July 2006

LOG-BOOK:

July 1st:  everyone was still alive early this morning. The juvenile Hooded Crow is transferred to the Crow-aviary. The Hoopoe had gained 2 gram and was again 50 gram. The Scop’s Owl had diminished a bit and was 88 gram. The youngest 3 Barn Owls are eating well; the eldest two are diminishing so force-feeding. The Yellow-legged Gull, which had the fish-hooks in both legs (06-116; June 26^th), we had to put down due to prognosis infaust (gangrene in both legs). The juvenile Swift (06-115; June 24^th) we were able to release well. Our Dog-Fox is transferred to the fox-cage in “The Keep"

while the juvenile House Marten is transferred to the cage where the Dog-fox was lodged before. With one shot we were able to diminish the W.R.P. (World Rat Population) with one adult female. The still warm body was given to the Dog-fox as a present for his new home ! Two Dutch visitors and as well 2 people from Hull (U.K.). A power-cut from 1.10 p.m. till 5.30 p.m. > no fans anymore working and as well no air-conditioning, and such a “happening” at the hottest part of the day !! And of course at the same time the concrete came, so we were overwhelmed in diesel-smoke !! Two Dutch visitors who wanted to take home a puppy, discovered in Ágios Isídoros. The had phoned us yesterday about the puppy. To reach us (with the puppy) the had to clamber under the concrete-spray-gun-car and the concrete-mixer-car, so they looked “somewhat filthy”. Not in the statistics. At 5.40 p.m. a phone-call from the Vet Myrsíni Tourvalí from Mytiléne, that she had left for us at the Shell-petrol-station a Collared Dove > picked-up. Showed to be an ordinary street-pigeon . . . .

July 2^nd:  The Scop’s Owl was 86 gram and the Hoopoe 48 gram. The Barn Owls are fluctuating. At 8.15 a.m. the doggie from Eftaloú arrived and he left us, totally changed, at 10.10 a.m. See further by DOG. At almost half past twelve we were able to release well the juvenile House Martin (06-125; June 30^th).

July 3^rd:  we discovered dead this morning the street-pigeon, which came in the day before yesterday and which started yesterday to eat on its own. The Hoopoe had gained weight again and was again 50 gram. The Scop’s Owl as well had gained weight with 2 gram. From the Barn Owls we had to force-feed 3 of the five . . . !

Today they started to remove the wood around the new concrete. Two Dutch visitors this morning.

July 4^th:  the juvenile Scop’s Owl had spend the whole day & night in the Scop’s-Aviary, so was diminished till 84 gram. The Hoopoe had gained weight and was 52 gram now. Although the 5 Barn Owls had eaten well, they almost all had diminished > so force-fed. The little Dog Fox had, for the first time in his new cage, eaten well. This morning two trainees departed for Holland, after a trainee-ship in which they gathered a lot of “wisdom”: among other things to remember where one leaves the digital-camera, but even more to find out in the car on the way to the airport, that the ID-card of one of the two was missing . . . . !! At last she succeeded to leave the island with the help of her moped-certificate; if she will succeed to enter Holland with that document, is the question. We received a phone-call that she had been able to enter Holland without problems. At 5.15 p.m. we had to take back from the Barn Owl-aviary in “The Keep” a White Barn Owl > see further by BARN OWL. We received at 5.55 p.m. from one of our neighbors (the man with the dancing snakes in his garden) seven reptile-eggs; he had discovered them at a depth of 15-20 cm in the earth. They had already been for two days outside, but we have taken them and put in a terrarium with heating-system (in a box with moist soil). We are very interested íf they are hatching and if yes, whát ! Not yet in the statistics.

July 5^th:  the Hoopoe and the Scop’s Owl had remained the same qua body-weight. The taken-back White Barn Owl had lost last night 12 gram, but had produced an egg. The five Brown Barn Owls are showing the same behavior as yesterday > all five force-fed. The Tom-cat “Ajax Amsterdam” (06-052; April 23^rd) was this morning “de-fathered”; such in preparation for his depart to Holland. While the workers were busy repairing the house, we asked the contractor to let free a small opening in the chimney > we can make later over there a small door, so we’ll be able to inspect the nest of the Brown Barn Owls.

At 10.05 a.m. a phone-call from Pétra about an injured birdie > they will come and bring it in the afternoon. At 5.10 p.m. a phone-call from the husband of one of the Dutch reps, that there was a “strange duck, unable to fly well” near the Salines > picked-up. Was a Musk-duck > see over there. At 7 p.m. we alt last could make a phone-call with the woman of the “injured birdie” in Pétra: evidently it had been impossible to reach someone (and this after seven whole hours !!) to put the bird in a box and on the coach, and as well nothing was done to the injury . . . . poor, poor Greece !!  Hereafter a phone-call from Kallonís about 2 thrown-away puppies > transferred to the “Animal-lovers Society of Lesvos” in Mólivos.

July 6^th:  the Hoopoe was 50 gram and the Scop’s Owl 86 gram. The taken-back White Barn Owl had diminished again with 10 gram and was only 282 gram. She wants to eat, but doesn’t succeed. The injury in the mouth isn’t looking fine > we’ll start today with antibiotics. All five Brown Barn Owls had to be force-fed. The new White Musk-Duck had eaten a bit. In the morning-hours we performed a correction to the bill. Both kittens, which came in May 30^th (06-088a & b) received their first vaccination this morning and were “baptized” as well. The one with the eye-problems (which will stay over here > 088a) is named “Máti” (eye), while the other, which was sniveling all the time, was named  “Mýti” (nose).

The last one is going, together with the (neutered) Tom Cat “Ajax Amsterdam”, to Holland

Further we received a message about the Doggie “Eftaloú” (see July 2^nd): evidently that name was a bit too difficult and he was re-named “Zorba” > see the following e-mail:

Dear Joris en Ineke,

Zorba is doing GREAT. We have covered him totally in our hart and he is not going to leave us EVER !!!!! Monday, just before we should leave, his scrotum started to leak and I was quite nervous about the journey. We were allowed to take him with us till the stairway of the plane, but he had to go to the luggage-hold, although there were enough seats free in the cabin. So I was fed up, but the captain went for a look and he was placed well in the hold. In Schiphol-Amsterdam Airport we waited for two hours, till I got “a nervous break-down”, and yes, there was our beloved at last.

Outside first he perfectly had a pee and hereafter in the car with us home. He is sleeping on a pillow besides our bed. Zorba is wagging his tail to the cat, but is leaving him alone, so in that respect he is behaving perfect.

We went twice with him to the Vet. Tuesday he got an antibiotic-injection and tablets and cream. Yesterday she wanted to see him again and by that time his scrotum and the (grass-seed)-swellings had diminished quite a lot.

Most of the time one should take a dog out on a lead, because otherwise they are running away. With Zorba it’s just opposite: he should walk on a lead, otherwise he won’t leave the garden and as soon as he has done what he needs to do, he is freed and he is running home. We have the whole day visitors, coming to see him and already we have two addresses where he can come and stay for ever. But like I said, he is not allowed to leave us anymore.

Tomorrow we’ll let him make acquaintance with our dachshund and on Sunday the other dog will come home. But first Zorba should have a rest and recuperate.

We are very grateful that you made it possible that Zorba is with us now !!!!!! It’s the most easy dog one can imagine and we love him so much.

We hope he will recover quick completely and when his hair will grow again he will be a beauty.

Lots of love, as well from our little Zorba,  Bert and Lenneke

And so it was written !!

In the evening two Dutch visitors. At 9.37 p.m. a phone-call from Pétra > they will come and bring the injured birdie tomorrow . . . . . !!

July 7^th:  the Scop’s Owl was now 84 gram and the Hoopoe 53 gram. The taken-back White Barn Owl had gained weight with 12 gram (now 294 gram). Four of the five Brown Barn Owls had diminished > all five were force-fed. The White Musk-Duck had eaten well during the day > bowl was empty. Cleaning the cages in the Sick-Bay we discovered that the Brown Barn Owls had vomited all the given food. At 8.05 a.m. we could pick-up at the Shell Petrol-Station the injured “birdie” > was a juvenile Collared Dove. Four female visitors this morning: 1 from our village and three French women (from Brussels). Around midday two German visitors from Chemnitz.

July 8^th:  the Hoopoe had diminished till 46 gram (but is missing all the tail-feathers !!) and the Scop’s Owl was 86 gram. The taken-back white Barn Owl was 290 gram (hadn’t eaten) and the baby Collared Dove had diminished 2 gram and is very cold. So the prognosis isn’t good. All five brown Barn Owls had diminished > force-fed. The white Musk-Duck had eaten only late in the evening, but the bowl was almost empty this morning. We discovered the juvenile Collared Dove dead just after 9 a.m. During the morning-hours one started to remove all the rubble, rock-pieces and soil from the little side-street and from the field behind our house. Now it’s starting to be normal again.

July 9^th:  the Hoopoe was 48 gram, but the Scop’s Owl was only 82 gram. The taken-back white Barn Owl was 284 gram. From the brown Barn Owls only the one which is on it’s own in a cage, had diminished; the other four had gained weight. All five were given (preventive ??) an anti-worm-tablet. Thanks to “swimming-teacher Eagle Owl” the W.R.P. had diminished again with one. The Musk-Duck had hardly eaten yesterday. That aluminium water-basins are able to corrode quite well, was proved today because we had to replace 3 of them. Two we were able to repair with polyestrene ( 2 layers); the third and one that’s almost so far will be done tomorrow. At almost 5.10 p.m. a phone-call from Mólivos about a Hoopoe, unable to fly > picked-up.

July 10^th:  the Scop’s Owl was 82 gram, Hoopoe I was 53 gram and Hoopoe II (with splint) was 52 gram. The white Barn Owl was 300 gram (!!) and the other five brown Barn Owls were fluctuating > not force-fed anymore. Both baby-tortoises were 54 and 56 gram. Both cats, “Ajax Amsterdam” and “Mýti” , leaving for Holland at the end of the week, were made “ready for transport” this morning > micro-chipping etc. Three Austrian visitors this morning (from close to Vienna). In the afternoon 2^1/3  Dutch visitors.

July 11^th:  the Scop’s Owl had diminished till 78 gram (but is more active during the day); Hoopoe I was 53 gram and Hoopoe II was 50 gram (without splint). The white Barn Owl is doing better and better: 326 gram. A line upwards is visible by the brown Barn Owls. Trainee Selma departed today prematurely, after being home-sick since the moment she arrived ! At 8.50 a.m. a phone-call from Keramiá about a young Pelican > showed to be three of them, born over there. We’re going to keep an eye on those and over there the people will do as well. After we reported this, quite unusual, breeding-case to the University on Lesvos, they told us that the birds were no Pelicans, but Storks > for western people maybe strange, but the name of a Pelican is in Greek Pelekános and a Stork is named Pelargós and continuously people are using the wrong name for those birds.

In the morning 2 Dutch visitors and 5 Greek visitors. The last were 2 teachers from the school in Skoutáros (with their children), who came to bring a calendar, made after their visit of May 18^th.

July 12^th:  the Scop’s Owl was this morning 80 gram; Hoopoe I was 54 gram and Hoopoe II was 52 gram. The white Barn Owl was 332 gram. The brown Barn Owls are all meeting the requirements. We have found a “home” for the white Musk-Duck, and she should have been re-homed already yesterday evening > only “something happened somewhere”. Our eldest blind Little Owl, “Pallas” (96-018; May 7^th 1996 !!) is starting to eat more and more with problems > so this should can be the beginning of the end . . . !! Two Dutch visitors. The whole morning telephone-calls between us and the “animal-lovers Society of Lesvos” about a Fox-cub that should be chained somewhere in a stone-pit between Íppio and Dípi > we’re going this evening together (the two societies) to free the poor soul. As well there came people (trying) to solve the computer-problems, ánd the two people, who are the “foster-parents” for the two cats on Friday, for the last arrangements. At 1.30 p.m. a phone-call from Evriakí about a (already yesterday-evening discovered) Owl > picked-up. Showed to be a white Barn Owl in a very bad condition. At 5.40 p.m. the white Musk-Duck was taken to spend the rest of her life in between chickens and other ducks. At 6 p.m. we left for the stone-pit. It took several phone-calls (under more threatening with the Police, and they really were already on their way !!) to persuade the “owner” to hand-over the poor thing. He had fed the little Dog-fox-cub with, amongst other things, souvlaki ( but water wasn’t present !!). In spite of all problems we left as friends.

July 13^th:  at 5.45 a.m. we discovered dead the yesterday taken-in white Barn Owl > no P.M. was done. The Scop’s Owl was 80 gram; Hoopoe I was 54 gram and Hoopoe II was 52 gram. The taken-back white Barn Owl was 330 gram. The brown Barn Owls are doing well (although the body-weights are fluctuating). The new Dog-fox cub had eaten “like a lion”!!. At 6.05 discovered in the Pigeon-cage in “The Keep” a juvenile pigeon, unable to stand well on its legs > was yesterday walking normally. Taken-in for observation and (may be) a splint. Because the new Dog-fox-cub (temporarily) is lodged in a bench, we had to take measures to create a more permanent lodging. Tomorrow, after “Ajax Amsterdam” and “Mýti” have left for the Airport, the remaining “Máti” will be lodged in a smaller cage for the night, while during the day he may socialize in the house. The juvenile House Marten will be transferred to the cage where till tomorrow-morning three cats are lodged > for him is made a new “sleeping-hole”, because till now on he still is sleeping in a fox-sleeping-hole. After his cage and sleeping-hole are cleaned and made odorless, the cub can be transferred to that cage. While we were busy building the marten-sleeping-hole, a juvenile Swallow was brought-in > was discovered in the streets. Had hit something or was hit by something ??  At 1.15 p.m. a phone-call from the Vet Myrsíni Tourvalí from Mytiléne that she had send a pigeon with a broken wing with the coach of a quarter past one > was picked-up. Was completely taped-in, because it was really a mess. In the afternoon 2 Dutch visitors: one from Mólivos and her mother from Holland.

July 14^th:  all was still alive this morning; even the juvenile Swallow. The Scop’s was 78 gram, Hoopoe I was 54 gram and Hoopoe II was 52 gram. The white Barn Owl was 324 gram > so was force-fed. The brown Barn Owls have all (except one, but that one is fat enough) gained weight. Departed at 8.15 a.m. for the airport with both cats on board, and about ten o’clock we could hand them over in the care of the “foster-parents” during the flight. One of us being busy with that, the other was threatened several times by phone by a very angry stone-pit-owner . . . . you’ve got it: where we freed the little Dog-Fox-cub. “How we dared to steal the mascot of the stone-pit’ . . . . . !! In spite of the fact that he was told that is was illegal what he had done, and that they (at last) had given te fox to us, he continued to make troubles by phone. At last we had to inform the police of the community of Evergetoúla and the police of Kallonís about this case, and as well the Dasarcheio (Forest Patrol). The stone-pit-owner went completely in the fault, informed us the Dasarcheio, but in spite of that he will bring us into court . . . .  Around 5 p.m. two Dutch visitors: the Group-coordinator Animals (with daughter) from an Agricultural School in Holland. From that school we’re receiving many trainees.

July 15^th:  even the juvenile Swallow was still alive (but for how long ?? Condition is bad!) The Scop’s was 78 gram, Hoopoe I was 54 gram and Hoopoe II was 52 gram. The white Barn Owl was 330 gram and should be able to return to the Barn Owl-aviary in “The Keep”. The brown Barn Owls are doing fine. The only remaining kitten “Máti” noticed yesterday-evening that he was left alone in the Sick-Bay, and is mewing plaintive since then. We already started with socializing in our living. The white Barn Owl went back to the Barn Owl-aviary in “The Keep” at 9.15 a.m. Against midday 2 Dutch visitors. At 8.48 p.m. we received a phone-call from the M.P. Giannèllis, that about 2 km south of the Airport there should be an Eagle since yesterday > was locked-up in a car and was fed over there. So we’re going to pick him up early tomorrow-morning (departure around seven or earlier).

July 16^th:  the Scop’s was 76 gram; Hoopoe I was 54 gram and Hoopoe II was 52 gram. The brown Barn Owls were all meeting the requirements. Further everything was a little bit “hectic” this morning due to the early leave for picking-up the “eagle” > everything had te be re-arranged. We wanted to leave at 6.45 a.m., but we had a flat tire, so first a tire-change. At last we could leave at 7 a.m. and at 7.52 a.m. we had the bird: no eagle, but a Long-legged Buzzard. So to see escaped from captivity.

July 17^th:  at last again a “normal morning” !! The Scop’s was 78 gram; Hoopoe I was 54 gram and Hoopoe II was 50 gram. The brown Barn Owls remained about constant. The Long-legged Buzzard however gained weight from 810 gram to 890 gram > so is going to be an “expensive one” !! We had to put down the juvenile Swallow, due to prognosis infaust (was paralyzed on the whole left side). The Collared Dove which came in with a fracture of the left wing (06-118; June 26^th) was transferred to the Aviary for flying-practices.

Released:  we were able to release well the Collared Dove (06-123; June 28^th) which was unable to fly at intake > was flying now like a Spitfire.

At 7.35 p.m. 2 Greek women with 2 puppies; both males and about 12 days old. Discovered thrown away in a dry river-bed in or close by Parákoila >  transferred to the “Animal-lovers Society of Lesvos”. Not in the statistics.

July 18^th:  the Scop’s, Hoopoe I and Hoopoe II remained the same like yesterday. As well for the brown Barn Owls nothing special to mention. The Long-legged Buzzard had gained weight till 955 gram !! The little Dog-fox-cub (number II) we gave a tennis-ball and while we were busy cleaning the Sick-Bay and the IC, he was running after the ball > so a good exercise. The Long-legged Buzzard was transferred to the Buzzard-Aviary; in any case for the day-hours. Against midday two Dutch visitors. In the afternoon more than half an hour a power-cut, and at once it started to be quite hot in the house, without working fans !! The Long-legged Buzzard had even eaten in the Aviary (so we must take care she isn’t swallowing all the food of the other three ones!) and even after being brought back to her sleeping-cage she swallowed another bowl !!

July 19^th:  Hoopoe I was 54 gram and Hoopoe II was 52 gram. The Scop’s was back again on 80 gram. The brown Barn Owls are fluctuating. The Long-legged Buzzard had gained weight in one day with 145 gram and was now 1100 gram !! The “Stone-pit-dog-fox-cub” is transferred to the fox-cage in “The Keep” > is going well together till now on. The whole morning phone-calls from and to Plakádos about a nest of young Barn Owls; people had “isolated them from the parents” by closing of the windows: chickens inside, parents in panic outside. Even the public prosecutor we had to inform about this misbehavior. Meeting with the Group-coordinator Animals from an Agricultural School in Holland about trainees. We had to interrupt this meeting for the picking-up of an injured juvenile White Stork (see July 11^th) and in the same trip for picking-up the already mentioned Barn Owls. Above a sealing, where everywhere nails were sticking, were three (almost ready to leave) young Barn Owls in the uttermost corner. Thanks to a good military training (how many years ago ??) we could reach them, gliding like a snake between rafters, splinters and through the dry manure . . . . Afterwards there was place enough for several “piercings” !! Hereafter the Stork was an easy job. While we were busy with this, four visitors came: 1 Greek from Skála Kallonís and three Dutch women. It had been quite an experience for the Group-coordinator to join the action . . . . In the afternoon 2 Dutch visitors. While they were here, a phone-call came from the kiosk in the Agorá, that the K.T.E.L. had “dropped” there a box with an animal in it > showed te be an injured Hooded Crow. At 6.05 p.m. a phone-call from an injured Buzzard (??) from Plomári > we’re going to pick-up that bird tomorrow morning at 7.30 a.m. After we made several phone-calls, we were informed that the Hooded Crow was send-in by the Vet Myrsíni Tourvalí > she had tried to reach us, but at that moment we were engaged. Later she had forgotten to inform us: so the bird had been in the box in the sun for hours for nothing . . . .!!

July 20^th:  the Scop’s and both Hoopoes were unchanged. The new Hooded Crow was (with splints) 392 gram. The “old” brown Barn Owls were fluctuating (like usually) and the new ones all three had gained some weight. At 7.25 we had the “injured buzzard” in our hands > not injured, but very mal-nourished. It was a juvenile Long-legged Buzzard. At almost 9.50 a.m. 2 Dutchman arrived with an injured Tom-cat and a puppy. See over there. At 10.20 a.m. a phone-call from the Agrotikí Stégi that they had a small heron > picked-up together with the male half of just arriving visitors (4 from Holland) [€ 6,85]. It was a juvenile Little Bittern. In the evening we received a phone-call that the visual-handicapped Tom-cat  “Máti” is going next week to Holland.

July 21^st:  the electronic balance died a soft death, so we had to find another one. So body-weights with reserve. The Scop’s was 78 gram, Hoopoe I was 52 gram and Hoopoe II was 50 gram. The Little Bittern had diminished (?) and was 79 gram. The Hooded Crow was 379 gram and Long-legged Buzzard II was 434 gram. All 8 brown Barn Owls had diminished !! We had to take back from the Barn Owl-aviary in “The Keep” the white Barn Owl, we had taken-in this month before and which had returned to there the 15^th > now severe injured above the right eye. The little Tom-cat “Máti” was taken this morning by the two new owners for micro-chipping and again delivered here till next Tuesday-morning. Both ladies assisted afterwards with the cutting of the meat. Further 3 Dutch visitors. At 6.25 p.m. we at last received the, already weeks ago announced, injured tortoise. It was a Testudo hermanni, and at the same time a disabled Spurr-tighed Tortoise, “stolen” in Plomári was brought-in. One of the “bringers”, from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England, never had been here before, and was showed around.

July 22^nd:  the Scop’s was 80 gram; Hoopoe I was 52 gram and Hoopoe II was 50 gram. The Hooded Crow was 383 gram and the Little Bittern 80 gram. The taken-back white Barn Owl was 295 gram, while Long-legged Buzzard II brought 444 gram on the scale. All three new brown Barn Owls had diminished !! From the “old ones” two had gained weight, while three had diminished. At 8.50 a.m. there arrived a man, who had run-over his own dog this morning > wheel(s) had rolled over the thorax. The dog was quite anemic and was breathing superficially. We injected Konakion in the hope that . . . . , but much hope we ain’t got. The owner will return about 1 p.m. with the dog. And because we hadn’t seen neither dog nor owner till 4.50 p.m., we used the phone ourselves: . . . . doggie had died !! But informing us about this . . . . ?? At almost half past six in the evening some Dutch tourists phoned, that they wanted to visit us . . . . > we had to refuse them !! For those visitors it’s “next time better, but please earlier”. At that moment we had been in harness for almost fourteen hours, and the animals had been already prepared for the night !!

July 23^rd:  the Scop’s was 79 gram; Hoopoe I was 53 gram and Hoopoe II was 51 gram. The Hooded Crow had diminished till 380 gram, while the white Barn Owl was 304 gram. The Little Bittern was 81 gram and the Long-legged Buzzard 423 gram > so he had diminished a lot. None of the “new” brown Barn Owls had diminished!! With our “chimney-Barn Owls” everything remained about the same. The W.R.P. had diminished again with one: no swimming-license ! Long-legged Buzzard II is vomiting all the given food > prognosis ??

Releases:

We were able to release very well the Juvenile Little Bittern (06-144; July 20^th) > was flying like a F-16 !! Further (as well in Skála Kallonís) 13 Pigeons were (re-)given freedom. The juvenile Pigeon (06-124; June 30^th) is transferred to the Pigeon-cage in “The Keep” for flying-practice. The injured on the leg juvenile Pigeon (06-134; July 13^th) went back to the Pigeon-cage in “The Keep” in the hope the functions will come back again. We are afraid we won’t be able to count Long-legged Buzzard II tomorrow-morning “under the quick” > has vomited the whole day all the given food. In the afternoon 3 Dutch visitors.

July 24^th:  we discovered Long-legged Buzzard II dead at 4.55 a.m. Body-weight was only 393 gram !! We hope there won’t be a repeat of 2001, when we (due to changed weather-conditions) as well received several bigger juvenile birds of prey, which almost all didn’t make it !! Hoopoe I & II we can’t weigh anymore > are too vivid. The Scop’s was 80 gram and the Hooded Crow was 385 gram. The white Barn Owl was 312 gram. The “new” brown Barn Owls hadn’t diminished; the “older” ones are still fluctuating. The yesterday transferred Pigeons are doing well in “The Keep”. The W.R.P. has diminished again with one > same reason as yesterday. While we were giving some superfluous vegetables to the goats of our neighbor Yiánnis, a little white (deaf ??) kitten came running upon us, loud screaming. Taken-in for the time being because of pus in both eyes.

Released:

Well marked with purple spray the juvenile White Stork (06-139; July 19^th) went to the Salines for flying-practice. They will over there looking after him/her and (eventually) give some extra food.

Just before the siesta 4 Dutch visitors. And at 2 p.m. again 6 Dutch visitors > we have asked them to come back after the siesta and so they did.

July 25^th:  the Scop’s was 79 gram, the white Barn Owl 303 gram and the Hooded Crow 377 gram. The “new” brown Barn Owls all three had gained weight !! By the “old” brown Barn Owls three had gained weight and two had diminished a bit. The small (visual handicapped) tom-cat “Máti” was handed-over to his new owners, sitting in the coach on their way to the air-port at 7.38 a.m. During the morning two Greek visitors: 1 from Mytiléne and 1 from Dráma. At 7 p.m. two laddies were in front of our door, with a dog > see further by BITCH.

July 26^th:  we received a message from Holland that “Máti” had arrived safe and sound and that he is feeling quite comfortable already. The Hooded Crow had diminished with 2 gram, but the white Barn Owl had gained 25 gram. From the “old” brown Barn Owls two had escaped from their cage and locked themselves out of food-range > so diminished. The “new” brown Barn Owls had all three diminished a tiny little bit. The Scop’s, which had spend the whole night in “The Keep” was 78 gram.

Release:

Just after 10 a.m. we were able to release well the juvenile House Marten (06-103; June 13^th) in a huge forest > he ran away like crazy !!

While we were busy with that, a phone-call came from Kápi about an injured bird-of-prey > picked-up. Was a juvenile Goshawk.

July 27^th:  the Scop’s is doing well in the aviary (and together with another one) and was 79 gram. Is still force-fed twice a day. The Hooded Crow was 379 gram and the white Barn Owl was 342 gram. The “damage” to the “old” brown Barn Owls was almost gone after one night. The “new” brown Barn Owls are doing better now > all three had gained weight, and not only a few grams !! At 8.10 p.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne that an injured Pigeon was discovered at the electricity-plant of the  Δ.Ε.Η. > should be brought to the cross-road to Achladerí > picked-up. Late in the evening we received a phone-call from Holland that our ex-patient “MeiMei” (04-184; August ’04) was overrun by a car and didn’t survive the accident. There is announced that there will be a power-cut tomorrow from 9.30 a.m. till 1.30 p.m. > and that by those temperatures !!

July 28^th:  The Scop’s had grown till 80 gram and the Hooded Crow till 391 gram. The white Barn Owl however had diminished till 332 gram. The new brown Barn Owls all had gained weight; by the old-residents this was only the case with one. With the help of a Dutch friend we could re-organize the kitchen in such a way, that the fridge and the freezer could be re-placed where they were before the reconstruction of the chimney > suddenly we had “space” back in the kitchen. Hereafter (indeed) there was a power-cut from 9.30 a.m. till 2.15 p.m. !! We used the “powerless era” re-fastening the door of the Zoökomeio in a brick wall; this was temporarily done in wood in 2001. We used for the wall the bricks, which “came free” when the old chimney was destroyed. We had to stop early, because there was a water-stop as well. At 7.32 p.m. a phone-call from our village about a goat, which was “bleeding” > was “delivered” in the boot of a car > see further by GOAT.

July 29^th:  the Scop’s is steadily growing > was 82 gram. The Hooded Crow had diminished and was 375 gram, while the white Barn Owl was 324 gram. All brown Barn Owls are fluctuating: from + 18 gram till – 11 gram. And after our little “out-door-cat Foúrno” already yesterday had caught a very tiny rat (the white Barn Owl has feasted upon it), this morning the W.R.P. has diminished again with one > no swimming-license. We picked-up from the ferry from Thessalonica (the half-Dutch, half Greek) Elsa, who wants to help us for two weeks. At 3 p.m. a little kitten was brought-in > observation poisoning (much hope however we don’t have). From ± 7 p.m. there was absolutely no water anymore . . . . !! At 9.15 p.m. another kitten was brought-in; the same owner as that one from 5 p.m. Condition of this one however is even worse than her predecessor.

July 30^th:  and still no water !! The last brought-in kitten didn’t survive the night; her housemate however seems to be a little bit better. The Scop’s must eat by it’s own, because we’re feeding the same as all days before, and suddenly he/she is 87 gram !!The Hooded Crow was 377 gram and the white Barn Owl went up till 352 gram. All three new brown Barn Owls had gained weight, and most of the elder generation as well. At 8.45 a.m. we had water again; for how long ?? In any case long enough for brick-laying the whole morning (the wall connecting the door of the Zoökomeio to the old stable-wall). At 5.15 p.m. a phone-call from a (female) fisherman out at sea, even more southwards that the Airport, that she had discovered in the water a “Geráki” (bird of prey), in a quite bad condition. We should be called-back after  returning in the harbor (which ?? There are lots of those small harbors over there) about the condition of the bird. One hour later we still hadn’t received a phone-call . . . . At 7.40 p.m. we received the expected call (they had just arrived in the harbor) that the bird had died on board at 7.10 p.m. !! Good we didn’t go for a ride just after the first call !! At 8.20 p.m. some children came (loud screaming) bringing a small “Geráki” > so was a juvenile Swift !! And meanwhile we had over here (once again) a sobbing teenager, “tortured” by home-sickness > so is leaving tomorrow-morning back to her parents !! Had never been away from home on her own . . . . and was only interested in stroking “pitiful cats” . . . .  So evidently we’re out of our luck this year!!

July 31^st:  the kitten, that was brought-in the day before yesterday at three o’clock, is dieing very quietly > we’re not going to do something by ourselves. The Scop’s was 87 gram, the new Swift was 28 gram, the Hooded Crow was 378 gram and the white Barn Owl was 358 gram. The new brown Barn Owls are all meeting the requirements, while the old group is diminishing a bit. At about 9.15 a.m. there was again no water anymore for the rest of the day . . . . In spite of that there was continued with brick-laying > is almost ready now. Two Dutch people with a very tiny little Tom-cat: they are taking him with them to Holland. Further 5 “normal” Dutch visitors. At 6.50 p.m. we were called about a young African Grey Parrot > was brought-in. At 8.15 p.m. we discovered the young kitten quiet (and dead) in her cage. Water was restored after 11 p.m. !!

Total amount of visitors this month:  078                      (total this year: 450)

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 715 (total this year 2221 kilometers)

Total amount of intakes this month: 35 [wild ones: 22; others 13], (total this year 195 > : wild ones 110, others 085; total since the start of registration in 1996: 3438),  of which:

PIGEON (Columba livia dom): 4; the first was an adult (??) from Mytiléne, announced as a Collared Dove > has a dysfunction of both pupils and is bone-thin. Discovered dead early in the morning of the 3^rd. No P.M. was done. The 2^nd was discovered half-laying in the pigeon-cage in “The Keep” > had hatched some days before (born over there) > observation leg-injury. Showed to have no leg-fracture, but the leg was indeed injured. Was standing after some hours. So physiotherapies and a good control. Number 3 came via the Vet in Mytiléne > open fracture both wings; close to the shoulders. It’s the question if it is worth while . . . .  Is doing quite well after some days, but is flying will be ever possible ?? The 4^th was discovered at the electricity-plant of the Δ.Ε.Η. > closed fracture of the right wing (humerus) > hanging cast was given.

DOG (Canis familiaris): 2, the first was an about 1-1,5 year old male from Eftaloú > skin was totally felt-like and over whole the body lots of razor-sharp  grass-seeds had penetrated the skin. Due to this several abscesses. Completely trimmed and shaved and grass-seeds were removed. During the same session both crown-jewels were removed. Doggie will leave tomorrow for Holland with the name “Eftaloú”. As well this transport went well. The 2^nd was run-over by his owner (see July 22^nd)

WHITE BARN OWL (Tyto a. alba): 3; the first was an  adult from the Barn Owl-aviary in “The Keep” > was shambling over the ground. Showed to have much to long talons and being injured on the right side of the face ( e.g. the mouth). Because of the ring (left foot) must have been already a long time over here. The second was discovered in Evriakí > very emaciated (only 216 gram !). Probably Trichomonadiosis > treated against this. Discovered dead next morning.

The 3^rd was the same one as the first, but now severe injured above the tight eye.

WHITE MUSK-DUCK (Cairina moschata alba dom.): 1 from the inlet-channel around the Salines. Is or a female, or a juvenile. Wasn’t flying well indeed, but was quick enough to let us “taste the pebbles” several times. Observation. The under-bill is extending in respect of the upper-bill > so we must shorten that. Is performed under (almost) complete anesthesia. Was re-homed the 12^th > went to animal-lovers in the village here (our secretary and her friend).

COLLARED DOVE (Streptopelia decaocto): 1 juvenile from Pétra; was announced as a “strange birdie, bigger than a sparrow”. Injured on the head and on the right wing (fracture ??) > hanging cast was given. Wasn’t in such a good condition, but what else one can expect after some days without food and without medical care. When we informed the “discoverer” whát kind of bird she had found, we heard that she had fed the poor soul with chicken . . . . !! Discovered dead the 8^th just after 9 a.m. At a further examination it showed that the bird probably was bitten by a cat: there wás a wing-fracture (closed, but with bite-marks) and as well there was a bite-injury on the chest. Giving antibiotics at intake didn’t have any sense anymore, because the biting had happened already 2 days before.

HOOPOE (Upupa epops): 1 adult from Mólivos > closed fracture left wing (radius & ulna) > splinted.

DOG-FOX-CUB (Vulpes vulpes): 1 about 2 month old animal from Íppio; was laying in full sun-light and without water, chained with a chain one can fasten a 1000 cc Honda !! After some problems (see July 12^th) we could take the very emaciated one with us.

SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica): 1 almost ready to be alone juvenile from our village > was discovered in the streets. Observation brain-damage. (see as well July 17^th)

LONG-LEGGED BUZZARD (Buteo rufinus): 2; the first was an adult from below Krátigos; was discovered there the 14^th late in the evening. Seeing the improvised rings around both legs, an specimen escaped from captivity.  

The 18^th she (because according to the body-weight it’s a female) is transferred for the first time (for the day-hours) to the Buzzard-Aviary > this didn’t cause any problem with the three “normal” Buzzards. The second was a juvenile from Plomári > very mal-nourished (only 418 gram in stead of the 600-1200 which he should have).

(see as well July 24^th)

BROWN BARN OWL (Tyto alba guttata): 3 almost “ready to leave” juveniles from above a sealing in Plakádos.  One had locked-out the parents and the chickens were very reduced in weight.

WHITE STORK (Ciconia ciconia): 1 juvenile from Keramiá; injured on the left wing. Hadn’t had already for days normal food (according to the inner side of the bill).  

Was transferred the 24^th to the Salines for flying-practice.

HOODED CROW (Corvus corone cornix sharpii): 1 quite young one from Mytiléne. Was send by coach and delivered at the kiosk in the Agorá. Multiple fractured of the right wing > wing was set and fixed.

TOM-CAT (Felis catus): 1 about 6 months old one from Pétra >  had fallen more than one week ago from the second floor of a house and landed in a wrong way > leg-injury. The abscess had opened in the meantime by itself. Only an bandage and some cream was given.

PUPPY (Canis familiaris): 1 about 5 weeks old male; from the same owner as the fallen Tom-cat. Puppy-vaccination was given and an appointment was made for the 2^nd vaccination.

LITTLE BITTERN (Ixobrychus minutus): 1 juvenile from Kallonís > very reduced in weight (only 85 gram in stead of the 140-160 gram what should be normal).

Was released very, very well the 23^rd.

GREEK TORTOISE (Testudo hermanni): 1 adult male from Athens; over there overrun by a motor-car < quite a lot of shell-damages. Was in Athens “treated” by a Vet > this mend that quite unnecessarily holes had been drilled through the shell to stitch the double part above the tail (hadn’t been broken > this is natural for this kind of Tortoise !!) and that on other places the same procedure was followed as well !! The tail had fractures, but nothing was done to those > so a deformation of the tail and he isn’t able to take part in the reproduction-process anymore (doesn’t matter over here, because this species isn’t endemic on this island) > so he will stay for ever. At a further examination of the shell, it’s almost certain that this was an animal, held in captivity (under bad circumstances > too less sunlight ) > there are huge deformations of the back-shell, caused by rachitis (lack of vitamin D).

SPURR-TIGHED TORTOISE (Testudo graeca ibera): 1 adult male, discovered by the woman who had taken the injured Greek Tortoise from Athens in the city-park in Plomári over where there was taken care of this creature > she had stolen this one from the park. Is disabled, because is missing from the right rear-leg the whole foot.

KITTEN (Felis catus): 4; the 1^st was an about 8 weeks old female, coming from the field behind the L.W.H. Maybe she belongs to Yiánnis,  but that we should ask. Has pus coming from both eyes (the most from the left eye). The kitten indeed belongs to Yiánnis’ son > the lad had seen already yesterday (when he got the kitten) that there was pus coming from both eyes, but doing something . . . .  forget it ! Agreed that we should treat the kitten and give her back when the eyes are better. It’s a downright shame that such a small, deaf (indeed !!), and typical little “housecat” is doomed to live her life without any worth mentioning human attention.

We have spoken the day after intake with the young owner: “ he had put the little kitten with the other animals in the stable to catch mice and he was feeding the little one once a day”. That a deaf cat can’t hear the sound mice are making, didn’t cross his mind, and equally not that such a small kitten needs more food than once a day !! The 2^nd , as well a female, came from this village as well and came-in in a bad condition (poisoned ??) Was the morning after intake a little bit better. Worsened slowly the 31^st and discovered dead in the evening. The 3^rd was a housemate of number two and came-in, if possible, in an even worse condition. Didn’t survive the night . . . !! The 4^th was discovered in Ánaxos, was a Tom-cat and about 5 weeks old > will leave Lesvos on August 4^th for re-homing in Holland.

BITCH (Canis familiaris): 1 about 3 years old one from our village; was brought-in laying on a plastic bag. Was quite anemic and covered with ticks. The whole condition was soo bad, that the tick already were leaving the dieing dog . . . .  According to the young owner (14 years old) “it wasn’t like this, this morning . . . . !!”  In a way that couldn’t be misunderstood, we have told the owner what we thought about his behavior !! The dog was put down.

GOSHAWK (Accipiter gentilis): 1 juvenile female from Kápi > open fracture right wing (radius & ulna) with lots, lots of maggots in the injury. First trying to solve that problem, and hereafter we’ll see.

Vomited after intake all the given food. So temporarily only Ringers/os was given. Discovered dead and already stiff at 7.52 p.m. NO P.M. was done > was evidently a sepsis.

GOAT (Capra hircus): 1 adult from our village > was (in spite of shackles) escaped from the field she was kept on and “got lost” in barbed wire > left part of the udder close to the teat was quite bad injured: was leaking milk and blood. First Aid was given in the street and injury was closed with several stitches. Antibiotic-spray on all holes and gaps.

SWIFT (Apus apus): 1 juvenile from our village > was announced by children as a “small bird-of-prey” > so give it a try again.

AFRICAN GREY PARROT (Psittacus erithracus): 1 quite young specimen (the tail was almost completely red) from Mytiléne > high fever (42,5 degrees centigrade!!) Is wearing a Dutch closed foot-ring from 2006. Put under a heavy doses of antibiotics and good food was given !!