When an organization shelters and feeds over 300 orphaned animals at any one time, it must be efficient.  That is what I noticed on my last visit to the Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.  Hungry babies demand attention, and the staff and volunteers at Greenwood have systems in place so that nothing is left to chance.  For the raccoons,  a large white board documents important dates, ages, vaccinations and other vital statistics.  Other animals  have  detailed charts indicating weights, feeding amounts, general health and progress notes.  With the center now enters into its busy season, it is amazing to witness the professionalism and dedication of the people who care for the animals. 
    For sick, injured and orphaned animals, Greenwood is the second chance that they deserve.  Thanks, Greenwood, for all you do! (Click on any image below to enlarge  and view as slide show.)

The Greenwood Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is chirping and full of feathers!  The staff knew that things could get busy with the closing of Denver's Wild B.I.R.D. (rehabilitation center) last fall, and the predictions were correct.  As of June 10, 2015, Greenwood has treated 1,129 animals compared to 879 last year.  Who are these extra residents?  Song birds, mainly, but there are also lots of ducks!  Currently, there are 96 baby ducklings at Greenwood, including one who was found wandering alone in Estes Park.   All the outdoor duck enclosures are full so there is a refugee camp set up near the goose enclosure.  The ducks don't seem to mind, though, since they have all they need.
    Stepping into the bird rehabilitation room is like walking into a symphony during a practice session. There are American Robins, Western Meadowlarks, House Finches, Mourning Doves and even Black-capped Chickadees that sing along with Common Grackles and European Starlings.  There is even a juvenile Red Crossbill and a beautiful Steller's Jay, who was found on a dirt road with an injured leg.    Bird babies keep the volunteers extra busy, too, since they need to eat every 30 minutes, and it is neat to see them eagerly eat home-grown meal worms.
    Stepping into the raccoon area is like stepping into a nursery school during nap time!   During the day they are sleeping (and growing), and soon they will be heading outside for their adolescence.  There are also a couple of new squirrels at the Center -- Wyoming Ground Squirrel from Wyoming, an unknown type of chipmunk and a Pine Squirrel who arrived on Memorial Day. 
   Greenwood is such a sanctuary for animals that even a healthy and wild American Robin decided that an outdoor light fixture at the Center is a good place to raise a family. Below, you can see a picture of one of the parents sitting on his/her newly hatched babies.  Now, the hard work begins!   Please click on an image for a slideshow. Thanks for reading. 'Til next time!