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| President's Message |
| As we move from 2011 into the New Year I would like to take the opportunity to share
with you some of the details that have occurred at Wild Bunch Wildlife Refuge during the
year. It has been another very busy year with more and more of our wild friends needing help. There are unfortunately never enough people able to help with the many tasks that are required. Mostly of course to care for the animals, keeping the property in good shape, and answering the many calls asking for advise and help about wildlife. We are also always in desperate need for drivers, who are willing to take some of the animals to veterinaries and the often long drive to the Wildlife Center of Virginia, who have been very helpful, accepting and treating some of the animals that require special care and knowledge. As you will see later in this report. After an unusually hot, humid and miserable summer, we were hopeful that fall would bring the perfect time to release in the wild most of our rehabilitated friends. Mother Nature, however, had other plans for us. First an earthquake, which briefly scared us but did no major damage to our facilities. Soon thereafter, Hurricane Irene arrived with a deluge of rain, causing a number of large trees to become uprooted. Fortunately, no real damage was done and we looked forward to fall’s arrival with predictably pleasant weather. Unfortunately, soon, Tropical Storm Lee arrived causing major damage and problems all throughout the Northern Neck area and brought us the most incredible and terrible rain that lasted five days and five nights nonstop. It caused lots of erosion and many large trees became uprooted and had to be cut down to keep them from falling on the release cages and other structures. Also large branches and other debris had to be removed from the large stream that runs along the release cages. The biggest problem we are now facing is the terrible damage to the bridge that connects the sections of the property. It caused major erosion and the bridge is now longer safe to cross. The whole area around the bridge is not passable and actually very dangerous to even enter that area. This is not only a very expensive project, it also involves an experienced contractor that is qualified to work on bridges, docks and areas around water. There are also the legal issues to consider as all our streams flow eventually into the Potomac River and this brings the Clean Water ACT into the picture. We finally were able to find a local qualified contractor that is familiar with the area and the legal issues involved in the project. Not only does the bridge have to be rebuilt, but the whole area around the bridge has to be stabilized. This indeed is a very large and expensive project. It also involves legal issues in regards to the Clean Water ACT. We are very grateful that we did not have major damage to the buildings and cages and also did not lose power during this period. Virtually all homes in the area were without power for over two weeks. Our generator kicked in and helped us survive this hectic period. Although costly, the generator is one of the best investments we made. We indeed are very grateful that despite of the difficult weather conditions we were able to successfully release all our animals that needed to enjoy freedom before winter set in. During 2011 Wild Bunch cared for over 900 animals, such as birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and also some domestic animals, such as ducks, geese, and birds that the public found and did not know where to turn to. Most of these animals have been rehabilitated and successfully released back to the wild. Advise Calls: Besides rehabilitating and caring for wild animals at the Wild Bunch Wildlife Refuge and the Alexandria Facility, we also received over 3000 calls from the public with wildlife-related questions. Dealing with such a large amount of calls, especially during baby season (March through September), entails a great amount of time. We spend time answering the calls and explaining to the caller what to do to make the animal leave without trapping or other means. Also, in order to educate the public and help the animals, we send information and details about what type of animals they called about. In some cases, we make home visits to check the area and emphasize what we recommend will work better than calling trappers, pest control companies or animal shelters. We don’t want the public to trap the animals because they could be killed. The best outcome is when we can provide information that provides the caller with tolerance, but also to help them to appreciate their wild neighbors and see them for the fascinating beings that they are. Again, our most successful programs of 2011 were the treatment of mostly red foxes inflicted with sarcoptic mange. During the year, we received over 300 calls from the public seeking advice on how best to help foxes to overcome this very debilitating condition. We provide callers with an informational document, “Foxes and the treatment of Sarcoptic Mange,” as well as the necessary medication and instructions on how to proceed. Quite often we go to the location and show the caller how to best go about the treatment. This year again, we received several calls about people insisting the mangy foxes were coyotes. So, we felt it necessary to go to the area of the incident to investigate if it really concerned coyotes. Each time it indeed, was a red fox. We are very grateful that so many people are willing to help these poor animals and are really concerned about their welfare. Quite often we receive phone calls, letters and e-mails from these helpful people telling us about the progress the foxes made after the treatment. This year we also were able to help coyotes and several squirrels overcome this debilitating problem. Wildlife Rehabilitator Training: As every year, some of our rehabilitators and caregivers were able to attend various excellent classes and training at the Wildlife Center of Virginia and other centers that provide training. The day- long “How to rehabilitate Raccoons”, was conducted again this spring and helped several caregivers becoming interested in actually rehabbing raccoons. Also, this year several of our rehabilitators and care givers were fortunate to be able to attend the “Call of the Wild” conference conducted by the Wildlife Center of Virginia a well-respected and internationally known hospital to native wildlife that is located in Waynesboro, Virginia. Refuge Improvements during the year: We were unable to make many of the improvements during the year that we hoped to complete. We were inundated with an incredible amount of wildlife that taking care of the animals took all our resources. But, we are finally in the process of building a state of the art flight cage. It will be 3000 square feet and include four interior cages. This was long overdue and necessary as we receive so many raptors that have to be able to learn how to fly before they can be released. It was difficult to find a contractor that was competent to build a cage that meets standards required by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – Migratory Bird Permit Office. As we are receiving more and more bald eagles every year it is imperative to have such a flight cage. We are hopeful that the flight cage will be completed and ready for the first early occupants. Community Outreach Efforts and Other Events: While most of our baby season activities involve caring for the animals, we also teach classes, participate in community outreach activities, and attend other events that will enhance our ability to help our wild neighbors. Although summer is when we have the most animals to care for, it is also the time that many educational programs for children are held. This summer we conducted several week-long Animal Awareness Camps that were geared to educate children ages 9 – 12 and 13 –15 about animals and the environment. These sessions emphasized compassion, safety, and kindness. Wild Bunch also conducted several programs for elementary school children called “How you and your family can help wildlife”. This is an introduction to native wildlife and their benefit. It is rewarding to us to be able to interact with young children and help them understand the important role that wildlife plays in their lives. Learning to co-exist with our wild neighbors is so vital to our world. Other programs sponsored by Wild Bunch featured presentations on native wildlife and wildlife rehabilitation to juveniles and adults. Erika was also a guest speaker at several Virginia and Maryland Nature Centers. Topics, were, “How to live with wildlife” and “To feed and not to feed wildlife”. We believe that it is so very important to teach people of all ages about our wild neighbors. Learning more about these animals will hopefully make it a better world for all of us. We encourage participants to share the handouts and other information with family and friends. In May, Erika participated in a favorite annual program, Wetland’s Awareness Day at Huntley Meadows, Fairfax County’s large wetland park. Hundreds of visitors stopped by the table to view posters and photographs of our wild orphans, gather information about Virginia species, ask questions, and discuss their own wildlife experiences. Children and young visitors were given special coloring books that provided interesting and educational information about most of our area’s wild animals. Diana participated again in the Northern Neck Community Day Event. She distributed pamphlets and other material about wildlife and the Wild Bunch Wildlife Refuge. She also gave a presentation about native wildlife and Wild Bunch’s educational programs. Erika was also guest speaker at a conference of the ”Daughters of the American Revolution” (DAR). Explaining Wildlife Rehabilitation, native wildlife and most common problems the public has with wildlife and solving these problems. I told the audience to call if they had a problem and we would help to find a resolution. The talk was well received and we continue to receive calls, from members of the audience. Erika was also invited to several speaking engagements for several Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) events. We are grateful for the opportunity to speak to federal employees about Wild Bunches work and what we do in the hopes that employees will select Wild Bunch in their donations to the program. Exciting Event: In early December Diana was instrumental in helping a juvenile bald eagle that has been making headlines throughout the year and all over the country. Earlier this year, NX, as the bald eagle is called, had been rescued from her nest at the Norfolk Botanical Garden, and treated at the Wildlife Center of Virginia. After the juvenile bald Eagle was released and returned to its nest, it was later found in the middle of the road near the Ophelia post office in Northumberland County, feasting on a deer carcass. A local animal control officer took it to The Wild Bunch Wildlife Refuge for first aid. Diana was able to stabilize the eaglet and found transporters who were willing to drive to the Wildlife center of Virginia where it was evaluated and treated by the resident veterinarian. It is currently still there being evaluated and treated. We will keep you up on the progress of eaglet NX. Planned Tour of the Wild Bunch Wildlife Refuge: Every year we receive numerous requests from people wanting to tour the Wild Bunch Wildlife Refuge. So many of our supporters and helpers, really deserve to view our operation. We are working on making this finally possible. We will keep you informed when this will take place. I recommend for you to send us your e-mail address so we can notify you. Financial Good News Last year, Wild Bunch was delighted to be selected again to participate in the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) of the National Capital Area. The CFC is a charitable donation program for federal government employees. It is the largest workplace charity campaign in the country and the only program authorized to solicit and collect contributions from federal employees at their workplace. The annual charitable donation drive provides funds to a wide variety of nonprofit local, national, and international organizations. We were pleased that the 2010 CFC donations will cover some of the large expenses, such as completing the large flight cage, re- building the bridge and stabilizing the area around it. We would be extremely appreciative if you would encourage any federal employees you know to consider making Wild Bunch one of their CFC charities. Our designated CFC number is 69040. Please help us keep pace with the rapidly changing threats facing wildlife and the ever increasing amount of wildlife that need our help. We welcome and need your continuing support. To all of you who have helped make the Wild Bunch Refuge a unique and wonderful place, my sincere thanks and gratitude. My special thanks and appreciation goes to all the dedicated and helpful caregivers and volunteers that have helped and made a big difference in so many animals in this very busy and hectic year. This would not have been possible without you. One of the changing features of the website "True Story." Beginning in February it will be “The Trial and Tribulations of Bald Eaglet NX”. This will explain in great detail the complete life story of this amazing eaglet and its family, as well as the many people that have tried to help. I very much recommend reading this interesting story of this fascinating Bald Eaglet. Thank you for your continuing support as the gift you give wildlife today will make the New Year better for all of us! Thank you! Erika Yery |