Perch Wrapping 101

The life of an animal caretaker is not all fun and games all the time, one of the many jobs that we have to do from time to time is re-wrapping the perches for our birds. It may sound simple to do -  wrap a perch, yeah, but it can be very complicated if you really dig into the processes of doing it. Different size birds need different size perches and different species of bird need different angle on their perches. What type of rope is the best for this birds feet? How do we stop it from stinking ? Can we keep it from mildewing? Each animal that we work with requires special knowledge of what’s best for that animal. So just remember even something as simple as wrapping a rope around a stick can get very complicated very quick when you work with animals.

Big Catch!!

Even though we work in a wonderful and beautiful place.

From time to time we still need a vacation. Here are just a few if the fish I brought back with me to feed our eagle. 

The large mouth bass is a natural prey item for the eagle and the bones in whole fish help wear the beak down so it does not grow to long!

Spring Native Plant Sale around the corner!

The Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center at Reflection Riding is hosting its 27^th annual Native Plant Sale and Open House March 28 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), 29th (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and 30 (noon to 5 p.m.).

The sale will feature native plants that volunteers have propagated in the nursery on site for a variety of garden conditions. Native plants are a good choice for introducing into the home landscape for a number of reasons:

• They are beautiful 
• They are sustainable
• They contribute to habitat conservation by creating biodiversity and an environment favorable to wildlife.

Bring the whole family and explore the unique landscape that is Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center at Reflection Riding, with over thirteen miles of trails, over one-thousand different species of flora and an incredible variety of animal life. 

“We are anxious to share with our community the beauty, serenity and adventure to be found all on one site, right here, just minutes from downtown Chattanooga.”  Dr. Paola Craddock, Greenhouse Manager said.  “And we hope many people will take advantage of the free admission all weekend.”

Evidence of early Tennessee Valley Native Americans, Spanish explorers, pioneer settlers and Civil War soldiers is present in the natural landscape of Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center at Reflection Riding. Other features include the George S. Bryan Discovery Forest Treehouse and the Paddler’s Perch, both located on the banks of Lookout Creek, and the Wildlife Wanderland, with its many species of captive native animals including highly endangered Red Wolves.

For more information visit www.chattanoogaanc.org

Can you identify?

If you missed the tracking class, you really missed out it would have been a good time to practice your tracking skills in all the snow we had..... So here is a chance to impress the teacher. 

Does anyone know who these tracks belong too ?????? 

Animals everywhere!

Taylor can often be found with a buddy on his shoulder. Today it is a young Opossum. 

Red Meat for Red Wolves

Finding enough food to feed six hungry wolves can be rather difficult. That's why we are so thankful to local deer processors for letting us rummage through their leftovers. 

It's also a nice change of pace from a normal day; just another reason I love what I do! 

Opossum success!

Treats found and opossum happily munching. 

It's a good day.