Donna, I, for one, do understand all too well, the frustrations the public deals with when trying to reach a rehabber. And, there are just not enough rehabbers, especially those who rehab birds. By this time of the season, many rehabbers are just about overwhelmed with animals and calls. However, as common courtesy, they should respond to calls, even if they cannot take in any more animals, and try and refer to another rehabber. FYI: Being a wildlife rehabilitator involves tremendous commitment, and sacrifice of meals, sleep and social lives for over half a year. And many of us have families to tend to, jobs to work on top of the rehab work. Knowing that at least 90% of what comes into rehab is due to conflicts with human activity, most of which are preventable, I do endeavor to educate the public at every opportunity. And to reiterate: while permits are required to care for wildlife, permits are not needed to rescue wildlife. Both DEP and USF&W acknowledge "Good Samaritan" acts. Donna, you did the right thing with that fledgling, and I'm glad it survived because of what you did. If you find a bird you're not sure is injured or not, give me a call. Calling is better than emailing as I don't check emails too often. For those of you who do not have internet access, you can call the CT Wildlife Hotline for referrals to your nearest rehabber: (203) 389-4411, or the DEP 24-hour emergency dispatch: (860) 424-3333. I suggest obtaining those contacts in advance, to have handy if and when you find wildlife that may need help. Make like a boy scout and be prepared! Meredith Sampson Director, WILD WINGS, INC. Old Greenwich, CT (203) 637-9822 -- "Sunshine" <sunny19682@comcast.net> wrote: To add to what has been stated, one thing I have been told to do in the case of identified fledglings that are learning to fly is to keep an eye on them - that simply means keeping dogs, cats, and people away from them until they 'get their wings under them.' This does not require any handling - just a watchful eye. Many years ago I was instructed to take a bird in - I was told what to do as there was a stray cat that prowled the neighborhood and it was getting dark. The next morning, I put the bird back out and the parents took over from there and I am happy to report that the baby did finally take off on its maiden voyage into the air. I get rather uptight that people cite the law and criticize when folks are trying to do the right thing. Someone should be happy that they came to this list seeking help. I've done it myself and gotten some excellent feedback in dealing with an issue. The DEP list offers many names - but many times it's so difficult to reach someone at least to get some advice in how to determine if an animal is actually in trouble or not - and it always seems to happen on holidays and off hours when vet offices have closed. With the continual encroachment by the human race on the daily lives of animals - our continual spread taking up vital habitat and causing more and more close interactions between wildlife and people - the best thing is to provide more education - make people aware - not everyone is. I know for myself I would love to take the necessary courses in rehabbing just to know what to do in the case of a problem. I don't think some of the rehabbers realize just how frustrating it is being on the other end of a phone line trying to get help - or at least some advice. Not everyone has access to the Internet to get on the DEP website - I think many need to realize that too. As we move deeper into this electronic age, not everyone is moving at the same rate. Thank you for letting me say my peace. I am sure I speak for more than just myself. Donna Lorello Branford _______________________________________________ This list is provided by the Connecticut Ornithological Association (COA) for the discussion of birds and birding in Connecticut. For subscription information visit http://lists.ctbirding.org/mailman/listinfo/ctbirds_lists.ctbirding.org ____________________________________________________________ Beauty Advice Just Got a Makeover Read reviews about the beauty products you have always wanted to try http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/JKFkuJi7Uzu6jCZZ5Hsx3yTZsB0EbEu2Zf5U1qz1Sxc9NrPdpougKz/