.  When it flies it shows characteristic rounded wings with large white wingtip patches.  This species usually is close to the ground either walking or perched on nearby poles or trees.  

Crested Caracara with Turkey Vulture [Internet Photo]

Why is this species the 'impossible visitor'?  Well, it is so far out of its range it is seemingly impossible for it to be here.  Its normal range is in Central and South America.  It is a permanent resident of Texas, Central Florida, southeastern Arizona but mainly in Mexico, Panama, some Caribbean Islands, and northern South America.  What is it doing here?  The species is nonmigratory but occasionally there are vagrants that wander to Minnesota, Ontario and the Maritimes.  This must be the year!  Actually, there was one here a number of years ago.  I saw that one in northern New Brunswick on 29 October 2002.  It stayed a few days and was seen by many.  

The Crested Caracara is a scavenger and prefers to feed on carrion as well as small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, insects, eggs, and small birds.  Sometimes a group of caracaras work together to capture prey.  

This is a very interesting species to show up here.  I hope it stays long enough to be seen by many who would appreciate it for its uniqueness.  According to the literature, it is a common subject of folklore and legends throughout Central and South America.  It is sometimes called the 'Mexican Eagle'.  If you see a handsome long-legged hawk that is associating with vultures this summer, please leave a message on the Nature Moncton Information Line at 506-384-6397 or leave a comment on this blog.  A photograph is helpful but never disturb the bird in order to get it.  Happy Birding!

Fourth of July Pet Safety Tips

Linda Mitzel Photography

Many of us are looking forward to Fourth of July weekend this year. Families will be gathering for outdoor barbeques, friends will be enjoying the warm summer weather by the pool and what Independence Day celebration would be complete without fireworks?
 
Unfortunately, in the flurry of patriotic parties that are planned for the long holiday weekend, pets can unintentionally be put at risk. Many of the activities that humans see as fun and games can be dangerous and frightening for our pets. Knowing how to keep your pets safe and happy during the festivities could quite literally save their life.

Proper Identification

Be sure that your pet is wearing a collar with legible and up-to-date contact information at all times. In the event that your furry friend escapes from the safety of your home, proper identification will allow neighbors, animal control and law enforcement agencies to contact you if your pet is found. Microchipping your pet is an easy and inexpensive way to implant them with a permanent form of identification. Most animal shelters, police departments and veterinarians are equipped with scanners that can read microchips and access the contact information they contain.

Prevent Escape Artists

In all the commotion of a family picnic, your pet could easily slip through an open door or window unnoticed. By the time your family becomes aware of its missing member, they could be miles away, lost and disoriented. To prevent any curious escape artists, ensure that your pets are contained to areas where they will be safe and unable to wander out of your home or yard unsupervised. Your guests should also be aware of the presence of pets and will help you to keep an eye out for their security. In situations when your guests may not be pet-savvy, it may be best to board your pet or keep them separated in another room for the evening.

Food Safety

A favorite part of any holiday celebration is the delicious food. Our pets share this sentiment and would happily rummage through a wastebasket to sample the chargrilled goodness. Styrofoam trays, aluminum foil, paper products, plastic bags and other food containers can pose a safety hazard if consumed by a hungry pet. It is also essential to keep in mind that certain foods that are safe for humans can be harmful to pets. Ribs, chicken and other meats on the bone, corn on the cob, hot dogs, fruit salad and desserts are among the barbecue foods that could be potentially dangerous for pets.

Action Plan

In the event that your pet becomes lost, it is important to have a plan. Be familiar with animal care facilities in your area and have your local law enforcement’s contact information handy. If your pet does run away, enlist the help of your family, friends and neighbors to hang fliers and post photos and information on online message boards. Social media is a particularly powerful tool to reach a large number of people and quickly locate a lost pet. Be sure to send a photo of your pet along with your contact information to local animal shelters so that you can be notified if your pet is brought in.

Fireworks

Humans love the booming, crackling and pretty colors of fireworks in the night sky. Pets, however don’t share our love of pyrotechnics. The loud bangs, potent smell and bright flashes can cause pets to panic and flee in search of a quiet place. While you’ll want to end the holiday surrounded by your loved ones enjoying a firework display, do your pet a favor and leave them in a calm place where they won’t be exposed to the fear and anxiety that come with a pyrotechnic presentation.

Although it may be difficult to feel as though you are excluding your pets from all the fun this holiday weekend, the most important thing is their security and well-being. You will be at ease knowing that your their safety has been carefully considered and your pets will certainly thank you for keeping them well-protected!

In the event that your pet becomes lost or if you have found a lost pet, visit Animal Friends online for valuable tips and resources at ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/LostAndFound.

The Posy - Scene & Story June 2017

On a bench at the lakeside metro station,

there was a forgotten posy of wild flowers starting to look a little wilted

and very thirsty.

The next metro didn't come for five minutes and nobody came to claim these flowers,

so it seemed the best thing to do was to bring them home,

trim their stalks and give them plenty of water.

They soon perked up in my little fluted vase

and their presence on my small round table

was both joyful and endearing.

I had a feeling that these flowers had been picked by a young child,

the stalks were uneven and broken at all different lengths.

I just hoped that she (or he) didn't go back to look for them...

and find them gone.

If you know the little posy creator,

please will you thank them for me

and show them how their flowers have been loved and well-cared for in my home.

They have thrived and smiled at me for many days.

Every time I looked at them, I thought of you,

the unknown and mysterious posy child!

A tender posy

Quite forgotten on a bench

Found its way to me.

***

Click here to join the Scene & Story link-up at Paisley Rain Boots