While Wings had planned to publish a spring newsletter to
keep in touch with our membership, the blustery cold of
this past winter overwhelmed us with an unprecedented
number of wildlife casualties. Hundreds of additional
volunteer hours were spent tending to these incoming
wildlife patients who were suffering the effects of
exposure, starvation and total exhaustion. With each new
arrival we learned to expect the unexpected, as the handson care of wildlife has always been the top priority at our
centre. Working “round the clock” left us with little time to
gather our thoughts, but we did realize that dwindling funds would leave us with insufficient reserves to cover
printing and mailing costs of a spring newsletter. That’s why we’ve decided to condense two newsletters into
one, by giving you a brief report on Wings activities during the 2014 rehabilitation year from beginning to end.
By the start of February, it became apparent that there would be no rest this winter. Mammals and birds were
arriving daily as the ground stayed frozen, cruel winds continued to blow and a crusty covering of snow
blanketed Windsor and Essex County. Food and water sources were very hard to find and with no end in
sight, it quickly became a life and death situation for our free-ranging wildlife.
It’s totally unexpected challenges like this that can change your life forever. On February 27th, Wings received
a call from Ted Foreman of Bob’s Animal Removal. He was very concerned about the plight of 15 to 22 swans
that were frozen to the ice and starving to death at a local marina. Our friends at the Windsor Essex County
Humane Society had already been contacted to help capture and transport these casualties to Wings.
Immediate preparations began in earnest as volunteers quickly kicked into gear, knowing that once such a
large number of swans arrived, all would have to be initially housed indoors. Space was at a premium, rooms
had to be cleared, barricades were put into place and the floor was draped with blankets and sheets for
comfort and to contain swan droppings.
One hour later, weary Humane Society staff arrived with the first of
the swans but unfortunately a few of the birds had expired on their
way into care. Large chunks of ice the size of my fists still clung to
the wings, feet and bodies of others. As more patients were
delivered we began to triage, separating the weakest from the
strongest and placing them into groups to prioritize their care. Much
to our amazement, it wasn’t long before the ambient temperature of
indoor surroundings gently warmed cold bodies. When the leader
of the flock stood up to investigate a dish of soft, specially prepared
food, the others soon followed. Within minutes, dish after dish was
greedily emptied and all drank their fill of fresh, vitamin enriched
water.
Swans are very large water birds and those mounds of mess were
now a reality, so we knew that a lot more bedding and plenty of nutritious food was needed quickly. With news
of the swans’ plight reaching out into the community, the media started arriving in droves and reports on their
progress brought much needed assistance from a very concerned public. Some people wanted to volunteer,
others contributed financially and Wings was the grateful recipient of more blankets and bedding, wildlife food
and a new washing machine to replace the one that died within minutes of the swans’ arrival. We were twice
blessed when the family of a volunteer surprised us with a donation of the matching clothes dryer. At that point
we knew that our prayers had been answered and there was no need to worry about where the money would
come from for extra food and supplies – our members, supporters, volunteers and the public had it covered!
The days that followed brought more needy swans, ducks, geese,
hawks and owls, as well as frost-bitten opossums, skunks and squirrels
that were no longer able to withstand the winter elements. With each
new arrival we were forced to organize, arrange and then re-arrange
cages and areas where these different wildlife species would be kept.
More plastic transports were brought out of storage, cleaned and
disinfected to accommodate the daily numbers of incoming animals that
needed some warm creature comforts to survive winter’s wrath. As the
recuperating swans became stronger, fatter and more aggressive, they were moved to outside areas on our
property where heated water buckets provided a source of fresh, unfrozen drinking water. This allowed our
volunteers more heated space indoors to treat weather-worn, weaker mammals and birds that were still
arriving on a daily basis.
The day we had been waiting for finally arrived! It all began in a cacophony of honks as those wonderful
workers at the Humane Society arrived in three vans to assist in the release of our anxious captives. Thirty
seven swans were waiting to return to their natural habitat and they were more than ready to be on their way.
These were no longer weakened, energy depleted birds; it took all our strength and determination to properly
restrain and place them one by one, in vans, trucks and cars that we
had commandeered for transport. Out of a total of 44 swans that
came into care last winter, three remained back at the centre for
further treatment and four had passed on from the effects of
exposure.
1:00 p.m. was the magic hour! When our motley crew pulled into
Lakeview Park Marina, a cheering crowd trumpeted our arrival. Many
of those present were true nature lovers who had first noticed the
starving swans around Windsor and Essex County and came forward
to help. Those interested in assisting with the unloading of the swans
and holding their long spindly necks as we traversed a ramp leading down to the water, did so. There was
many a shout of joy when these majestic birds splashed and paddled away, relishing their newly found
freedom. This was truly an exceptional event to be able to share with the public who supported us week after
week during this chilly ordeal.
Lastly, Wings would like to acknowledge the special kindness we received from our members, directors,
volunteers, fund raising committee, media and those who came to our rescue with monetary donations,
blankets, wildlife food, cleaning supplies, volunteer hours and of course, the new washing machine and dryer.
Each and every one of you has helped us prove beyond a shadow of a doubt, that when working together as a
team - all things are possible!
The Cold, Freezing Weather is Back!
While November brought a chilling reminder of last winter’s fury,
how best to serve our free-ranging wildlife through the snowy
months ahead is a question we often hear. If you notice any
mammal or bird in danger of starvation or exposure, we ask that
you immediately call Wings centre at:
519-736-8172
Please HELP us protect wildlife in distress by becoming our eyes
and ears throughout the Windsor and Essex County area. It’s a
crucial first step on the road to recovery for wildlife in need.
Thirty five years ago, when Larry and I purchased a home in Amherstburg, I had the privilege of meeting an
outstanding lady named Shirley Moor. My children and I had gone to the mall and encountered a group of
people who were speaking about wildlife and explaining why they had formed a volunteer, non-profit group
called Erie Wildlife Rescue. As Shirley and I began talking, it became apparent that we were both “birds of a
feather” with a similar interest in providing compassionate care to orphaned and injured wildlife. Luckily, we
lived close together and soon became the very best of friends.
Shirley and her husband Foster lived with their six girls and one son in a modest home on a nice sized lot near
Amherst Point. Because of her special love for avian species, Shirley became our affectionate “Nana Bird”,
spending a great deal of time in her basement tending to a never-ending flock of orphaned song birds. Sandy
and Lynn pitched in and assisted their mom with the birds and a few furry mammals too. Over the next twelve
years Shirley and I spent thousands of hours caring for wildlife casualties throughout the Essex County area.
Every day brought a new adventure to our rehabilitation efforts! I was continually impressed with Shirley’s
ability to share her life and family in so many different ways. She was a wife, mother, grandmother and
babysitter; yet she always found time to feed gaping beaks, every hour on the hour, from dawn to dusk. Shirley
loved children and had a very special rapport with our youngest members who began their three step journey
through Wings Volunteer Program by first assisting with the care of small passerines. As these grade school
students fed and helped clean cages, it was evident that Shirley was a special, loving mentor and these
youngsters adored her in return.
A true friend is a person who is there for you through thick and thin. They offer constant encouragement when
times are tough and a helping hand when you need it the most. Shirley was that special kind of friend,
following me when we both left Erie Wildlife and co-founded Wings Rehabilitation Centre in 1991. Our work
was really cut out for us as we searched together for funding, volunteers and other like-minded people who
would serve as directors on our newly formed board.
Together we enjoyed many successes, but the passage of time sometimes brings changes we can’t foresee.
When Foster became ill, Shirley took on her greatest labour of love as his devoted caregiver. During this
period in her life, there was no choice but to lessen her volunteer activities; but with help from her faithful
student bird sitters she still managed to oversee operations at Wings bird centre in her home. Before Foster’s
passing, her own health began to fail which necessitated a move to a more easily managed apartment and
later, an assisted living facility until her own demise this year.
I will be forever grateful for all that Shirley has done for orphaned and injured wild birds and the friendship,
love, devotion and compassion we shared. You were truly loved by many and will be missed by all.
Until we meet again, Nana Bird
You are always on my mind and forever in my heart
Love, Nancy
March 2014
Thanks to everyone who spread the word and voted
for Wings during Wendy’s Facebook Challenge! June
22, 2014 was our Community Connection Day, where
we received a one day portion of sales from all 7
Wendy’s locations in Windsor and Essex County.
April 8, 2014 - Forest Glade Public School
April 11, 2014 - Holy Names High School
November 2, 2014 - McGregor Sparks/Brownies/Guides
and Pathfinders visit
Nancy has taken a very active role in the educational
aspect of wildlife rehabilitation, conducting informative
talk show presentations throughout Essex County.
April 27, 2014 Wings Bowl-a-thon
An afternoon of family fun for our volunteers,
friends and supporters. 2 games, shoes, 2 slices of
pizza, drink and dessert, all this for $25 in pledges!
March 22,2014
A special thank you to those volunteers and
supporters who played a part in making this
sold-out event so successful! A good time was had
by all, the food was delicious and our bake sale
selection was phenomenal.
April 9 -13, 2014
Wings celebrated Volunteer Week with an Open
House. Nancy, Larry, Jennifer and Lynn are
forever grateful for the endless hours of
volunteer service so generously provided by
51 Pre-Teen, 46 Teen and 76 Adult volunteers!
Spring 2014 Release
A special thanks to our teenage volunteers for
assisting in the release of 44 assorted ducks that
came in frozen this past winter.
May 31 – June 1, 2014
Wildlife Presentation at Wings
“Up on the Hill” Yard and Bake Sale.
It was a well attended fundraising event and
educational too!
June 14, 2014
Wings Rehabilitation Barbecue - Our Auxiliary grilled
up hamburgers and hot dogs - another tasty
fundraiser at Sanford and Son Supermarket in
Harrow. Great location and even greater prices!
June 26, 2014 - Fawn Transfer
A special thank you to Mark, Zach, Tim and Larry for
safely transporting our fawns to their spacious
pre-release enclosure. Don’t be a fawn napper! When
dealing with young wildlife, please call Wings or the
Humane Society before removing any animal from its
natural environment.
July 8, 2014
These 6 Rangers visited Wings and learned what it
takes to run a successful wildlife rehabilitation
program. They went on a rescue call, were
introduced to bird identification, diets,
and how to feed wildlife orphans!
August 9 and 10, 2014
Woofa-Roo Pet Fest
September 5, 2014, Paul Pratt Retirement
Wings was excited to be a part of this fun-filled
festival in Amherstburg. There was something
for everyone to see and do and many visitors
stopped by our booth to show their support of
our wildlife rehabilitation efforts.
In September, Ojibway Nature Centre honoured
Paul Pratt as he officially retired from his position
as head naturalist at the centre. Many thanks to Paul
and his staff for always being there to answer our
questions about wildlife habitat, natural food selection
and unfamiliar species identification.
November 2014 – Animal Record Tally
September 2014
Private Yard Sale Fundraiser
Our deepest thanks go out to a very special couple
from Essex. Beth and her husband joined Wings this
year as active foster parents for our wildlife orphans.
They also put on a fantastic yard sale fundraiser at
their home, with all proceeds going to Wings!
1,210 Passerines
1,051 Mammals
379 Waterbirds
26 Raptors
6 Reptiles
ESTIMATED WILDLIFE INTAKES TO DATE = 2,672
November 21, 2014
Who You Gonna Call? Swan Busters!
Wings received a request for assistance concerning a
disorientated swan wandering down the middle of
County Road 20 near Amherstburg. Lynn and Nancy
arrived on scene, only to discover that the swan had
staggered down a 20 foot slope that was covered in
thorns, twigs, bushes and who knows what else.
Lynn tried her best to reach the injured waterbird but
came up empty handed. Luckily, help was close by.
Two OPP officers quickly assessed the situation and
began the arduous trek downward. Once the swan
was netted and covered with a blanket, they slowly
dragged their bundle inch by inch, up the side of the
slope until Lynn and Nancy could properly grab and restrain it. Wings would like to give a tip of the public
service hat to these two officers who went out of their way to help a wild animal in distress. Thanks for being
such a great example to us all!
Do you have a “hard to buy for" person on your gift list?
Green Apple
Kitten House
The Plain House
The Tea Pot
Teddy Bear
What better gift for a nature lover, than one for the garden. These unique bird houses, designed and lovingly
crafted by Mr. Bob Fenton, have a character all their own. We’ve displayed them in Wings’ Welcome Room,
just in time for holiday giving. They’ve certainly caught our eye, and they’re priced just right as a fundraiser for
Wings. Which one will you choose?
While we’re on the subject of birds, the Canadian Wildlife Federation generally advises against using a heated
bird-bath. Birds see open water as a cue that it’s mild enough to bathe. Once wet, the water freezes quickly on
their feet, legs and feathers. Please keep this in mind and remember to do your part by keeping those bird
feeders filled and clean.
2014 was certainly a busy year for fundraising. Some events needed a lot of preparation and people to run
them, but its getting increasingly harder to plan only the most profitable activites when you have so may needy
orphans and injured wildlife to care for. Whether big or small - we appreciate them all!
January 2014 to now
March 22, 2014
Wings Bingo Events
37 two hour sessions earning an average of $485.00 per session
17,942.64
Swan Critter Care Fundraising Dinner
50/50 Draw
2,919.50
352.50
April 8, 2014
Forest Glade Public School Presentation
Wildlife Supplies
April 11, 2014
Holy Name High School Presentation
Carpentry students also made birdhouses and nestboxes for Wings
Wildlife Supplies
April 17, 2014
Easter Bunny Photos
April 27, 2014
Wings Bowl-a-Thon and Pizza Party
May 31 - June 1/14
250.00
1,778.15
Wings Yard Sale and Open House
919.35
June 14, 2014
Wings Barbeque in Harrow
261.00
June 22, 2014
Wendy’s Community Connection Day Winner!
(one more cheque to follow)
August 9 – 10, 2014
September 2014
November 3, 2014
Amherstburg Woofa – Roo
Yard Sale by Active Member in Essex
McGregor Sparks, Brownies, Pathfinders, Guides Visit
1,839.21
631.28
1,002.00
Wildlife Supplies
Year to Date
Bird House Sale Profits
345.00
Year to Date
Pop Can Redemption
254.00
Year to Date
Candy Sale
526.13
Year to Date
Bequests to Wings
2,604.64
On July 30th, Wings received an emergency call about a
turtle that had been inadvertently hooked by a St.
Joachim family who were fishing from their dock on the
East Ruscom River. Unlike many other Ontario turtles,
this one was easily recognized by her snorkel-like snout
and soft shell, which was round, rather flat and leathery.
Realizing the importance of getting this threatened
“species at risk” turtle into care, the family cut the fishing
line and transported it on the first leg of its journey to
Wings. Once it arrived, we knew that this Spiny Softshell
turtle needed emergency veterinary care. She was
immediately brought to Downtown Veterinary Hospital, as this was not the first time we have placed our trust in
Dr. Sweetman for corrective surgery on turtles. The procedure went without a hitch, medication was given, the
fish hook was removed from her throat and the damage repaired. Remarkably, this amazing turtle was up and
about quickly, sensing right away that this was not her natural habitat. On August 1st, with the St. Joachim
family in attendance, we placed her right back where she was found, in the waters of the East Ruscom River.
As she made her exit, you can rest assured that there’ll be no more fishing from that dock!
This grain wagon holds a supply of cracked corn which
becomes a staple of the winter diet for our deer and water birds.
The total cost for a “fill up” is around $300.00. Each individual
species has certain nutritional requirements which must be met
to address recovery from illness and injury as well as proper
growth and development in our orphans of the wild. Specialty
formulas for nursing infants take another huge chunk out of our
yearly operating budget. The care of last winter’s unexpected
numbers of starving water birds and mammals really caught us
off guard financially, but our pleas for help were quickly
answered with an outpouring of support from the public. Anyone
who wishes to send a donation towards the cost of filling our
grain wagon or for that matter any wildlife food need, please know that your contribution would be most
gratefully received.
Wings would like to increase our group of bingo buddies so that
we have the extra hands needed to work Wings bingo sessions
without over-burdening our current volunteers. This year’s
fundraising report clearly shows that sponsorship of these events
provide us with a steady monthly income, with a time commitment
of only two hours per session. We like to rotate our workers and
more willing hands would certainly compliment our volunteer workforce. Our organization has been put on a
short list, so we might be able to accept more extra bingo time slots that other groups have forfeited for one
reason or another. There is not much advance notice when these extra bingo sessions are offered and having
an extra rooster of names to call on would make our job so much easier.
At this time, Wings wishes to acknowledge the fantastic support of our current buddies ~ Linda, Kathy, Fran,
Katie, Barb, Bonnie, Nancy B., Lynn, Jennifer, Nancy P., Shelly and Larry for helping us raise $17,942.64 in
bingo income this year! Wings also welcomes newcomers Beth, Mark, Zach, Tim, Karen and Amy who have
risen to the “Bingo Buddy Challenge” by pledging their assistance in the coming new year.
If you would like to make a difference in the life of a wildlife mammal or bird by contributing to its care and
successful return to the wild, then Wings is the organization for you! If you are at least 18 years of age and
have 2 hours to spare every few months, then please phone our head office at 519-736-8172. Training and
bingo shirts are provided and guess who benefits from your help? Wings sick, injured, and orphaned wild
animals who received a second chance at life because of your generosity and support!
Organizing a fundraising or awareness campaign is a great
way to foster support throughout our community for this
area’s most vulnerable wildlife. Wings would simply not be
able to continue our wildlife rehabilitation and education
programs without the dedicated support of our amazing
volunteers and friends. These tireless workers are unsung
heroes, who willingly share their time, talents and energy
to help Wings run smoother, which certainly lightens our
everyday workload. To our …
In-Clinic Volunteers
Emergency Drivers
Board of Directors
Auxiliary Members
Newspaper Savers
Humane Society
Veterinary Clinics
Office Helpers
Receiving Homes
Bingo Buddies
Release Team
Supply Shoppers
… comes heartfelt best wishes for a bright and beautiful
holiday season!
With special thanks for the blessing of wonderful volunteers, Wings
extends a special invitation to our board members, auxiliary,
emergency drivers and adult volunteers to join us for
Monday December 15, 2014 at 5 p.m.
Wings Headquarters 5281 Middle Side Road Amherstburg
There’ll be a festive array of holiday goodies, dinner buffet,
refreshments and plenty of opportunity to rekindle old friendships
and share an evening of good fellowship with people who work
behind the scenes at Wings. We apologize for this invitation
arriving so late, but to better prepare for the festivities and have
some idea of how many treats to prepare, we ask that you RSVP
your attendance in advance by phoning
519-736-8172 no later than Friday December 12, 2014
Will You Still Love Me Fur-Ever?
Found inside a garage….. cold, wet and hungry….. their pitiful
cries finally heard by human ears, as they lay shivering behind
a wood pile. What came in as six baby “furbies” quickly
morphed into six little kittens, who had lost much more than
their mittens.
Occasionally, some of our members work with different cat
groups throughout the county, but there’s no room at the inn
right now. These playful little kitties are socialized with humans
and love to be petted and groomed. Right now, all six are
ready for their first vaccinations which will have to be continued
after they find their “fur-ever” home. Spaying or neutering is
also a requirement of ownership, with indoor housing a must.
Why not bring some cuddly affection into your life. Head on
down to Wings and find your new best friend who promises to
light up your household with unconditional love.
*Not Exactly as Illustrated
Comes complete with a
“Good Mousekeeping Seal of Approval”
But wait – there’s even more! Call 519-736-8172! That’s
519-736-8172 and you’ll receive a companion for your little
kitten at no extra charge! Operators are currently on hand to
answer your call, but act fast! These “purr-fect” little felines are
just too cute to resist and they’re anxious for an opportunity to
charm their way into your heart
The Christmas holiday season is here and once again, Wings is counting on the generosity of our members
and supporters to participate in our winter food/supplies drive. Always needed and in great demand are the
following items on our wildlife wish list:
Canned and Dry Cat Food
(8% to 10% Protein)
Frozen left-over fruits, meats,
vegetables, breakfast cereal
Heating Pads - Must have On/Off
control rather than a timed Auto/Off
Canned and Dry Dog Food
Small Pet Water Bottles
Wild bird seed, Millet
Christmas nuts in the shell
Kitty Litter
Cleaning Supplies & Laundry Soap
Everyone on the Wings Board of Directors and Auxiliary wish all of our volunteers, members
and supporters a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. May the blessings of
this holiday season fill your homes with warmth, joy, peace and love.
This is a special time when our thoughts turn gratefully to those who have made our progress
possible. Your financial support and the many gifts of supplies sent to us throughout the year
are truly appreciated. We look forward to hearing from everyone in the New Year. Please feel
free to stop in for a visit!
Nancy, Larry and Family
Give Mother Nature a helping hand and keep those bird feeders
full this winter.
For a sneak peek at Wings Upcoming Events, follow us on
Facebook.
If you would like to make a donation on behalf of our wintering
wildlife, you can now do it on-line from our website by clicking the
“Donate Now” button. http://www.wingsrehab.ca
Receipts for income tax purposes will be mailed out by the first of
the New Year.
Zehrs has discontinued their “Save-a-Tape” redemption
program. We appreciate the efforts of all those Wings supporters
who have faithfully saved their cash register tapes over the
years, but the program has now ended.
The best way to throw yourself into the Wings experience is to join our family of dedicated members and
volunteers. Through membership, the plight of orphaned and injured wildlife is improved, friendships are built
and advocacy on behalf of our less fortunate creatures of the wild really makes a difference.
An annual Wings membership is also a great value and an ideal way for you and your family to demonstrate
your belief in our mission of promoting an understanding and appreciation of Windsor and Essex County’s
native wildlife species. Your membership will also support belief in Wings’ mandate of RAISE - REHABILITATE
RESCUE - RELEASE and EDUCATE, which is an investment in the future of wildlife rehabilitation for
generations to come. With the New Year fast approaching, we hope that you will be one of the first to renew
your membership – it’s as simple as filling out the form below and mailing it with your cheque or money order
made payable to Wings.
WINGS 2015 Membership Renewal Form
Name(s):
____________________________________________________________________________
Address:
____________________________________________________________________________
City/Town:
___________________________________
Postal Code:
Telephone:
___________________________________
Email:
_____________________________

Enclosed is my $15.00 Individual Membership Fee

Enclosed is my $20.00 Family Membership Fee

Please accept my donation in the amount of $ ______________
Total Amount Enclosed: _________
 Cheque
_______________________
 Money Order  Cash
Wings Rehabilitation Centre, 5281 Middle Side Road, RR 4, Amherstburg, Ontario N9V 2Y9
(Tax receipts are issued for every donation of $20.00 or more)