Wild Wings Takes Flight to Care for Injured Animals

By Lynette M. Loomis

 

Wild Wings in Mendon Ponds Park is a lifelong sanctuary for injured raptors, as well as other birds such as mammals, reptiles and amphibians.

Program director Terry Kozakiewicz, 60, said they have 33 permanently injured birds of prey that cannot be released back into the environment. The organization is run by a team of three paid staff and 40 volunteers.

Like many parents, Kozakiewicz was seeking a role for her young son, who was passionate about nature and working with animals. His mission became hers and she has worked in the field for 22 years, becoming the director in 2006 when the facility relocated from Hilton to Mendon Ponds Park.

Her son, Nick, is now the assistant director. They each put in approximately 70 hours a week to care for the residents of Wild Wings.

The Department of Environmental Conservation and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have licensed Kozakiewicz as a wildlife rehabilitator, a designation that requires specialized training, mentorship and a written examination. Wild Wings’ mission is education. They share their expertise through guided tours, birthday parties and demonstrations.

“The injured animals are wonderful ambassadors for their species,” Kozakiewicz said.

Hundreds of school programs are conducted each year.

“When visitors see our birds, they become more real to visitors or students. Once you look into the eyes of a bird or mammal, you can’t continue to be indifferent to their plight. Education and conservation are intertwined,” said Lou Whalen, 63.

Whalen has volunteered at Wild Wings for six years, arriving every Saturday to feed the birds, clean their homes and teach adults and children about birds of prey. He knows the history and personality of every bird.

Two of the oldest birds at Wild Wings are Athena, a 35-year-old bald eagle, and Sierra, a 27-year-old Harris hawk. The two bald eagles are from Alaska. One’s feathers were so injured that it could no longer fly after being hit by a snowmobile. The golden eagle is from Wyoming. Through a national network of bird rehabilitators, each of these birds was treated and sent to Wild Wings for a permanent home.

Rosie is a hybrid saker-gyrfalcon. She was a natural deterrent in a landfill but flew into a power line. She has made Wild Wings her home for
eight years.

“She recalls her training. When managed by a falconer, she received a treat for her success. Now she pecks at my glove, hoping for that treat, but she has to wait until feeding time,” Whalen explained.

“I originally went to college for wildlife management. But, like many people, my career has taken a different path,” he said.

Whalen has spent 43 years at Avangrid, of which Rochester Gas and Electric is a subsidiary, and signs off on new projects before final payment is made.

“Volunteering at Wild Wings fits the part of my personality that loves nature and hiking. The birds talk to me a great deal, like when I give an eagle a misting, they love that. And it always makes me smile,” he said.

Whalen lives in Pittsford and protects the natural environment by avoiding the use of pesticides in his yard and planting only native plants. He doesn’t use mouse or rat poison as it kills the rodent, but also the birds that might eat it.

Norene Buehner, 65, drives from Ithaca each Saturday to volunteer
at Wild Wings.

“Although I love birds, I am more of a mammal person,” she said. “Zoara is a bobcat who came to Wild Wings at about 2 years of age. She is very curious and loves to play. My role is to provide the animals with stimulation and enrichment. Sometimes, I hide food treats or scents, so they need to search for them. Zoara loves to play with feathers, of which we have plenty. She knows me and calls me to greet me,” she said.

During the rest of her week, Buehner works at Cornell University in molecular biological genetics. She is an avid hiker, enjoys seeing and hearing every animal and follows their tracks and behavior.

“At Wild Wings, we want to build respect for each animal to allow them to live their best lives and to keep their species going,” she added.

Part of that respect is knowing when not to intervene. It is essential not to interfere unless it is a problem.

“If you come across a young bird you believe is injured, check the surroundings, its parents may be nearby,” Buehner explained.

For an injured wild animal, contact AnimalHelpNow at https://ahnow.org/  or call 333.

Board treasurer Lisa Wright said, “We are supported almost entirely through programs and donations, which enable us to provide food and care for our animals. The support from our community is vital and we are deeply grateful for the generosity of our visitors.”

The center’s wish list includes paper towels, trash bags, mealworms and Home Depot and Lowe’s gift cards. (https://www.wildwingsinc.com/wish-list).

“We also rely on contributions, events and gift shop sales to support the center. The diets for all creatures are particular to their species. The birds of prey require meat, while some creatures in our nature center rely on fruits and vegetables. It is expensive to provide them with what they need. Someone must clean each cage daily. We also raise funds to cover veterinary care costs. Ken Bedell DVM, in Lima, is amazing and has brought many of our ‘family’ from crisis back to health,” Kozakiewicz said.

 

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Wild Wings in Mendon Ponds Park is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For programs and other information, visit www.wildwingsinc.com/