January 2008

LOG-BOOK:

News about the Bird-flu is in red and about the environment in blue

January 1^st:  the Silky Fowl was 224 (+15), the Little Owl 199 (+4), the Scop’s Owl 102 (+4), the Sparrowhawk 141 (+3) and the Pigeon 262 (+5) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 785 (-20) and Honey Buzzard II was 1075 (-14) gram. The Spurr-tighed Tortoise is still alive and as well the kitten “Greyly” is doing fine. After the siesta one Dutch visitor; the one who will take “Greyly” with her to Holland. And the kitten received her definitive name: “Noelle” (was eventually found on Christmas-day).

January 2^nd:  the Silky Fowl was 226 (+2), the Little Owl 201 (+2), the Scop’s Owl 107 (+5) the Sparrowhawk 140 (-1) and the Pigeon 263 (+1) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 778 (-7) and number II was 1067 (-8) gram. The Spurr-tighed Tortoise is still alive as well. And while one of us with a head full of cotton and mucus tried to survive in bed, there were from 8.25 a.m. constantly phone-calls about an injured doggie (later it became a huge, wild dog) which should be somewhere in our village. The callers were told that if one should bring the dog here, we could be able to give First Aid, but that we couldn’t take-in the animal > no free place anymore !! But no-one wanted/could bring the dog, so . . . . !! At 11.13 a.m. a phone-call from Kallonís about an injured “Geráki” (bird of prey), which was at a petrol-station in that village > so we went for a ride and picked-up the bird > see further at BUZZARD.

Mounting plastic a concern

Thousands of tons of used plastic has been put in rubbish bins across Greece over the last few days, prompting environmentalists to repeat calls for consumers to buy products with less plastic packaging.

It is estimated that Greeks use some 300.000 tons of plastic every year and about 20 percent of this is plastic that is used only once before being thrown into the trash.

The cost to the consumer is extremely high – plastic water bottles alone cost around 1 million euros a year – but campaigners are more concerned about the impact that the disposal of non-biodegradable and non-recyclable plastic is having on the environment.

“Plastic products need hundreds of years to degrade and, when they decompose, many types release toxic substances into the environment,” Antigone Dalamaga of the Ecological Society for Recycling told Kathimerini.

One of the main ways that plastic ends up in the trash is in the form of plastic bags. Apart from taking a long time to decompose, they also slow down the biodegradation of other products. For example, a piece of meat or vegetable placed in a plastic rubbish bag could take between 30 and 70 years to decompose.

The plastic shopping bag appeared in large numbers in Greece in the 1980s. “Clearly, there was life before then, so there can be life after it,” said Dalamaga, who added that a number of cities and governments around the world are now phasing out the use of plastic bags.

The recycling of plastic has yet to take off in a big way in Greece but is a difficult and costly process anyway as it involves the separation by hand of different types of plastic. Some plastics cannot be recycled at all.

“We have to lessen the use of plastic,” said Dalamaga. “We do not need to ban it completely but at the moment we are using far too much plastic.”

The little Silky Fowl loves sitting on our knee during feeding > isn’t such a problem for the Pigeon, but for the new Buzzard this was quite new this afternoon !! At 6.35 p.m. a phone-call from Kallonís about an injured bird; probably a Coot. We’re going to pick it up tomorrow.

January 3^rd:  properly speaking we both should stay in bed; so rotten we feel . . . !! But the work must be done, so we’re diminishing our stock of medicines !! The Silky Fowl was 232 (+6), The Little Owl 202 (+1), the Scop’s Owl 106 (-1), the Sparrowhawk 142 (+2), the Pigeon 261 (-2) and the new Buzzard 609 (+16) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 773 (-6) and number II was 1057 (-10) gram. Both birds had eaten badly yesterday. The Spurr-tighed Tortoise is still alive. When we phoned at 7.45 a.m. that we should leave to pick-up the Coot, we heard that the bird had changed temporarily with eternal life last night. In the Town Hall we heard that the injured dog of yesterday-morning indeed was quite huge, that he was shot and was protected by an even huge other one and that both dogs at last had run away when they were approached . . . . !! At 1.30 p.m. the Dutch Medie was at our door with the dog of another Dutch woman, for which during the absence of the latter a Greek man should take care > so had not happened: the dog was a living skeleton (however, could hardly walk anymore !!). Food, feeding-advices and food-supplements were given !! Further not in the statistics. And while we were busy herewith a Greek man from our village came and brought his (most probably) poisoned Tom-cat > see further at TOM-CAT. After the siesta we wondered if the bitten Spurr-tighed Tortoise still was alive > tomorrow-morning we’ll know more. In the evening still a woman at the door, who came to tell that an . . . . injured dog was laying at her doorstep (indeed; the shot one !) > advices were given, because we’ve absolutely no space to lodge him.

January 4^th:  the Silky Fowl was 236 (+4), the Little Owl 202 (=), the Scop’s Owl 106 (=), the Pigeon 265 (+4) and the Sparrowhawk 137 (-5) gram. The Buzzard is recovering well from the results of the knocking-down and is as wild again as a Buzzard should be (our poor legs !): was 647 (+38) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 778 (+6) and the other was 1056 (-1) gram. The water-bowl in the peregrine-aviary had such a thick layer of ice, it couldn’t be broken by hand !! We need to wear woolen gloves while working outside !! The bitten Spurr-tighed Tortoise (07-228; December 23^rd ’07) has definitively passed away. Still a miracle he had hold out, with those injuries, for such a long time !! At 12.45 p.m. a Water Rail was brought-in by the Dasarcheío (Forestry). See further over there. The forester received a tour around.

Cold snap

The cold snap in northern Greece continued yesterday as the temperature in Florina reached a record low of -8 Celsius. The temperature in Kozani and Kastoria also fell well below zero, while in Thessaloniki the lowest reading of the day was -2C. Drivers across northern Greece were advised to use snow chains when traveling in their cars as there is snow and ice on many roads in that part of the country.

Boost for green lessons at schools

The Education Ministry has decided to make a priority of improving teaching about the environment at schools as green issues begin to take on more importance in Greece, sources said yesterday.

Currently there is little education on the environment offered at schools. At the junior high level, environmental lessons are only offered on a voluntary basis after school hours for students who wish to remain to participate. In primary schools, there are two hours per week allocated to learning about the environment.

Questioned on the subject recently, six in 10 senior high school teachers replied that lessons offered on environmental issues are few or minimal. Other officials said they are more satisfied with the results so far but admitted that changes need to be made.

“Environmental education is on a satisfactory path as there has been an increase in programs organized every year by schools in the country,” Maria Daskolia, a lecturer at Athens University, told Kathimerini.

“The issue is whether we are satisfied with the results so far, given the increased importance of environmental protection and the higher interest shown by people on the issue.”

Dina Schiza, head of the environmental educational programs offered at secondary schools, believes that 15 percent of students have sat in on one of the courses. “We need a more systematic involvement from younger ages,” added Schiza.

At 7 p.m. two people at the door, with a (plastic) sack wherein 3 juvenile male Peacocks. The birds were “simmering” even more than in an old-fashioned coffee-shop in Amsterdam . . . . !! One was already trying to cure for one month with all kinds of antibiotics (but of course, set of “DIY’s”, with much too low doses . . . !!). We have given tablets for 10 days, which should be placed deep in the throat twice a day. Maybe that will work-out ?!?! We couldn’t take them in, because there are no cages anymore. Not in the statistics. Maybe the same people will bring us a shot duck (from 1 year ago !!), which had remained broken-winged. “If we could do anything about that . . . ??” At most we can find a good home for the bird.

January 5^th:  all patients were still alive this morning. The Silky Fowl was 243 (+7), the Little Owl 202 (=), the Pigeon 264 (-1), the Scop’s Owl 101 (-5), the Water Rail 113 (-7) and the Sparrowhawk 136 (-1) gram. The Buzzard was 670 (+23), Honey Buzzard I was 769 (-9) and number II was 1052 (-4) gram. And again all water-bowls in the aviaries were filled with ice !! At 8.05 the Little Owl (07-221; November 30^th ’07) was transferred again to the little-owl-aviary in “The Keep”, hoping he will eat there this time till the release in coming March. And 5 minutes later the Pigeon (07-226; December 20^th ’07) went to the pigeon-cage in “The Keep”; as well in the hope that seeing eating, is eating. We could remove all the stitches from the removed eye of the kitten “Noelle”. This morning twice was phoned by or on behalf of the Municipality about the shot stray dog (stray animals are the responsibility of the Municipality; not of the L.W.H. !!) and at last a city-councilor came to get some sedatives for putting in the food of the dog, to bring him afterwards to Kallonís for treatment. As well a muzzle was borrowed. In the evening we received a phone-call that everything with the dog had happened as was planned. Tomorrow the muzzle will be brought back.

January 6^th:  the Silky Fowl was 250 (+7), the Water Rail 106 (-7), the Sparrowhawk 138 (+2) and the Scop’s Owl 95 (-6) gram. The Buzzard was 681 (+11), Honey Buzzard I was 783 (+14) and the other was 1056 (+4) gram. And while we were busy discussing the daily-programme, the following happened:

Greece hit by heavy earth-quake        
Edited: January 6^th  2008  7:27 a.m.      

ATHENS – Greece was startled by a heavy earth-quake early Sunday-morning. The tremor was 6.1 on the Richter-scale according to the American Seismological Centre USGS.

The epicenter was 124 km southwest of the capital Athens, where inhabitants were wakened-up by the tremor. Still there are no reports about damages or victims.

Strong quake hits Peloponnese

An unusually strong quake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale shook southern Greece early Sunday, and was felt in Athens and even Italy, but no injuries or major damage were reported.

The quake, whose epicenter was off the coast of Leonidio in the south eastern Peloponnese, struck at 7.14 a.m., sending panic-stricken villagers out into the streets. Two weaker aftershocks, measuring 3.4 and 3.9 Richter, occurred at 8 a.m. and 9.49 a.m.

Greek television initially interrupted normal programming to report the tremor. However, seismologists were quick to reassure viewers that the worst had passed. According to experts, it was the depth of the quake’s epicenter that saved the village and surrounding areas from tragedy. “The tremor occurred 70 kilometers below sea level – which is why there have been no casualties,” said Yiannis Drakatos, spokesman for the Athens Observatory. The 5.9-magnitude quake that struck Athens in September 1999, killing dozens, had been closer to the earth’s surface. “The danger has passed – whatever happens from now on is only of scientific interest,” said Giorgos Stavrakakis, director of the observatory’s geodynamic institute.

Police reported a number of small landslides in the area of Leonidio and some minor damage to school buildings. Interior Minister Prokopis Pavlopoulos said that state engineers had been dispatched to the area to inspect school buildings and other structures and determine whether they are safe for use.

Local officials said that residents of Leonidio and surrounding areas had initially panicked, many running out onto the street. “It was a very strong earthquake... but everything is now normal,” said Leonidio’s Deputy Mayor Ilias Manos.

We didn’t notice anything, and so heated our discussion wasn’t after all !!

January 7^th:  the Silky Fowl was 261 (+11), the Water Rail 111 (+5), the Scop’s Owl 106 (+11) and the Sparrowhawk 133 (-5)gram. The Buzzard was 694 (+13), Honey Buzzard I was 792 (+9) and number II was 1052 (-4) gram.

COLD SNAP

Weather seen improving after some problems in northern Greece

Weather conditions are expected to improve slightly across Greece today after a cold snap caused minor problems in northern parts of the country. A number of villages in mountain areas near Karditsa and Trikala were cut off due to snowfall, authorities said. Temperatures dropped to as low as -15 Celsius in Florina and -10C in Grevena over the weekend.

January 8^th:  the Silky Fowl was 268 (+7), the Water Rail 115 (+4), the Scop’s Owl 105 (-1) and the Sparrowhawk 136 (+3) gram. The Buzzard was 706 (+12), Honey Buzzard I was 780 (-12) and number II was 1043 (-9) gram. The Little Owl, we had transferred to the little owl-aviary in “The Keep” January 5^th, we had to take back: had lost since that date 24 gram !! Today was the first “meat-cutting-day” of this year and together with Douglas & Janice there was processed 12,745 kilo of meat, liver & minced meat. Price 88,83 Euro. In the afternoon people were at our door with . . . . the shot dog (from January 5^th) > if we could treat him !! Told that the dog was already treated by the Agrotikí Stégi in Kallonís and that is wasn’t our business anymore. The dog however (cross-breed Pitbull) was looking well !!

January 9^th:  no animal had lost weight this morning !! Silky Fowl 276 (+7), Scop’s Owl 107 (+2), Little Owl 185 (+7), Water Rail 122 (+7) and the Sparrowhawk 137 (+1) gram. The Buzzard was 706 (=), Honey Buzzard I was 786 (+6) and Honey Buzzard II was 1053 (+10) gram.

EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE

Inspectors see problems in 14 homes

Environment and Public Works Ministry inspection teams in Leonidio, which was hit by a 6.5 Richter earthquake on Sunday, found that one abandoned home had been completely destroyed while another 13 had suffered structural damage and were not safe to live in. Inspectors have held 72 checks in the south-eastern Peloponnese district and will continue inspections today.

We received a phone-call about the neglected dog we wrote about January 3^rd > he didn’t survive. At 9.50 p.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne (from the same man who had brought December 20^th ’07 two Yellow-legged Gulls) that he had another one, which was chased by dogs. He isn’t able to place the bird tomorrow on the coach (and we aren’t able tomorrow to collect the bird), so he is and trying to keep the bird alive (advices about food were given) and to send the bird Friday 11^th by coach.

January 10^th:  the Silky Fowl was 288 (+12), the Little Owl 190 (+5), the Scop’s Owl 102 (-5), the Water Rail 121 (-1) and the Sparrowhawk 131 (-6) gram. The Buzzard was 721 (+15), Honey Buzzard I was 777 (-9) and the other 1038 (-15) gram. Our Buzzard was transferred to the buzzard-aviary just after 8 a.m.  Melanie (from Pétra) who wanted to come and help us, phoned that the coach had slipped from the road due to ice on the roads. Picked-up at the dentist and brought over here. Meanwhile the Gull, they had phoned about yesterday evening, was brought > see at YELLOW-LEGGED GULL. We could stop the registration of the Pigeon (07-226; December 20^th ’07), which was transferred to the pigeon-cage in “The Keep” January 5^th > is doing well there. Which aren’t doing so well are our three lamed birds: the Sparrowhawk (07-217; November 24^th ’07), the Scop’s Owl (now 07-224; December 17^th ’07, but in the past 06-105) and the this year taken-in Water Rail. Even after 6 days there is no improvement in the legs of the latter and the bird can only produce droppings when we press the belly. The Scop’s Owl however has regained some movement in the legs, but isn’t able to stand on them and is using the wings to stay upright. The Sparrowhawk is hobbling around in his cage, is eating on his own (this in contrary with the two other birds) but is becoming more and more filthy due to the own droppings. Herein no improvement can be expected. So we have decided to put them all three down tomorrow-morning . . . . They have done their utmost best and we as well, but . . . . !!

January 11^th:  the Silky Fowl was 294 (+6) and the Little Owl 189 (-1) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 768 (-9) and Honey Buzzard II was 1040 (+2) gram. At 7.40 a.m. all three yesterday mentioned birds had left this (and entered another, we hope better) life. The most difficult case was the Scop’s Owl, which we had in our care for almost one year and a half: he was one of the most photographed birds in “The Keep” !! The kitten “Noelle” was today micro-chipped by us. The Yellow-legged Gull isn’t behaving like we expected from this kind of bird: is languidly laying on the bottom of the cage and refuses to eat. At 1.30 p.m. a phone-call from Variá, that one had over there a knocked-down “Aetós” (eagle) > so we went for a ride. It took quite a lot of problems finding the right small harbor, and after an (almost) pants-destroying climbing over some barbed wire on top of a 4 meter high fence we could catch the bird in a small pine-forest > see further at BUZZARD. And at arrival at the L.W.H. it showed to be that the Yellow-legged Gull had taken-of for heaven without using the wings . . . !! Meanwhile we have contacted the eldest Wildlife Hospital in the world (in England: St. Tiggywinkles) about an artificial leg for “Pelli”. 

January 12^th:  the Silky Fowl was 304 (+10) and the Little Owl was 190 (+1) gram. The new Buzzard was 520 (+5), Honey Buzzard I was 778 (+10) and Honey Buzzard II was 1050 (+10) gram. Our car was covered with thick ice this morning and the coach from Pétra to Mytiléne didn’t arrive in Pétra at all !! At 9.18 a.m. a phone-call from the Vet Myrsíni Tourvalí in Mytiléne, that she had a pigeon with salmonella (??) and lamed legs > she’ll send the bird with the coach of 1 p.m. The kitten “Noëlle” was vaccinated for the first time. Under a light complete anesthetic (otherwise we had to count our fingers !!) we could remedy some anal-problems from our eldest-minus-one dog “Humpy”: a huge dropping (stone-hard shit) hadn’t dropped and was glued around his anus and he was unable to remove it. Further not in the statistics. At 1.58 p.m. we had the announced Pigeon in our hands > see at ROCK DOVE. At 10.30 p.m. we were startled by a phone-call from Holland, that our ex-patient “Gonda” (06-196B; September 22^nd ’06), which was re-homed in Holland October 16^th ’07, just before was knocked-down and had died. Many of our trainees of that time will remember her well . . . .

January 13^th:  the Silky Fowl was 307 (+3), the Little Owl 190 (=) and the Rock Dove 270 (+23) gram. There is still absolutely no movement in his legs. The Buzzard was 554 (+34), Honey Buzzard I was 771 (-7) and the other was 160 (+10) gram. The water-bowls in the aviaries are still ice-free, but the car is thick covered !! Within the reorganization-plan of the “book-storages” the cupboard (we took with us from Amsterdam and over there it was as well 2^nd-hand!) from the landing of the 2^nd floor of our house, in which a lot of specialist-literature was stored, was emptied and transferred to the trainee-bedroom on the 1^st floor of the House-next-door. It showed to be that the floor over there, over a width of ± 80 cm, inclined almost 5 cm !! The books etc from this cupboard should be selected first, to find a place in the huge library in our house (the office, according to the trainees). Meanwhile, in the vacant place in the landing of the 2^nd floor of our house a new, less deep book-case has been constructed. The blind (ex-)Tom-cat “Stevie” (07-204; October 20^th ’07) was micro-chipped today as well. At 5.10 p.m. a phone-call from Megalochóri about a “Tsirkóni”, which should have problems with the tail. We have consulted all the books we have, but it seems the name in the local patois, so we only know the bird should eat olives. Should be possible it’s the Common Starling, but those official name is different. After lots of phone-calls we have heard it’s indeed a Starling.

January 14^th:  all were in the plus again this morning: the Silky Fowl 319 (+12), the Little Owl 191 (+1) and the Rock Dove 271 (+1) gram. The legs of the last one are still 100% lame, so . . . . !! The Buzzard was 584 (+30), Honey Buzzard I was 786 (+15) and number II was 1065 (+5) gram. Cleaning the cages in the Sick-Bay we discovered that the Rock-Dove, in his efforts to walk, was walking on the wings and due to this had severe damaged the keel on the sternum > so prognosis infaust and put down. We heard that the Starling suddenly was “well” and was released . . . . ?? Today a partial meat-cutting-day (because the ordered liver wasn’t there and is coming (maybe ??) this afternoon), and together with Douglas & Janice 10,010 kilo of meat and minced meat was processed (69,44 Euro). Total now this year 22,755 kilo for 158,76 Euro. We have heard from a fisherman from Skála Kallonís, who came and brought fish for “Pelli”, that one is going to build a special cage for her to prevent a repeat of what happened to her. So when ready, she could be lodged in there till we know more from England.  

Aegean quake

Lesvos, Chios rocked by tremor

An earthquake measuring 5.2 on the Richter scale shook two Greek islands in the eastern Aegean on Saturday but there were no reports of casualties or damages. The earthquake struck at 5.06 p.m. and its epicenter was located in an undersea area between the islands of Lesvos and Chios. A smaller earthquake measuring 3.8 Richter had occurred at the same spot six minutes earlier.

And we had, experienced as we are, of course noticed nothing. At 11.40 a.m. a phone-call from Kallonís about a doggie which had been knocked-down about a fortnight ago, and probably had a pelvis-injury > one will pass-by. And they were here at 12.30 p.m. > the pup (± 4 months old) had no pelvis-injury, but a collumfracture left, which was already healing quite well. Food-advices were given, because he was bone-thin. Further not in the statistics. At 3 p.m. the liver was brought: 4,730 kilo for 27,86 Euro. Total now this year 27,485 Euro for 186,62 Euro. And in the evening it started thundering.

January 15^th:  and there still was a thunderstorm when we woke-up. Hopefully the transfer of the little kitten “Noëlle” for re-homing in Holland, can continue today, in spite of the bad weather-conditions. The Silky Fowl was 326 (+7) and the Little Owl 193 (+2) gram. The Buzzard was 597 (+13), Honey Buzzard I was 778 (-8) and Honey Buzzard II was 1060 (-5) gram. Before she’ll leave, we’ll publish a picture of “Noëlle” at intake and the day she is leaving:.

At 9.28 a.m. a phone-call from Skála Kallonís about a “Karakóta” (??) > they should coma and bring the bird. They arrived at 10.25 > see further at COOT. The bearers were showed around as well. “Noëlle” was booked-out at 11.30 a.m.

January 16^th:  the Silky Fowl was 339 (+13), the Little Owl 193 (=) and the Coot had diminished a lot: 644 (-43) gram. The Buzzard was 606 (+9), Honey Buzzard I was 792 (+14) and the female was 1051 (-9) gram. And again the car had to be made ice-free before there could be departed !! We have continued with the re-organizing of the library and the creation of more storage in the House-next-door

Capital plans to bag plastic

The City of Athens will begin a drive in March to remove plastic bags from shops and replace them with bags made from materials that are less harmful to the environment.

Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis revealed the initiative yesterday as he announced that the Greek capital has become a member of the C40 cities, founded by London Mayor Ken Livingstone with the aim of coordinating efforts made by cities across the world to tackle global warming and climate change. Athens is the 39th member of C40 and Kaklamanis is convinced that membership could help Athens improve its environmental record.

“For us, the most important element of this cooperation is the development and introduction of a comprehensive, long-term action plan to protect the environment and tackle climate change,” he said.

C40 manager Simon Reddy insisted that the organization can bring tangible results. “C40 is not a talk shop; it is all about delivery… members must deliver,” he said.

Birds’ flight

Climate change to shift rare species

Many rare species of birds will no longer be seen in Greece by the end of the century due to climate change, the Hellenic Ornithological Society said yesterday. It is expected that every species of bird seen in Europe will move some 550 kilometers northeast because of the changing climate. So birds that can currently be found in the Peloponnese will migrate beyond Greece’s borders.

At 5.55 p.m. the Coot was discovered standing on one leg. And we were informed (from Holland) that it’s a female.

January 17^th:  the Silky Fowl was 350 (+11), the Little Owl 194 (+1) and the Coot 625 (-19) gram. The Buzzard was 616 (+10), Honey Buzzard I was 771 (-21) and number II was 1020 (-31) gram. We could continue with the re-organization of the Library and the transferring of materials & books to the House-next-door.

January 18^th:  the Silky Fowl was 358 (+8), the Little Owl 194 (=) and the Coot 613 (-12). The last is starting to eat on her own at last. The right eye is beginning to be more clear as well. The Buzzard was 623 (+7), Honey Buzzard I was 767 (-4) and number II was 1025 (+5) gram. We have discovered that the Buzzard (after he has escaped out of his cage) isn’t able to fly !! The cleaning, transferring and throwing-away took again a huge part of the morning.

Patras may be a city under the sea by 2100

The Peloponnesian city of Patras could be 1.6 meters under water by the end of the century if the sea level continues to rise at the current rate, a university professor said yesterday.

Efstratios Doukakis, associate professor of topography at the National Technical University of Athens, said that the sea level has risen by 16 millimeters every year from 1969 to 2001. “It is not necessary for me to tell you that receptionists at the country’s large hotels will in a few years be wearing bathing costumes at work,” he joked in an effort to underline his point.

According to the professor’s research on 2,000 kilometers of coastal area, most of the land was categorized as being at high risk. Some scientists have claimed that 80,000 hectares of Greece will be covered by the sea in 2100.

At 2.59 p.m. a phone-call from Pérama, that they had over there a big, discovered in the streets, bird of prey > so we went for a ride and picked her up. See further at MARSH HARRIER. At 9.19 p.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne (from the man we have bought our present car in 2000), that he yesterday had found a pigeon which wasn’t able to fly. Will be picked-up tomorrow by Ineke.

January 19^th:  all patients were still alive this morning and all were “in the plus”: Silky Fowl 373 (+15), Little Owl 196 (+2) and the Coot 631 (+18) gram. The Marsh Harrier was 395 (+17), the Buzzard 640 (as well +17), Honey Buzzard I was 768 (+1) and Honey Buzzard II was 1044 (+19) gram. We received a phone-call from Ineke in Mytiléne that the announced Pigeon was in her hands at 7.40 a.m. > see further at PIGEON. We have tried to replace the top-part of the “gothic window” in the House-next-door by the remnant part from our house > didn’t fit: too high, but as well too narrow. And we’re talking about two houses under one roof !! And as well with the floor-covering in the living over there we weren’t lucky: too less lino was left-over. We received the message from Holland that “Noëlle” has had no problems during the flight and that she is already completely acclimatized.

January 20^th:  the Silky Fowl was 379 (+6), the Little Owl 196 (=), the Coot 642 (+11) and the juvenile Pigeon 191 (-4) gram. The Buzzard was 652 (+12), the Marsh Harrier 390 (-5), Honey Buzzard I was 761 (-7) and number II was 1040 (-4) gram. Buzzard number II (08-005; January 11^th ’08) is properly marked & ringed transferred to the buzzard-aviary > he became more and more “mad” inside. Was within a few minutes in the top of the aviary ! While cleaning the caged in the Sick-Bay it showed to be that the Marsh Harrier at least hat vomited 2 feedings > so that’s why she had diminished. We have changed the feedings in several times a day little bits of soft food. During the monthly-clean of “The Keep” we discovered why it was so “stinky” over there: in the last half a year no sand was renewed, but only covered with a thin layer of fresh sand !! A bit like sweeping the rubbish under the carpet (what by the way we indeed literally have discovered in the House-next-door . . . . !!). The Marsh Harrier has again vomited the given food (luckily not all), but this isn’t a good omen !

At 6 p.m. again two shot-holes were discovered: 1 just below the first discovered hole and the other on the right side of the thorax. Out of these holes gangrenous fluid was leaking (that-s why we discovered them). At the spot antibiotics were injected and the holes were filled with Dermisol-cream. However, we don’t have lots of hope anymore . . . . !! She was at 9.20 p.m. laying on the bottom of her cage, but was still alive. At 10.40 p.m. it was almost over.

January 21^st:  at rising it showed to be that due to a communications-mistake on our side our eldest dog “Prótos” was locked-out yesterday evening at 10.40 p.m. . . . .  Searches till now on are without result. The Harrier was discovered dead at 5 a.m. . . . !! We aren’t able measuring the Coot anymore > is too agile ! The Silky Fowl was 391 (+12), the Little Owl 197 (+1) and the juvenile Pigeon 202 (+9) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 748 (-13) and the other 1046 (+6) gram. We have performed a P.M. on the Harrier > see over there. At 9.10 a.m. “Prótos” still wasn’t home . . . . !! Today again meat etc had to be processed, and with the help of Douglas & Janice 13,590 kilo (for 89,68 Euro) was done. In total now this year 41,075 kilo for 276,30 Euro. Even after the disappearance of “Prótos” was announced by the village-loudspeaker-system, we had heard nothing about him at 5 p.m. . . .!! However, he had been looking for a place to separate himself for the last couple of days, and only with lots of efforts he was to persuade coming back again, but knowing nothing at all  ?! He was almost complete blind and even hearing was very difficult for him, so old he was. At 5.30 p.m. we received a phone-call from someone who maybe had seen “Prótos” > so at once we made contact and completely at the other side of the village, in a garden under some bushes we was laying; he had totally lost his bearings, but after a minute or so we was very glad. It was a street which came to a dead end, and it took the utmost efforts (and a car-mirror) driving the car in it’s back-gear for 1 km. With this there had come an end to more than 12 hours of torturing uncertainties !!

January 22^nd:  “Prótos” has received quite a huge punch during his absence; as well mentally as physically. He is limping with his left rear-leg and still is quite disorientated !! But luckily he is home again. The Silky Fowl was 407 )+16), the juvenile Pigeon 202 (=) and the Little Owl 198 (+1) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 765 (+17) and the other 1051 (+5) gram. In our library we were able to create a place where all old patient-cards ever since 1995 could be stored decently and well-orderly.  

Dimas urges greener policies

European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas called on Greece yesterday to implement more effective ecological measures and expressed concern over whether the government will move ahead with building a park in the Hellenikon area of southern Athens.

In an interview with Kathimerini, Dimas said that Greece is the only EU country that will be required by the United Nations compliance committee for the Kyoto Protocol to explain its poor record on measuring carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

“Problems are not solved with anger and (negative) reactions. What is important is that the measures needed are not being taken,” he said. “I had been assured that by the end of the year all measures would be taken to satisfy the UN. Unfortunately, even now nothing has been done,” he said.

Last week, Greece's Environment and Public Works Minister Giorgos Souflias rebuffed the criticism by Dimas, stressing that the issue was “a closed case.”

Dimas also accused the ministry of delaying providing information on the heavily polluted Asopos River.

“We have asked for information on the environmental conditions under which businesses are granted permits in the area and to be informed of what is done with the dangerous chemicals handled by the factories. We are still waiting for answers,” he said.

Tests shows that drinking water taken from the Asopos River contains high traces of potentially carcinogenic hexavalent chromium and other chemicals, after years of industrial plants dumping untreated waste in the river.

Turning to government plans to build “Europe's largest metropolitan park” at the old Hellenikon airport, Dimas said he was concerned that it will not built as promised.

“Our experience shows that when an area is partly built and the rest is to be made into a green area, then the rest of the plans do not go ahead,” he said. “I want it to be a park, a green area, and if possible a forest area, why not? In Athens's case, it needs it.”

Plastic bags

A pilot scheme to replace plastic bags used by Athens supermarkets with bags made of environmentally friendly materials is to begin in April, Athens City Hall said yesterday. Municipal officials and supermarket chain representatives are to sign on February 6^th a memorandum of cooperation aimed at eliminating all plastic bags from supermarkets in Athens by summer, Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis said yesterday.

At 6.10 p.m. a phone-call from Káto Trítos (from a pharmacy over there) that they had since this afternoon over there a “geráki”, injured on a wing > agreed we’re going early tomorrow-morning to pick it up, because now it’s already pitch-dark and even the full moon isn’t visible.

January 23^rd:  the Silky Fowl was 406 (-1), the juvenile Pigeon 206 (+4) and the Little Owl 200 (+2) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 763 (-2) and number II was 1047 (-4) gram. At 8.20 a.m. we had the “geráki” in our hands > see further at BUZZARD. By the way, it was quite heavy weather in the mountains; the windscreen wipers hardly could handle it. Later on the day we received the confirmation from Holland that it was indeed a female; however now she is very malnourished, because her body-weight was 540 gram, while it should be 950 – 1750 gram !!

January 24^th: the winds are howling around the house and outside one can call it certainly unpleasant !! All patients were still alive this morning. The Silky Fowl was 415 (+9), the Little Owl 201 (+1) and the juvenile Pigeon 207 (+1) gram. The new Buzzard was 536 (-4), Honey Buzzard I was 757 (-6) and Honey Buzzard II was 1055 (+8) gram. We were today able to remove the bandage from the stump of “Pelli’s” leg (the days before she refused evidently !!) > looks wonderful !!

Blame for environment shared

Greeks appear to be taking on more responsibility for the environment on an individual level and are shoving less blame onto the government's shoulders, according to the results of a study made public yesterday.

The study, prepared by Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and Cultural Heritage, found that 41% of respondents believe each person is responsible for ecological problems, with 27% and 14% blaming the government and business respectively.

Almost all of those questioned, 96%, ranked damage caused to nature as being an important social problem, followed by pollution and problems in education.

Devastating fires over the summer period, which burnt large parts of southern and central Greece and ended with the deaths of more than 80 people, have raised awareness on environmental issues among Greeks.

Another message to come out of the survey is that the vast majority believe economic growth should not come at the cost of nature, while about a third called for a ban to construction in out-of-town areas.

“The survey also banishes the myth that banning out-of-town planning construction will cause a revolution,” said Costas Karas, president of the society, as he referred to a feared backlash among voters that the ban may cause.

“In favor of the ban, according to the research, are lower-income groups and 74% of those that have a holiday home in a district that does not belong within town-planning limits.”

Nearly all of those questioned said lessons on the environment should be compulsory up to the end of secondary school, while one in two supports the idea of a separate environment ministry being set up.

The new Buzzard is trying to stand a bit more on her legs, but was discovered dead after all at 6.10 p.m. Tomorrow a P.M. will follow.

January 25^th:  the Silky Fowl was 417 (+2), the Little Owl 202 (+1) and the juvenile Pigeon 213 (+6) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 770 (+13) and number II was 1040 (-15) gram. We have performed a P.M. on Buzzard III > see over there. This morning again fish was brought for “Pelli”: only a bit “stupid” they weren’t all dead > it only goes against the grain with us a bit putting healthy, living animals in the freezer . . . !!

Weather woes

Ferries remained moored at the ports of Piraeus and Rafina yesterday after coast guard authorities imposed a sailing ban due to strong winds in the area. Closed-top, high-speed vessels were still operating. In northern Greece, heavy snowfall obliged motorists to use anti-skid chains on the wheels of their cars. The coldest part of Greece yesterday was Florina, where temperatures plunged to -5 Celsius.

January 26^th:  it’s ice-cold outside with a stiff wind from the north . . . !! All patients were still alive and all were “in the plus” this morning: the Silky Fowl was 440 (+23!), the Little Owl 203 (+1) and the juvenile Pigeon 217 (+4) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 776 (+6) and the other 1041 (+1) gram. We could continue with the re-organizing of the Library and some shelves are already filled. 

The worrisome flight of the honey bees

Greek scientists are on the alert for Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), which has resulted in beehives’ denizens mysteriously disappearing in numerous countries around the world. CCD, which has yet to appear in Greece, occurs when worker bees from a hive abruptly disappear for no apparent reason. The problem has hit the US hard, as well as some European countries, including Germany and Switzerland.

“We are on the alert. If CCD appears in Greece, the consequences could be massive,” said Paschalis Charizanis, a professor at the Agricultural University of Athens.

Greece has one of the largest bee populations in the world on a relative basis, with nine beehives for every square kilometer, and is the European Union’s third-largest honey maker, producing 14.000 tons every year.

Close to our village is the village of Stípsi, which is completely dependent on the honey-production . . . !! 

And so “long live the health-care” here on the island:

Meningitis victim

A 4-year-old boy died of meningitis in a hospital on the island of Mytiléne (Lesvos) late on Thursday after a doctor had incorrectly diagnosed him as having “nothing serious.” The boy was taken to the hospital at around 5 p.m. with meningitis symptoms and died a few hours later before authorities could fly him to Athens for treatment.

January 27^th:  the Silky Fowl was 450 (+10), the Little Owl 205 (+2) and the juvenile Pigeon 219 (+2) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 770 (-6) and Honey Buzzard II was 1044 (+3) gram. And again the car was covered with thick ice this morning !! We have transferred the Coot to a bigger cage for walking-exercises, and as well the juvenile Pigeon was lodged in a larger cage. Almost all the specialist-literature is now “lodged” in the Library. We received news about the little cat “Noëlle”: “Meanwhile I went with Noëlle to the Vet, and we have decided to wait how the eye will behave in proportion as she will grow. The Vet has prescribed another eye-cream, Fucithalmic, and we’re going February 13^th back for the 2^nd vaccination and eye-control. The Vet was very impressed by Joris’ exquisitely report.” At 6.01 p.m. a phone-call from our village about a canary-bird which shouldn’t be in such a good condition > they should pass-by. And at 6.20 the bird arrived, wrapped up in linen . . . . !! See further at CANARY-BIRD.

January 28^th:  wonder of wonders the Canary-bird was still alive at 5 a.m. > started at once with injecting antibiotics. The Silky Fowl was 458 (+8), the juvenile Pigeon 223 (+4) and the Little Owl 104 (-1) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 794 (+24!!) and the other 1049 (+5) gram. The Coot hadn’t eaten so much in her new cage. At 8 a.m. there was such a heavy thunderstorm, we had to take back inside the blind Rook and the “misfit-Jackdaw”, which were brought out at 7.30 a.m., because there was a threat they should drown in the aviary !! Today was again “meat-cutting-day” (only the liver wasn’t there, in spite of the ordering !!) and together with Douglas there was processed 10,165 kilo meat & minced meat (70,49 Euro). Total now this year 51,240 kilo for 346,79 Euro. At 11.20 a.m. our carpenter was at our doorstep with his doggie (a real “dwarf”) which he had overrun himself, because he hadn’t been able to see her > checked and (except from some huge hemorrhages in the muscle) no fractures could be diagnosed. Further not in the statistics. At the same moment there was a phone-call from a Vet in Mytiléne, where someone had passed-by with a very strange bird. We’re now checking what kind of bird it is, what’s wrong with it and how to get the bird over here. And the last we knew quite quick > we went for a ride to pick him/her up > see further at GREAT BITTERN. And while we were starting the car, the liver was brought: 5,720 kilo for 28,60 Euro. Total now this year 56,960 kilo for 375,39 Euro.  On route we had lots of troubles with the hard wind; not so strange when one reads the following:

Strong winds

Boats and some larger ships remained moored in the north-eastern Aegean and Thermaic Gulf yesterday as north-westerly winds reached gale force, making sailing dangerous. There were no reports of any accidents or injuries.

And that wind we had here today with 9 – 10 Beaufort !! The yesterday taken-in Canary-bird has been fed the whole day with little bits: Lori-food for young birds; at the end of the day mixed with some canary-seeds.

January 29^th:  all patients were still alive this morning !! The Silky Fowl was 472 (+14), the juvenile Pigeon 229 (+6) and the Little Owl 204 (=) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 793 (-1) and number II was 1056 (+7) gram. The Great Bittern we can’t measure > too aggressive !! The Coot has eaten already a bit; is hobbling quite well. Outside it’s just above zero !! The wind has diminished in so far, that we meanwhile have heard a small airplane. Due to the weather of yesterday it was almost impossible to buy little fishes for the Great Bittern > the fishermen weren’t be able leaving the harbor !! Luckily we had some “small stuff” from “Pelli” in storage.

Strong winds provoke havoc at sea

Gale force winds provoked several incidents at sea yesterday but no injuries were reported. A Panama-flagged cargo ship that had been en route to Turkey ran aground off Nea Michaniona near the main port of Thessaloniki. No harm came to any of the 10 crew members aboard the “Gerda Vesta”, which had not been carrying cargo. Off the city’s main port another two cargo vessels – the Bahamas-flagged Clipper (so we still have windjammers over here !) “Melody” and the German-flagged “Maersk Ipanema” – collided after being buffeted by strong winds. There were no reports of injuries or fuel leaks.

Meanwhile, on the islet of Atalantonisi, near the Gulf of Evia, some 55 hunters were stranded as high winds prevented rescue boats from approaching the shore (so justice at last  > note L.W.H.)

The whole day the water-bowls in the aviaries outside were covered with ice !! And even in the rest of Europe one could read about the misery here in Greece:

Winter storms harass Greece             Edited: January 29^th  2008 7:43 p.m.  Last changed: January 29^th  2008 7:45 p.m.
ATHENS – Greece is harassed by winter storms. Hard winds and snowfall for hours were causing many traffic- problems.

In the Aegean almost all ferries remained moored. More than 120 islands without an airport are cut-off since Monday. On Tuesday the domestic flights to Samos, Milos and Crete were cancelled, according to the Greek media.

January 30^th:  all were still alive in the sick-Bay. The Silky Fowl was 486 (+14), the Juvenile Pigeon 232 (+4) and the Little Owl 206 (+2) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 796 (+3) and Honey Buzzard II was 1058) gram. We have received the message from Holland that our Great Bittern is an adult male. And so for him we could buy this morning lots of very small fishes (Sprats ??); was quite necessary, because the other food from this morning was vomited.

Weather woes

Gale-force winds and snowfall disrupt travel and cause damage

Snowfall and strong winds yesterday caused transport problems and some damage in many parts of the country. Several domestic flights were cancelled as winds reached gale-force strength. Ships remained moored at Piraeus and most other ports. Sudden snowfall caused traffic problems in the capital’s northern suburbs and the north of the country. Strong winds in Thessaloniki damaged electricity pylons, causing blackouts for several hours. On Samos (and that’s south from Lesvos), winds demolished the wall of a school building, without causing any injuries.

At 11.50 a.m. we have released in the “East-River” (the Tsianás-river) the Coot (08-007; January 15^th ’08) > see further over there. And in spite of all, we still were able to continue the re-organizing of the Library !!

January 31^st:  all were still alive this morning, but it was quite a “diminishing-race”: the Silky Fowl was 489 (+3), the juvenile Pigeon 230 (-2) and the Little Owl 206 (=) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 767 (-39 !!) and the other 1044 (-14) gram; both last mentioned birds had eaten yesterday very badly, The Great Bittern is eating well the fed Sprats and there had been no vomiting anymore. The Canary-bird is starting to be a bit more lively.

At 7.42 a.m. we received a phone-call from Cyprus that the L.W.H. appeared on the front-page of the national Greek news-paper “Ta Nea” (The News) with a photo-graph, and that inside at the environmental page a whole article (with a photo of the two of us) was about us and our work. Now we’re going to see if we can obtain that news-paper in our village. And for a wonder we succeeded for 1 Euro.

It’s só cold outside, that thrown-away water from the pigeon-cage not even was running-down 3 meter over the inclined street > it was already frozen !! We discovered the Canary-bird moribund next to the bath at 9.40 a.m. and 5 minutes later he had gone to heaven. With reference to the news-paper article about us, the TV (national in combination with the island-channel) phoned to make a programme about us . . . . !! We were able to continue (a bit) with the re-organizing of the Library. Because the Great Bittern started vomiting again the given food, we have released him at 12.31 p.m. > see further at GREAT BITTERN. And the whole day there remained ice in the water-bowls in the aviaries outside !!

Total amount of visitors this month:  004                     (total this year: 004)

Kinds of animals who are mentioned like this were for the first time in treatment in the L.W.H.

Amount of kilometers (Animal-Ambulance) for bringing-in/releasing animals this month 446 (total this year 0446 kilometers)

Total amount of intakes this month: 12 [wild ones: 10; others 02], (total this year 012: wild ones 010, others 002; total since the start of registration in 1996: 3823) of which:

BUZZARD (Buteo buteo): 3; the first was a male, which had flown against the wind-screen of a moving car. Had happened opposite the petrol-station of travel-agency Tsalis in Kallonís. No fractures could be discovered > observation. Body-weight at intake was 593 gram.

(see as well January 10^th). The 2^nd, as well a male, was discovered in a field outside Variá (south of Mytiléne) and was reported as an eagle. Showed not being capable to fly due to shot-injuries in the right wing; already some days old. Bird was quite diminished: only 515 gram.

The 3^rd, a female, was discovered in Káto Trítos. An older fracture of the left humerus. Antibiotics and hanging cast. Was much too light: only 540 gram !!

During the intake-day the bird remained much too lethargic > so we’re wondering what’s the matter further more. However, the given food (little bits) is swallowed eagerly. (see as well January 23^rd & 24^th). P.M. except of two shot-holes on the left side of the thorax (with therein the shot-pellets) hardly any deformities could be discovered. So the bird was tóó far gone (only 50% of the body-weight) to make it.

TOM-CAT (Felis catus): 1 from our village; had been roaming around for some days and came back “some groggy “ (read: poisoned). The usual injections were given and the Tom-cat was taken-in. Only he wasn’t capable staying in there (was “re-decorating” the whole cage) and went complete mad. Called to take him back again > left (OK) at 4.03 p.m.

WATER RAIL (Rallus aquaticus): 1 adult, discovered in Dípi. Should be possible it’s a traffic-victim (can’t stand on the legs anymore) > observation spinal-injury. This is the 2^nd time we have such a bird (1^st time in 1999).

(see as well January 11^th).

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL (Larus michaellis): 1 adult from Mytiléne; was chased the evening before intake by dogs and wasn’t able to fly. At intake it showed that there was quite a huge (clean) injury in the left hand-part > Dermisol-solvens and hanging cast. (see as well January 11^th; no P.M. was done).

ROCK DOVE (Columba livia): 1 adult from/via Mytiléne. Has 2 lamed legs (due to ??), but no Salmonella > green color of the droppings is due to starvation. Body-weight was only 247 gram. We have started with physiotherapies. (see as well January 14^th).

COOT (Fulica atra): 1 adult from the harbor of Skála Kallonís: closed fracture of the tibia right leg. Splinted. Later on the intake-day was discovered that the right eye has (had) an internal bleeding > is still a bit light-sensitive. Was released well the 30^th in the Tsianás-river > was flying very well and swimming quite well.

MARSH HARRIER (Circus aeruginosus): 1 adult female, discovered in the streets in Pérama. Body-weight was only 378 gram, and this should be 550 – 800 gram !! Of course, because the left wing (radius-ulna) was in atoms, one could feel the bone-pieces move under one’s fingers. Injury is already several days old > hanging cast was given and trying to get the bird a bit more on weight. However, is quite sharp !!.

At the 2^nd feeding-round we have discovered a shot-hole in the left underside of the thorax. (see as well January 20^th & 21^st). The P.M. showed the following: several shot-holes in the thorax, coming from the left side. Muscles on the thorax left side were complete necrotic. Inside there was a small perforation of the esophagus, which however was covered-up. Stomach was seriously perforated with food-remnants outside. Liver was hit as well. In the right lung multiple small bleedings. Cause of death: sepsis (blood-poisoning). So this had always been a “lost battle”.

PIGEON (Columba livia dom): 1 juvenile from Mytiléne > quite logic the bird couldn’t fly, because he/she was to small to do so. Body-weight 195 gram. Later on the day of intake, after there was eaten well, flying was suddenly possible !!

CANARY-BIRD (Serinus canaria dom.): 1 two-year old bird from our village; was sitting inflated and was breathing difficult. One had already visited a Vet. Here taken-in for observation, but we hardly have any hope. (see January 31^st).

GREAT BITTERN (Botaurus stellaris): 1 not yet full-grown bird, discovered somewhere around Mytiléne. Seems not to be injured; only quite emaciated.

The day after intake we made another picture in the cage > the tiles are 20 x 20 cm !!

He was damaging himself quite a lot in his cage (the bill), and when he started again vomiting the given food, we put him in a bench and brought him to “Little Switzerland” on the Mylopótamos-river. Over there he firstly attacked the hands which tried to release him, but after he was brought at the other side of the river, only once a withering look was given in our direction, whereafter there was a solemnly disappearing in between the bushes (so see as well January 31^st).