Wingbeats

2010-11-28T20:20:00.000-08:00

M.A.R.S. Moment 2010 – Pygmy owl study
Many people that I meet still think that Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society is “just for the birds”, but there is so much more. Our main focus is to rescue rehabilitate and release wildlife; we do not accept domesticated or invasive species, such as rabbits, pigeons, chickens and starlings. Over the years M.A.R.S. has also been involved in a variety of scientific studies related to local species including, banding hummingbirds, West Nile Virus, poisoned eagles and Trumpeter swans.

Often these studies have involved collecting specimens after their demise so it was really exciting to be asked to take part in a live study. In February the Ministry of Environment together with Pacific Northwest Raptors in Duncan, and M.A.R.S. launched a new pilot project on the release of juvenile pygmy owls into the wild after time spent in rehabilitation, and the feasibility of radio tracking the owls on Vancouver Island. The pygmy owl is Canada’s smallest owl standing a mere fifteen centimetres tall. There are four sub-species of pygmy owls and the local one is the “Swarthi” species.

These little owls are ferocious daytime hunters which makes them a perfect species to track. Perfectly camouflaged to fit in with their habitat that includes mixed forestland with nearby open fields or farmlands, they also have a unique feather pattern on the back of the head that resembles a pair of eyes, much like some butterflies and fish. Although there have been previous studies conducted on adult pygmy owls none have been on juvenile birds. There is very sparse knowledge of their general biology including, nesting success, longevity, survival and range. Why is this study important? It is hoped the information collected will provide a greater understanding of the pygmy owls’ habitat requirements, as well as feeding and reproduction habits. In order to make this study work it was necessary to use telemetry to track the health, activity and movement of the owls.

Obviously with such a tiny owl a special device was needed to transport the transmitter that would not impede flight or cause an injury to the bird. Four owls were used for this study, all were juveniles, two male and two females, that had been separated from their parents. The two owls in the Courtenay area had been in the wild hunting on their own, the Duncan pair were rescued as owlets and had not been exposed to the wild. Three different options were explored to carry attach the transmitters to the body the one that was chosen was a specially designed “back pack” which fitted around the body under the wings holding the transmitter in place along the owls back. The apparatus could only weigh 3% of the total body weight and this was thought to be the least invasive and most efficient design.

Trials were conducted at M.A.R.S. and in Duncan to help the owls get used to flight with the “back-packs” during which time they were closely monitored; unfortunately one of our little owls it did not make it to the field study after escaping through a tiny hole in pursuit of a mouse ending up with three recovering eagles.

Initially the study was to take place in late spring but more time was needed to fine tune the designs and acquire the necessary tracking equipment. Mid September finally saw the start of the tracking, the Duncan owls were released at an elevation of approximately four hundred meters, but they promptly headed for lower ground, unfortunately both were predated upon within the first week, they were collected and will provide feathers for blood and DNA samples. The Courtenay Owl was released in the Trent River area of Royston and was successfully tracked for 3 weeks.

During the field study many volunteers, myself included, went “bushwhacking” through the forest and farmers fields tracking the radio signal and locating the owl. A detailed log was kept mapping the locations, recording the weather conditions and the appearance of the owl, he even had a mouse in his talons one day! Our study ended a little prematurely after the owl had become snagged by the apparatus on a piece of barbed wire, fortunately we were making daily visits and he was none the worse for wear and was released back to the wild. The data showed that this owl had stayed within a five hundred meter radius.

All of the data complied will be used to understand more about these secretive creatures’, it will also become part of the classroom educational programs offered by M.A.R.S. The study was recorded on video, and this was shown at the Harvest Banquet, held on October 30th. This study could not have been conducted without the help of many volunteers, and generous funding from T.D. Friends of the Environment, Holohil, and Timberwest. A big thanks to the land owners and farmers who allowed us access to their property. For classroom bookings please email, birdielady@sahw.ca , to report injured wildlife please call 1-800-304-9968.

Thanks to Our supporters

2010-04-16T13:08:00.000-07:00

We wish to give a great BIG THANKS to folks who have supported us theselast few months.

To name a few:

BC HYDRO, Island Honda, Quality Signs, and Courtenay MIDAS Auto for our wonderful new WILDLIFE RESCUE Jeep Cherokee - you will see it in the coming days at special events, and on the road while performing rescues. Thanks also to Travis Bradshaw for doing the initial look-see.

Thanks to Domino's Pizza in Campbell River for making March 15th a day to donate a buck to MARS for every Pizza and Pasta purchased. Watch for another event coming up in June.

Thanks to the Campbell River Search and Rescue forchipping trees after Christmas and donating to us.

2010-02-26T08:08:00.000-08:00

WOW!!! The 2010 Eaglefest was truly amazing!!! We couldn't have done this wonderful event without all the help from our MARS volunteers - first and formost. Great to see the Phoenix Discovery Middle school students lending a hand - thanks so much for your help.

Of course our Sponsors play a huge part in this and so recognition of their contributions is our duty. Thanks to:

BC Hydro * 97.3 FM EAGLE Radio * Photo Tech fotosource * Surgenor Brewing Company * Heron's Landing *Real Canadian Superstore * Domino's Pizza * Burrowing Owl Winery * Quality Foods * Heavenly Goodies * Thrifty Foods * City of Campbell River.

I want also express our sincere gratitude to thank our Presenters : Dr Rob Butler, Pacific Wildlife Foundation; Guy Monty, Brant Monitoring program; Mike Yip, Vancouver Island Birds; Ron Smith, Elf the Eagle; Gill and Robyn Radcliff, Pacific Northwest Raptors; Steve Howard's taxidermy display; and Mike MacIntosh, who was there in spirit. Thanks to BC Hydro's Scott Harrison, Ian Moul of the Wildlife Tree Strewardship program (WiTS) and Terri Martin with the City of Campbell River. Thanks to Mayor Charlie Cornfield for his Opening remarks, to Bob Scriba and finally, Rob Paquin of Photo Tech fotosource who organized our GREAT BIG Photo Contest and talked about photo equipment.

It was a beautiful day with lots of folks attending. FVBEF mascot HARRISON was mixing in the crowd to the delight of the kids. Sandy Fairfiled's scavenger hunt was fun for all and included the whole family. Reg Westcott and our educational birds were always popular at the hull of the boat and Maritime Herritage Centre staff , Trish and Wes were wonderful, as always. Mollie and Gordon fed our small army in the kitchen. Kudos for a job well done!

The GREAT BIG Photo Contest

2010-01-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

This great picture by Father Charles Brandt captures the spirit of the season. Beautiful Trumpeter Swans coming in for a landing. Father Charles - well known environmentalistist and
photographer often shares the special moments he's captured on film with us and I am honoured and wish to share this amazing picture with you.

MARS is planning the 5th annual Campbell River Bald Eagle Festival coming up on February 20th at the Maritime Heritage Centre at the Discovery Pier.

This year we invite interested photographers of all abilities to share their work with us. From amature to professional ,children to seniors, may participate in our first ever Photo Contest sponsored by Photo Tech foto source.

The theme is simple -with only 2 categories, Vancouver Island Birds and Vancouver Island wildlife. Preferably birds, especially eagles!!! Show us your stuff. Photo Tech fotosource will print and mount all pictures when registered (a modest $10 charge) and they are providing great prizes Youth up to 16 years, and adults over 16 may enter. A People Choice from the public attending the event will determine the winners. Prizes will be awardedwith digital cameras for youth and 12" x 24" canvas prints for adults, compliments of Photo Tech fotosource. Pre-registration is required by February 13th. Contact
250-286-21233 or phototech@fotosource.com for more information.

If you would like to contribute your photo for our fundraising silent auction to follow the event please indicate this when you register. All proceeeds help us help wildlife recover.

NEW Wildlife Sponsorships for Xmas

2009-12-03T14:48:00.000-08:00

MARS announces that NEW Wildlife Sponsorship Certificatess are now available
- just in time for the Xmas Holiday gift giving season.

Want to give a gift that has meaning?

Want to give a gift that is unique?

Want to give a gift that gives back?

Consider giving a MARS Wildlife Sponsorship Gift certificate this year to that special someone.

Each year we rescue 400-500 cases from all over northern Vancouver Island. When we consider how much it costs our society to provide the best of care possible until the final dispostion, to enable us to put on educational programs for schools, to attend events throughout the area with our educational ambassadors, to provide our advice on wildlife issues and assist with conserrvation efforts, then it works out to about $223 per patient.

This year we lost a significant source of funding and we need to call upon the communities that we serve to help us help wildlife. Some folks want to volunteer, others want to donte items that are useful, and still other (thank goodness!!!) want to give a gift of money. With a wildlife Sponsorship, you can give the gift to family or friends, or give it yourself. You will receive a charitable tax receipt for your donation and a nice certifiate indicating which native island species you have chosen to support. There will also be some background information on the species that you sponsor. Call 250-337-2021 today and give a gift of life.

2009-09-29T23:59:00.000-07:00

WOW!!! So many folks helped to support our Harvest Banquet I don't even know where to begin with my sincere thanks.

We served 184 this year at the Florence Filberg Centre. Dawn of Custom Gourmet Catering did a fantastic job creating a fabulous menu featuring fine local foods, including Tinkerbell II Prawns, and Mac's Oyster cakes - yum!!! Natural pastures cheeses and Island Bison pepperoni, all delicious appys with local wines and beers.

Also local beef from Guenters, Salmon from Marine Harvest, fresh vegetable Ratatouie (oh well - can't spell) with squash from Patersons, eggplants (from MARS no less) Final Cut onions, Leeks and chard. Finlay Creek garlic, Tomatoes from Gemini Farms and Freedom farms and Hazelmere contributed too. Ironwood gave us greens, with Berry Best and Eatmore sprouts thrown in.

Desserts included Pies from Greenwoods and Deroda Farm crumble, cheesecakes from Michaels off Main and mini's from Poppers, mousse cake from Little Orca and Heavenly Goodies lemon loaves. Breads from Grains, Twigs, Coleman Road Store, and Becky's Bakery.

Todd Butler emceed and performed special tunes for the MARS-ians, after a thoughtful intro of "A Second Chance" video by Simone Metelli - our 2008 intern from Italy.

David Stevens added his own brand of humour to the live auction and brought a good price for the incredible Killer whale carving by Clarence Nelson of Quatsino.

Three awards were made to recognize long time contributors to this fundraising event to help wildlife - Seifferts Farm, Marine Harvest and the Comox Valley Farmers' Market Association.

Flowers by the Horticultural club graced the halls - and thanks to all who came, who gave of their time and energy to help wildlife recover.

Harvest update - Todd Butler and great food

2009-09-22T15:48:00.000-07:00

Scarlett the Red-tail Hawk will welcome guests to our upcoming Harvest Banquet on Saturday September 26th at the Florence Filberg Centre in Courtenay. Fresh local foods will picked up all this week and delivered to Dawn of Custom Gourmet for preparation of the "great taste of the Comox Valley" Tickets are selling now for this great feast that includes a wonderful array of auction items, Live and Silent , as well as draws and door prizes.

Todd Butler will emcee and entertain guests and there will be a special video presentation by our intern from Italy last year, Simone Mettelli. David Stevens will be handling the gavel as incredible items come up for bid, including the ever popular landscaping packages.

The timing of events follows:

5:00 pm Doors open
Auction item viewing, appetisers and refreshments

6:30 pm Seating and Welcome remarks
"A Second Chance" video

7:00 pm
Buffet Dinner with local Farm Fresh foods from the Valley by Custom Gourmet

8:00 pm
Entertainment by Todd Butler

8:30 pm
Live Auction with David Stevens

9:30 pm
Relax and enjoy you friends company with music by Todd
Close of Auction

Wines by beaufort wines, Blue Moon Winery, Soutend Vineyards, & Saturna Wines and beers by Surgenor Brewery.

Our thanks go out to so many who donated to this event - our bigest fundraising effort of the year. We hope to raise enough that we won't miss our gaming funds loss.

Harvest Banquet & Live Auction- get your tickets now

2009-09-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

The GREAT Taste of the Comox Valley - will be featured this week at the 16th Annual Harvest Banquet and Auction. This annual event benefits MARS (Mountaianire Avian Rescue Society) a local wildlife Resscue organization. This year the "best meal in the valley"will be held at the Florence Filberg Centre at 411 Anderton Ave in Courtenay by the Sid Williams Theatre on Saturday September 26th.

Foods are donated by the farmers of the Comox Valley Farmers' Market Association and the CV Farmers' Institute as well as other fine food producers in the area. Fresh Seafoods such as Tinkerbell II prawns, Mac's Oysters, and Hooked On Seafood Candied Salmon are complimented by Natural pastures Cheeses, colourful vegetables from Fiesta Greenhouses, Pattison Farms, meats from Gunter Bros. and Island Bison, Breads from Becky's Bakery and Grains and delectable desserts from Heavenly Goodies, Michaels off Main, and Greenwoods Pies all can be found on the buffet tables with Custom Gourmet Catering this year's taste extravaganza.

Todd Butler will emcee this year and entertain the 200 guests with tales of the valley, the citizens and their politics. A special video, directed by MARS 2007 intern, Simone Metelli who returned from Italy to present the copy to MARS about the realitiies of work and life at a wildlife centr. This will be viewed by most for the first time and will be sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Auctioneer David Stevens will take to the block many fine arts donated by local artists who believe in the work accomplished by the wildlife centre. Malcom Jolly's Black Walnut bowl carved as a seal with abalone eyes, Nancy Street's soapstone owl and husband Bryan's alabaster bowl with turned maple lid are sure to be appreciated. Limited Edition prints by Mark Hobson, W. Allan Hancock and Wesley Clark are only a few on view.

An amazing Native carving of a Killer whale carved by Quatsino artist Clarence Nelson was donated by Marine Harvest. Bill Beese has an exquisite Spotted Sandpiper carving. Les Trellenberg donated a Tumpeter Swan. All this is on auction to aid wildlife Rescue on Northern Vancouver Island. Birds abound in this art auction but there is more to appeal to every one on your holiday season giving list.

Tickets are $50 each or table of 8 for $375 for a delightful evening of entertainment that features fine local wines from Beaufort Estate winery, Blue Moon Wines, and Southend Vineyards on Quadra Island. Enjoy Surgenor Brewery lagers and ales. Take advantage of Adventure and escape packages to the Wickanninnnish Inn, the Inn at Laurel Point, Whiskey Point B & B on Quadra or the Blue Owl on Denman Island along with Whale Watching adventures from Stubbs Island or Seasmoke Adventure, Grizzly Bear Tours from TideRip Tours and Westcoast Helicopter rides. There are also golfing packages at Storey Creek and Crown Isle, Mulligans and Sunnydale, or gardening landscape packages from Oyster Bay Plant works and goodies from the Willows Wildbird Shop in Campbell River. More plants from Outback Nursery and Bees and Blooms. Lots more, in fact can be found but only if you come to support local wildlife.

Our sincere thanks to Our Big Earth, Mid Island Gifts, the Comox Valley Record and so many other incredible volunteers for their help with this fine event. Ticket available at Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce, or phone MARS 250-337-2021.

Fawn Fund Update

2009-09-17T19:13:00.000-07:00

2009-09-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

MARS Announces Winners of the 2009 Raffle

Our mainfundraiser this summer was a raffle with fantastic prizes thanks to some wonderful Vancouver Island Businesses. Our Raffle began and ended at Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens where this spring's feature Artist M.Warren Morgan donated a beautiful Limited edition print of "Her Winter Majesty" a Snowy Owl framed by Affordable Custom Framing and Art.

This 2nd prize item and other prizes were drawn on Monday Sept. 7th at 3:oo pm. BC Gaming event Class B Ticket Raffle #16009. This Second prize was won by Doreen Plouffe of Courtenay.

First Prize, a Winter Storm Watching at the Wickanninnish Inn was won by Douglas Sauer of Campbell River.

Prizes 3 & 4 - are 2 Seasmoke Whalewatching Adventures in Alert Bay -won by Ember Nuttall and Mark Gander.

Prize 5 - Destiny River Rafting Adventure Tour was won by Vic Nacci of Quathiaski Cove

Prize 6 - 2 beautiful painted skateboards a Wolf and Cougar were claimed by Melodie Berreth for her gandkids, of Campbell River's Willow's WildBird Shop on Dogwood Street.

We wish to sincerely thank all of our prize sponsors who donated to our event and helped us raise much needed funds to assist with operating costs at our wildlife centre. Also our deep gratitude to those who purchased tickets in support of wildlife rehab.

Best wishes to all who participated and many thanks to our core group of volunteers who helped with ticket sales throughout the long summer.

Tickets on sale now for Harvest Banquet

2009-08-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

The 16th Annual Harvest Banquet and Live Auction fundraiser for Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) is set for Saturday September 26th at the Florence Filberg Centre beginning at 5 o'clock p.m. The fun starts with viewing of live and bidding on silent auction items while sampling appetizers and sipping local wines and beers.

Settle in for some of the great tastes of the Comox Valley featuring fine, savoury locally produced foods prepared by Custom Gourmet Catering , finished off with special desserts from local bakeries. Enjoy the musical antics of the valley's own talented Todd Butler and veiw a new video promoting the wildlife centre.

Finish the evening with an entertaining live auction in support of MARS Wildlife Centre while auctioneer David Stevens raises the bids on a wide assortment offine art, goods and services of the local area.

Tickets are available at the Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce and are still the same low price of $50 each or table of 8 for $375. (cash or cheque only, please) Or you can book your table through MARS (Visa/MC). But ...get you tickets soon, as seating is limited for really great food, really great fun, for a really great cause. FMI 250-337-2021

2009-07-18T13:16:00.001-07:00

FRIENDS OF THE FAWNS

The Fawn Fund has a growing list of contributors and we want to thank everyone for their support.

Since last week, when the article appeared in the local newspapers and and on CHEK TV, we have received a number of phone calls, notes in the mail and visits from "Friends of the Fawns"

We really appreciate everyone's care and concern!!! A gentle reminder that we are a hospital for sick wildlife and our permits do not allow public viewing of our patients. We need to try to keep them as wild as possible so they can be released back to the wild with as little impact from humans as possible.

Many people are asking if we can provide Charitable tax receipts and the answer is YES!!! For any donations over $10 we can provide a tax receipt if requested. Other folks suggested that we list our number:

Our tax number is 89207 7991 RRooo1

Our Interns ,Megan, Mallory and Camille have been working hard to care for the Fawns, feeding, cleaning, cutting browse, and your donations help us to buy the pasturized milk that we need to keep them in good health. The milk costs anywhere from $4.99 to $5.20 for a 2 ltr container. We are buying 4-5 containers every other day. Megan has now completed her internship but wants to return this summer as a volunteer - WOW!!! Camille is busy writing thank-you notes to the many folks who have donated so far.

We have finally introduced the smallest fawn to the other four. We had kept her separated for some time until we could complete a course of antibiotics. Now she is stronger and is becoming part of the herd. We opened up the pen to allow them more room to run and play. There is access to the pond and one , at least, has learned how to swim. They can really run fast around the pond and have small deer trails through the trees. At night they all bed down together except the baby, who is a bit of a princess and sleeps in the kennel.

If you wish to donate please call or mail us your check or money order. We can also take Visa/Mastercard. (cash is always welcome) A reply will be coming back in the mail soon. Thank you for caring! maj

2009-07-07T18:46:00.000-07:00

MARS Raffles GREAT Prizes to help wildlife rescue efforts on Vancouver Island

Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society announces the start of another great Raffle season to help with wildlife rescue efforts on the Island. "There have been some very exciting prizes donated this year" states Maj Birch, the manager of the wildlife centre located in the Comox Valley.

The Raffle has 1800 tickets for sale at a cost of $5 each with the Draw to be held at Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens on September 7th, 2009. Included are :

A Winter Storm watch package of one night at the Wickanninnish Inn

"Her Winter Majesty" a snowy Owl Limited edition Print by M.Warren Morgan whose works are prominently displayed in fine homes such as those owned by Queen Elizabeth. The Framing was done by Affordable Custom Framing.

SeaSmoke Whale Watching Adventures offers 2 trips in the waters off Robson Bight

Destiny River Rafting Tours offers an adventure of white water rafting

Onethirtythree donated 2 skateboards with Wolf and Cougar designs.

BC Gaming Event Class B Ticket Raffle #16009. Contact MARS for more information on how to purchase a ticket (you must be over 19 years old). Tickets on sale throughout the summer at various events in and around the region.

Look for the Blue MARS tent and volunteers at VI MusicFest, Comox Nautical Days, CR Logger Sports, and Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens. We wish to thank our sponsors for their generous gifts to help us with this reaffle.

Biorhythm Performs At Willows Pub

2009-05-29T14:29:00.000-07:00

BIORHYTHM TO PLAY WILLOW’S PUB
IN SUPPORT OF MOUNTAINAIRE AVIAN RESCUE SOCIETY

BioRhythm (Cathy & Calvin Kalyniuk with Johanne Abbis) will be performing at The Willow’s Neighbourhood Pub on Saturday July 12 from 7pm-10pm in an effort to raise funds for Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society. Tickets are $10 and are now available at The Willow’s located at 521 Rockland Road in Campbell River. The proceeds of ticket sales will go directly to the Society. Mountainaire Avian Rescue Society (MARS) Wildbird Centre has rescued thousands of birds and other young wildlife for the past 15 years on Northern Vancouver Island and outlying areas.

A dedicated team of volunteers work tirelessly to return wildlife back to nature. They really do more than just bandaid for birds, taking their educational program into over 30 schools and each year. Approximately 20% of the cases come from the Campbell River area. You may be familiar with MARS Moments that appears in local papers that highlight specific cases. They are also involved with wildlife studies on merging diseases and toxins that affect wildlife, as well as wildlife population studies. The Internship program and work with young offenders and those with challenges continues each year. None of these programs are funded by government. This non-profit society needs help to continue to provide the services that they provide. Donations of cash is the most useful although lumber for building, consumable paper products and cleaning supplies such as bleach and laundry soap are also required. Volunteers who can help with special projects are welcome to enquire @ 337-2021 or visit www.wingtips.org to learn more about MARS work for wildlife.

For more information, contact the Willow’s at 923-8311.

MARS AGM

2009-05-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

ALL members and those interested in wildlife rescue efforts on Vancouver Island are invited to attend the AGM Sunday May 31 from 1pm on. Find out about future plans for the society, meet board members, staff and visit the wildlife centre in Merville.

Meet MARS Interns and volunteers, see displays and learn how you can help. New wildlife Programs this year include a zoonotic study and participation in the marine mammal network. Presentation by Sandy Fairfield, author of MARS Moments, and learn about this exciting organization that participates in stewardship porgrams on the Island.

Help support wildlife rescue by becoming an active member, discover volunteer opportunities, meet our educational ambassadors Shakespeare the Barred Owl and Horus the Redtail Hawk, and see their newly built MEWS. Visit our website www.wingtips.org for directions to the wildlife centre.

Photos

2009-03-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

We invite you to share photos of interesting birds, or wildlife seen, rescued, saved, watched, and wondered about. Tell us a short story of your experience, a caption to your picture, or a question that we may be able to answer. Such as the rare speices shown here at MARS CR Bald Eagle Festival on Feb.21/09. Harrison flew in from Mission BC, thanks to FVBEF.