Red-Tailed Hawk vs. Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes, I didn't sign up for rattlesnakes. This is why I am strictly an educational bird, so I don't have to worry about those pesky snakes.. Unfortunately one of my new friends visiting Wild At Heart was not so lucky and ended up getting bitten by a rattlesnake
(don't worry her story has a happy ending). Here is her story as told to me by her person Jack Service.
One sunny day in February Jack and his Red Tailed Hawk Artemis,
(she is a falconry bird - more about that sport in another blog) were hunting out along an old road near Cornville, Arizona. All of a sudden they stumbled across a Diamondback Rattlesnake sunning itself on the road. Artemis was safely up in a tree so the decision was made to walk around the snake and call Artemis to the glove once safely past the snake. Unfortunately no one told Artemis the plan and once Jack was beyond the rattlesnake down she swooped to have a quick bite of lunch
(I've heard it said that rattlesnake tastes like chicken). It was a win-lose situation. While trying to eat her lunch, she got bit on the foot. Jack is a smart person though and knew to call his friends who know more than he does about the birds. Those friends got him on the road and on his way to Wild At Heart. Jack and Artemis arrived at Wild At Heart about three hours after the bite occurred. The Wild At Heart team
(Sam and Bob) flew into action and set about the work of saving Artemis. When she got to Wild At Heart she didn't look very good
(I was kind of worried). She was very lethargic and just wanted to lay down. Sam and Bob got her started on medication and fluids and placed her into a warm incubator. Jack and his mom stayed close by so they could check on her throughout the day
(he really cares a lot about Artemis). The next morning Artemis was seen by Dr. Nancy Murbach, a long time supporter of Wild At Heart, who came and used a medical laser on Artemis' foot.
(It was really cool, I got to watch). The laser helped speed the healing process and reduce the swelling in her foot. Jack was here and watched it all, and I'm sure was a great comfort to Artemis. By the next day the swelling had gone way down and Artemis was well on her way to recovery. Artemis stayed with us here at Wild At Heart for three days. Jack took her home at the end of the third day and reports that she is doing great!
 |
Artemis Back Home |
AZ Gives Day
Its coming Its coming! AZ Gives Day is coming! This special day only comes around once a year. It is a state-wide online giving campaign. From 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM on April 9th, Arizonians will come together to support their favorite causes! Please mark your calendars and plan to take part in this one day, once a year event. You can schedule a donation now for AZ Gives Day at http://azgives.razoo.com/giving_events/az14/home or wait and join the excitement on April 9th.
Sakroots
Ok, who wants to break me out of Wild At Heart for some online shopping? I need some new swag. Wild At Heart has partnered with Sakroots to bring you the Desert Spirit Print. This is part of the Sakroots Choose Your Karma program. This print was created especially for Wild At Heart. When purchasing a Desert Spirit Print item online at Sakroots, you will have the option at checkout of making a donation to us. Purchases can also be made in store, and will have a tag attached to the item. This tag will give you all the directions to make your donation online. All donations for this program must be made online. Sakroots will match all donations made. Check out the Spirit Desert Print and all of the wonderful items it comes in at http://www.sakroots.com/prints-spirit-desert/