A Feather
in the
Wind
A Publication of Last Chance Forever/The Bird of Prey Conservancy Sarah Montez, Editor
Winter 2007
From the Executive Director’s Desk:
I have been caring for, and caring about animals for a very long time.
Let’s just say that the Lone Ranger was on the television while I was
feeding young orphaned critters.
The very first thought that came to my mind when writing this
article was that I wish to thank two very impressive groups
of people. First, I must mention my incredibly devoted staff,
including the volunteers. They are amazing, they do their job
way beyond what remuneration they receive and contribute even
more by doing above what is needed without hesitation. Not driven
by a clock, or a desire for personal gain, they give me great hope for
the future with their dedication, anxious to learn attitudes, and sincere
ambition to be better at what I have done for a long time.
Secondly, I wish to thank our wonderful supporters. Your financial help allows us so much more capability when we
are not scrambling to make ends meet. Our supporters pay attention to our work, and their assistance eases the burden
of our load. Not by making us rich, but by improving our qualities needed to do the job at hand. Their support is a
rarity- for when it comes to philanthropic giving, only 5% of all charity is directed towards animals, and somewhere
down in the very bottom of that 5% is wildlife. I believe this amount is so low because humans have a very hard time
with the fact that we cannot easily hug, touch, or possess wild animals, so it makes us feel that they contribute little to
us- when in fact their contribution to the quality of life on this earth is absolutely huge. Being indicator species, they
drink, eat and breathe from the same eco-system as we do; and because they are smaller they shall die before us. If
we just keep our eyes open, their death gives the observant an opportunity to see the future. Hopefully, we are paying
attention, and we are passing this knowledge down.
Lastly, I would like to share with you a very inspirational moment. Years ago, a young girl came with her family to
a bird presentation. There, they found our educational birds quietly standing on their perches in the weathering area.
To her and her brother, it was a curious thing- they were not trying to fly away. Her brother then asked their father, as
most children would, “are these birds tame?” He responded “no” at first, then “yes”, then “kind of”, as he tried to find
a way to tell the truth about why they were not trying to escape. Suddenly the girl spoke up and said, “No Dad, no
they are here because Mr. Karger tamed their brains, and asked them to be here so we could see their beauty. But Dad,
she said, their hearts…their hearts are wild.”
So I pass on to you what I gleaned from that moment. We must always keep our brains tame, otherwise we are just
wild animals out of control- and we must always keep our hearts wild, so we can recognize the wild and never destroy
it. May peace come into your life!
Kindest Regards,
John A. Karger, Executive Director
Last Chance Forever/The Bird of Prey Conservancy - a non profit tax exempt 501 (c) (3) organization
P.O. Box 460993 • San Antonio, Texas 78246 • (210) 499-4080 • www.lastchanceforever.org
Rehabilitation News:
by Shanon Taylor, Raptor Technician
A success story accomplished by good scientific methodology
that warms the heart with every wing beat!
Early in August, a call for help came in to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department about an owl hanging from the top of a
telephone pole. A neighbor near the property where the bird was located called the Game Warden division, and reported that she
had seen a large Great Horned Owl hanging upside down from the top of the pole. She was caught in a leg hold trap. This device,
while commonly used by fur trappers, is illegal when used on a bird of prey. It is a smaller version of the old bear traps that snap
closed suddenly when a trigger in the center of two smooth jaws, compressed by springs, is depressed. When released, the jaws
clamp down on the leg of an unsuspecting victim. Unlike the old bear traps, the edges of these metal jaws are not serrated with
teeth that can cut through bone. Instead, they are smooth, but the animal is still unable to become free, no matter how much they
struggle.
To target a bird of prey, the trap is attached to a perfect raptor observation point: a tall perch, which in this case, was a tall pole.
Wanting to seek out the highest point in an area, the bird lands on top of the pole, and once caught in the trap, is usually left to
hang there and die a long, slow death. This was a practice people tolerated a long time ago, when protecting a poultry flock was
a determining factor in the survival of a family’s food source on the frontier. Today, it is a cruel excuse for not being a good
shepherd and not building a proper, covered chicken house.
Last Chance Forever has a very good relationship with state and federal wildlife agencies, so the Game Warden turned to us
for assistance. Our Director John Karger and staff member Kelly Rayner were dispatched from our center immediately. Upon
arrival, they found the owl dangling by her leg, with one toe completely compressed in the trap. Barely alive and tired from
struggling, she stayed amazingly still and allowed John and Kelly to work frantically to free her. The crew lowered the pole,
unchained the trap, removed the weak bird from the jaws of death, and transported it immediately to Last Chance Forever’s raptor
center. Stabilization consisted of a thorough exam, cleaning and treating the open wounds, and administering fluids. The very
next morning, an appointment was made with Dr. Melissa Hill to evaluate the condition of the owl. Our Veterinarian decided to
surgically remove the toe that was caught in the trap. The compression damage was too severe to expect a successful recovery,
as the metal jaws had almost completely severed the toe off of the foot. The owl was a bit more lucky with her leg, in that the
wounds there were only superficial. The magnificent night hunter had survived!
After surgery came long weeks of daily physical therapy, including
hydrotherapy, which stimulated the rest of the foot’s circulation
and kept the wound clean and clear of infection. The owl quickly
began eating on its own, which is often key in ensuring their future
survival. As soon as the wound was fully healed, she was added
to a flight exercise cage, wherein she found she was housed with
other juvenile Great Horned Owls for both flight conditioning and
socialization. Once she was strong in her flight, and proved capable
of living with other owls, she was presented with a final series of
tests to determine her strength and survivability. This once downed
bird successfully captured live prey three separate times; and
freedom was finally at hand.
On a cool overcast day in November, we carefully put her in a
darkened transport box and drove to Lake Buchanan, outside of
Burnet Texas. Joining us were our friends and supporters from the
Vanishing Texas River Cruise, a premiere ecological tour company.
We journeyed up the Colorado River looking for the perfect release
location. It was a special day- not only was the beautiful owl being
set free, it was being documented by a French film crew for a show
in France much like our National Geographic here in the U.S. I
opened the box door, allowing light to stream in, and removed
her from the last of her human bondage. Everyone said goodbye,
some holding back tears of joy as I gently set the owl on a release
platform. She unfolded her huge wings and flew strongly away,
landing in a tree one hundred and fifty yards away without even a
stumble. As we held back wild emotions, she stood triumphant,
checking out her surroundings and newfound freedom.
Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Area Event: Fall fundraiser benefitting Last Chance Forever held by Boerne Visitors center
Our entire staff recently participated in the first annual “Fall Harvest Moon Festival” at the Boerne
Visitors Center. It was an eventful fundraiser for L.C.F., with a higher than anticipated attendence, and
plenty of fun for all. In addition to two well-received daytime raptor presentations, there were Celtic
musicians, face painting, art projects, pie-eating contests, and food for all tastes.
Once darkness arrived and the moon rose, guests had quite a treat- a small guided tour through the
back garden of the center. There, perched among the greenery, were all of our “Night Flyers”. Visitors
had the opportunity to view a variety of owls up close, learn what makes each species a unique hunter,
and appreciate how amazing these birds of prey really are.
Thanks to Wendy Little, the fantastic crew from the Boerne visitors center, the Boerne Convention
& Visitors Bureau, and all those participants who helped make this event possible!
Upcoming Events
February: Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge - Ocelot Festival
February 9th
Weslaco Valley Nature Center
February 24th
April: Waxahachie - Scaraborough Faire
April 5th - May 26th (Memorial Monday)
Weekends only
Dates may be subject to change. Please visit our website,
www.lastchanceforever.org, for times and locations.
(Events may be found under the heading: “Calendar”)
Last Chance Forever Gift Shop
Many of our supporters have seen us at public events, and have purchased memorabelia from our staff at the time.
For those who have not seen us recently, we have several new items available- in addition to our popular favorites!
To view a complete listing of merchandise, and to download an order form, please visit our website gift shop.
And as always, feel free to call us at (210) 499-4080 for more information about individual items.
Whether hawks,
falcons or owls
are your personal
favorite, we have a
pewter pin for every
taste. Imported from
England, they make a
great addition to any
jacket or backpack.
From soft, cuddly versions of our national
symbol, to coloring books for kids of all
ages - our children’s toys and books are a
fun way to introduce the next generation to
the amazing world of raptors.
Always a best seller,
our “Raptors Rule!”
t-shirt comes in both
small children and
adult sizes.
The back of this two
sided tee reads:
“Everything Else is
Just Lunch.”
They have been friends since childhood, with
birds of prey and falconry as a common bond.
On this day, each received a magnificent gift.
His birthday gift was to release an eagle - he
returned a gift of renewed friendship. The eagle
sailed away carrying their hopes and spirits!
Dr. Leo Tynan and Director John Karger on a release
Surgery
Education
Volunteer Col. Mike Hinkle, Air Force Ret.
Barn Owl Exam
Dr.Melissa Hill At Work!
We would not be a
complete team without
our volunteers. They
help the project
With her invaluable
tremendously
with
knowledge and surgical
their
dedication,
hard
skill, Dr. Melissa Hill is
work,
and
plenty
of
a vital part of the Last
fun
times
along
the
Chance Forever family.
way!
Thank you for all you do!
Great Horned Owl Exam
Dr. Charles Romanick and Dr. Melissa Hill
Raptor Rangers
Memorial Fund:
In our memory and never forgotten:
Jay Bell, Betsy Damon, Colonel Darling, Ronnie Ersch, Linda Hahn, Nancy Holmes, Hagbard D. Hansen,
Signa M. Karger, Walter H. Karger, Walter Karger, Amy Freeman Lee, Kevin O’Malley, Bob Nash,
William Jeffery Pylant, Pat Quick, Diane Roche, Joseph Simonich, William White, Edgar Watkins
Last Chance Forever’s Wish List
Thank you for supporting our work at Last Chance Forever.
Cleaning
13 gal. Trash Bags
55 gal. Trash Bags
Clorox Bleach
Gallon Size Zipper Freezer Bags
Green Scrub Sponges
Household Paper Products
Household Soap Products
Simple Green Cleaner
Hardware
Masking Tape
Plastic Zip Ties (All Sizes)
Portable Welder/Generator
Medical
Vet Wrap
First Aid/ Medical Supplies
Office
3” x 3” Sticky Notes
9” x 12” Envelopes
#10 Business size Envelopes
Clear Laminating Sheets
Photo Albums (Sleeve,
Not Magnetic)
Photo Album Sleeve Pages
(Extra)
Postage Stamps
Regular & Small Bound
Note Books
Electronics/Computer
9 Volt, AA, and D Size Batteries
CD-R & DVD Blank Disks
Cordless 2.4 GHz Headset
Telephone
HP Photo Printer Paper
HP Printer Cartridge
(HP DeskJet 855 model;
black & color)
Mobile Telephone Services
For A Year
Palm Pilot PDAs (Compatible
With Mac OS X)
Recent Model Laptop Computers
(Mac Preferred)
Two Page Computer Monitors
Surge protectors
Extension cords
Outdoor
Food/ Cafeteria Trays
Heavy Duty Garden Hose
Plastic Wading Pools
Thick Leather Welders’ Type
Gloves
Yes! I would like to make helping Last Chance Forever part of my family’s wildlife heritage!
Individual or family contributions
Name
Address
Phone
Email (optional)
I am enclosing my contribution of:
__$25 __$50 __$100 __$200 __Other___________
Please Send Your Tax-Deductible Contribution to:
Last Chance Forever/The Bird of Prey Conservancy
P.O. Box 460993
San Antonio, Texas 78246
We at L.C.F. respect our supporters, and wish to ensure you that we will
not sell your mailing or email information to any outside sources.
Honorarium / Gift contributions
For donations of $100 and above, we are now offering an
honorarium / gift option to the recipient of your choice.
The recipient will receive:
• Lapel Pin
• An 8” x 10” photo of your designated Bird of Prey
• A letter stating whom the gift is from
You will receive:
• A notification when your gift has been sent
Please send an __honorarium __gift to:
Name
Address
Please state it is from:
Photo options (please choose one):
__Bald Eagle __Golden Eagle __Red-Tailed Hawk __Red Shouldered Hawk
__Peregrine Falcon __Great Horned Owl __Barn Owl __Screech Owl
Last Chance Forever would like to thank the following foundations,
organizations, and individuals for their support:
Corporations & Businesses
Ace Bolt & Screw Co.
Alamo Exhibition Bird Club
American Biophysics Corp.
Animal Eye Hospital
Mike Thompson & Patagonia
Bamberger Ranch
Boerne Parks & Recreation
Heydenrich family
Kirby Animal Hospital
Lower Colorado River Authority
L & L Electronics
Michael Luig
Land, Sky, & Water
Minnesota D.N.R.
San Antonio Parks & Recreation
Sourdough Corporation
Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.
The Eagles
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Vanishing Texas River Cruise
Foundations & Trusts
Catto Charitable Foundation
Iris Foundation/Don Henley
Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation
Hixon Family Foundation
Holloman Price Foundation
James R. Dougherty Foundation
Kronkosky Foundation
M.T. Walthall Trust
San Antonio Area Foundation
San Antonio Audubon Society
Sharon L. Gelperin Trust
SK Foundation
Steve and Martha Hixon
Susan and Peter Roehl Family
Winona Community Fund
Individuals
Gary & Linda Abrahamson
Diane Alshouse
Dr. Charles H. Bonney
Barbara Bowman
S. Kaye Bowman
Debbie & Van Clegg
Ernst family
Sai Golden
Sherry Hagen
Don Henley
Mike Hinkle
L.C.F. Volunteers
Kamile & John McKeever
Virgil E. Milke
Peggy Mitchell
Arvella & Bill Oliver family
Jeff & Randi Quick
Marika & Johnathan Schoolar
Jane and Michael Scott
Jenny Steel
James Thomason
Van Tine family
Dennis & Linda Weidemann
Thanks to all of you that make it happen !
Last Chance Forever/ The Bird of Prey Conservancy
P.O. Box 460993
San Antonio, Texas 78246
(210) 499-4080 • www.lastchanceforever.org