2006 Rescue & Release

"Batman Too"

This little orphan opened its mouth wide so its MWR foster mother could feed it every 30 minutes. This nestling American Robin's home and siblings were destroyed by a cat. According to the American Bird Conservancy cats kill over 63 million birds worldwide a year. ABC sponsors "Cat's Indoors" to try to educate people about cats and wildlife. Although it's at home breeding in deep, mature forests, the American Robin is the most widespread thrush in North American thanks to a tolerance for human-modified habitats. Because the Robin forages largely on lawns, it is vulnerable to pesticide poisoning and can be an important indicator of chemical pollution. In Fall and Winter, Robins can be found in large, somewhat nomadic flocks in areas with lots of fruiting trees, singing, "cheerily, cheer up, cheer up, cheerily, cheer up."

2005 Rescue & Release

"Batman"

This baby robin named "Batman" was brought to MWR after a thunderstorm. Volunteer Rehabilitator Kelly Jacobs had to feed him every 30 minutes - from dawn until dark! He ate a mixture of ten nutritious ingredients especially selected for Robins. A diet balanced for Robins is necessary for him to grow and prosper. An important part of that diet is fresh crickets - which much be purchased from a reputable dealer and "prepared" appropriately before feeding. In addition, Kelly had to keep his cage scrupulously clean, keep him out of drafts and constantly provide clean, fresh water. Batman lived in a cage in a quiet area of Kelly's house, away from children and pets. Before he could be released, Batman had to grow a nice long tail, be strong and healthy and able to fly - and be able to capture his own crickets and worms.