Rehabber wishes the hawks would use McDonald’s

There are still “firsts” — even after more than a half century of wildlife rehabbing. This year, I raised my first yellow-shafted flickers (also known as yellow hammers) and a trio of freshly hatched mockingbirds.

Although there was no question regarding the identity of the flickers, the downy mockingbirds had even the expert birders stumped. The day they were brought in, I believed them to be very young robins. But, when the down turned to a bluish-gray, I decided they were jays. As the days passed and the young birds failed to develop the familiar markings of blue jays, I began contacting longtime birders.

While an Oakfield resident suggested that they might be mocking birds, a downstate birder said that there were no mockingbirds in Maine. But, a call to Maine Audubon revealed that they have been sighted as far north as Houlton. When the gray spots appeared on their breasts, it settled any question as to their identity.

With the help of a heating pad and frequent feedings of nourishing food, the hatchlings thrived and soon boasted all the essentials for successful flight. They took to the air on strong wings and remained around the premises — happily chirping “in many tongues” as they gathered insects and honeysuckle berries. It was one of those rewarding experiences. Then a hawk moved in and — BAM! BAM! BAM! — they were gone — along with several blue jays, grosbeaks, squirrels and chipmunks. All the kibbles, kilowatts and care went down the drain. I know. Hawks have to eat too. It’s the balance of nature — the survival of the fittest — but I wish the hawks would go to McDonald’s!

One fellow, waiting in the wings to be on the wing, will give the hawk a surprise. Cesar, the barred owl, is a rugged bird who backs up for no man — or woman. He flies from his perch and nails his lunch even before it’s out of my hand. Oddly, he prefers the small smelts to red meat — which is just as well since he needs the bones for roughage. Kessie, the kestrel, wants only red meat while Hank, a great blue heron who just arrived, won’t be letting his taste become known until he gets used to his new surroundings.

One of the most interesting feathered residents is Cinders, a raised-from-the-egg Canada jay. Although pretty, cherrful and entertaining, he isn’t quite wing-worthy — so he may be with us until spring.

We don’t have a very large variety of furries right now. A varying hare will soon be released, 12 or more red squirrels are already “at large” while seven are still holding at “cage age.” The 18 young raccoons who will be wintering in the shelter are — true to raccoon tradition — going through their paces and causing those high-numbered Excedrin headaches! The discouraging fact is — it’s only the beginning. When they start weighing in at 25 pounds or more, my alarm needle begins leaning toward “high!”

If deer can be considered true weather forecasters, we’re in for an early fall. Never, in all the years deer have been in residence here, have they shed their summer pelts and antler velvet so early. Some acquired their rich chestnut-brown winter coats the last week in July, and two bucks began rubbing the velvet from their antlers early in August. The bucks are also acting prematurely rutty — and nutty!

Jerry Elwell is a free-lance nature writer who lives in Sherman Station.