May 2006

LOG-BOOK:

No news about the Bird-flu

May 1^st:  the Sparrowhawk was 196 gram and Buzzard II was 955 gram. While the monthly-reports were prepared for being send, our 3 trainees started with emptying the Aviary > a nest with 11 mice was “promoted Owl-fodder”; unluckily the parents could escape. All dirt and bad soil was later brought to the rubbish-dump > lots of bags and as heavy as lead. Now we really can start with the restoration and re-planting. Later in the morning the four parents of the “double-mice-nest” were detected and (we couldn’t catch them and release them far from the aviary) with the help of the air-gun as well made into Owl-fodder. Around midday we could shoot another one and around 5 p.m. again one.

May 2^nd:  the Sparrowhawk was 193 gram and Buzzard II was 960 gram. As well the Barn Owls as the Little Owls had enjoyed the provided “extra”. In spite of our havoc-playing under the mouse-population yesterday, this morning (at least) 4 were running away > so we have to close everything better with bricks and concrete. So the waiting is for the truck with sand and cement. The leg-fracture of the Sparrow (06-059; April 26^th) isn’t healed yet. Huge splint was removed and a smaller one was given. There is blood-circulation, because the toes were still alive. Because yesterday all shops were closed, one had to get through 9,5 kilo of meat etc. While that was done (sand & cement was brought meanwhile), the Aviary was made more mouse-proof. Two visitors from Dundee, Scotland. At 4.30 p.m. three thrown-away kittens were brought-in > put down.

May 3^rd:  the Sparrowhawk was 190 gram and Buzzard II was 960 gram. Continued with the re-decoration of the Aviary. In the morning 5 Dutch visitors. The “fish-bone-chicken” was taken back-home in the evening.

May 4^th:  the Sparrowhawk was 192 gram and Buzzard II was 970 gram. Both baby-tortoises were 20 and 22 gram. Even before breakfast we were able to buy new plants for the Aviary and we started with brick-laying of the flag-stones. We had to stop prematurely with this because we had some visitors: 4 from Holland and 2 from Barnsley, Yorkshire. After the siesta we continued and were able to plant the bought trees and scrubs. Tomorrow the waterfall must be done.

May 5^th:  the Sparrowhawk was 196 gram and Buzzard II was 945 gram. The waterfall was repaired with polyester and glass-fiber. Under the feeding-place some bowls were placed to receive the used food. At 1 p.m. we tried for the first time this year the waterfall again: like a clock-work ! Two Dutch visitors. At 5.15 p.m. a Cock was brought-in with a severe rhinotracheitis (right side). The eye was watering like hell > face was opened and taken-in. At 7.40 p.m. a phone-call from Megalochóri about a “buzzard” which was stuck in netting/wire. One was very afraid for the bird-flu and hadn’t done anything. Advice was given how te free the bird and how to keep it alive till we could be there next morning.

May 6^th:   the Sparrowhawk was 200 gram and Buzzard II was 950 gram. At 6.20 a.m. we left and at 7.55 a.m. we were on the spot (after kilometers of dusty unpaved zig-zagroads through the mountains and [even more “blood-clogging”] paved and unpaved steep paths in the village itself. At a certain moment the car couldn’t go up any more and turning was impossible as well ! For the trainee Rinette this was the experience of her life !). It showed to be a juvenile male Sparrowhawk, which had pinned himself on rusty iron-wire > the wire could be removed and the bird was taken with us for further treatment. Around 1 p.m. we had all the birds, which could go back to the Aviary, again over there. What (for the time being) remains in the House-next-door, are lots of Zebra-finches (can be given away or sold). The white Pigeon from Mytiléne (06-039; March 22^nd) went today from the aviary in the House-next-door to the Pigeon-cage in “The Keep”, looking forward to a pigeon-fancier who wants to have him/her. At a further contemplation of the injury of the new Sparrowhawk it showed off that it had been technical impossible for the bird to get the wire in this way through the wing due to an own mistake; the more because the end was bended and was working like a kind of “fish-hook”. So we have to make the conclusion this was done deliberately by humans: hung alive as a deterrent example . . . . . . .

May 7^th:  Sparrowhawk I was 188 gram (must diminish, because he is over-weighted) and Sparrow II was 105 gram (+ 1). Buzzard II was 950 gram. The baby-tortoises were 20 and 22 gram. Continued with the tortoise-pen. The waterfall in the Aviary doesn’t seem to hold the water well > tomorrow looking where the problem is and trying to fix it. At 4.55 p.n. a juvenile House-sparrow (?) with a broken wing came-in.

May 8^th:  Sparrowhawk I was 188 gram and Sparrowhawk II was 104 gram. Buzzard II was 955 gram. Continued with the tortoise-pen, till a huge thunder-shower was a spoil-sport. The vine was quire damaged due to the huge hail-stones. And of course there was a power-cut (from eleven till a quarter to two). At 1.50 p.m. 4 juvenile Blue Tits were brought-in (next to the school the nest was disturbed . . . ). After the siesta we could finish what was interrupted this morning by the hail-stones. After long deliberations we have decided to re-name the little Tom-cat “Giórgos” > the current name caused to much confusion! The new name will be “Ajax”, because he is sleeping from the day of intake on a towel of the Dutch Football-club with the same name.

May 9^th:  Sparrowhawk I was 192 gram and Sparrowhawk II was 110 gram > so is gaining weight. Buzzard II was 950 gram. At 5.45 a.m. we already could hear the hungry sound of the Blue Tits. The Collared Dove (06-049; April 18^th) with the amputated wing was transferred to the Aviary in our Court-yard, hoping he/she will start eating by himself/herself. Finished with the netting of the tortoise-pen, and with the fastening of the subsoil (huge, woven synthetic bags) to prevent flushing away of the sand. Our old shower-basin was provisionally repaired (the polyester will be done later) and put on its right place in the pen. Now we have facilities for terrapins as well. At 5.25 p.m. the Cock was taken back by the owner. Advices were given for a chicken, she had brought with her for examination > shortage of calcium (was walking difficult and was laying wind-eggs). She had been in the possession of sepia, but had dumped those “rubbish” !! (Not in the statistics)

May 10^th:  Sparrowhawk I was 188 gram and Sparrowhawk II was 107 gram. Buzzard II was 940 gram. It seems that Sparrowhawk II has survived his “compulsory adventure” with a minimum damage > escaped this morning out of his cage and was flying quite well !! Started with carrying sand from the street via a ladder into the tortoise-pen > is demolishing for the back and knees! As well some huge rocks were carried up > even more demolishing,  by the way. At 4.15 p.m. a boy came with a young goat; was brought-up with the bottle and always kept on a soft floor > now a huge problem, due to “Alibaba-hoofs” (too long !). With the help of a (human) nail-clipper the worst problems could be removed. Send to the “Agrotikí Stégi”. (NOT in the statistics). Could we report on March 8^th about “the (still name-less) “out-living” little Tom-cat, which has lodged himself on the sealing of the surgery”, and which we had given the name of “Foúrnos” (= Oven; above the old oven he was fed and he slept over there), today we had to change as well this name in “Foúrno” (without the male end-s), because she looks evidently pregnant. How we are going to solve this problem isn’t yet clear, because she isn’t approachable at all !

May 11^th:  Sparrowhawk I was 184 gram, number II was 106 gram and Buzzard II was 945 gram. Both baby-tortoises were 20 and 24 gram. The Sparrow with the leg-fracture (06-059; April 26^th) was transferred as (probably) disabled for ever to the Aviary > maybe some function will come back over there in the right foot. The water-basin in the tortoise-pen had its first layer of polyester. While the both (going to Holland) cats “Fourspot” and “Silky” were micro-chipped and vaccinated against rabies in the Agrotikí Stégi, here was meanwhile continued with filling of the tortoise-pen with sand. Some time later plants were put on their places and some pieces of bark were as well placed; at midday all tortoises (19 !!) were in their new “home".

The water-basin will receive it’s 2^nd (and we hope last) layer of polyester with glass-fiber tomorrow. At 7.15 p.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne about a “swallow” > will be picked-up by us tomorrow. In the evening 3 Dutch visitors.

May 12^th: the youngest Blue Tit didn’t survive the night. Was already yesterday not so well anymore. Sparrowhawk I was 186 gram and number II was 112 gram. Buzzard II was 950 gram. Both the female trainees went early to Mytiléne to practice with the Vet Myrsíni Tourvalí > so for everyone this was an early “rise”. Even before 8 a.m. the water basin in the tortoise-pen had its “armored” layer of polyester > this because of the weather-forecast (with 60% rain). The wing-fracture of the juvenile sparrow had penetrated the skin: bone was shortened a bit and injury closed with 2 (tiny) agrafes. A “gang-way” was made on the roof of “The Keep” to reach the tortoise-pen more easily. Two Dutch visitors. At 11.50 a.m. a phone-call about a doggie > they had visited already 2 Vets and the dog should be bitten by a snake (??) > they want to come for a “second opinion”. At 12.05 a.m. the “swallow” arrived over here: was a Pallid Swift. The dog, a male, arrived at 12.20 a.m. See further by DOG. Both trainees were back after the siesta and their comment on the way animals were treated over here (by a Vet) was “astonished in a negative way . . . . !!”

May 13^th:  again a Blue Tit that gave up (this time in our hands; at 5.50 a.m.). Sparrowhawk I was 179 gram and the other was 112 gram. Buzzard II was 970 gram. In the tortoise-pen (temporarily) a sand-free spot was created, where the food should be placed > so preventing eating to much sand. At almost 1.45 p.m. a phone-call from a Vet in Mytiléne that she has send a Sparrow with the coach of 1.15 p.m.  . . . . . so this was a race to be in time. After the siesta continued with “re-shaping” one of the normal “feeding-aprons” into one with sleeves (this for the handling of bigger birds of prey) > for this is used a, as well discovered on the rubbish-dump, military “long john’s” . . . . . (distress creates ingenuity !). At 3.56 p.m. the third of the Blue Tits died in the hands of one of the trainees > how long it will last for the last one ?? Just after half past six 3 children arrived with 2 thrown-away kittens > put down. And at 8.25 p.m. an Eastern Hedge-hog was brought-in.

May 14^th:  the last Blue Tit we discovered dead at 5.45 a.m. in its cage. Sparrowhawk I was 182 gram and Sparrowhawk II was 118 gram > is at last starting to put on weight. Buzzard II was 970 gram. And the yesterday-evening taken-in Eastern Hedge-hog had eaten in 1 night 90 gram !! The cat “Silky” (ex 05-234) was sterilized this morning. The special “feeding-apron” was finished and is already in use. 4 Visitors from Kallonís (the owners of the dog that was bitten by a snake). At 4.50 p.m. a phone-call from Pérama, that the Pelican  “Máki”  was hit by a car and should have a broken leg > we went “low-flying” to that village and picked her up (see further by WHITE PELICAN).

May 15^th:  the Eastern Hedge-hog was 995 gram (and was standing in it’s cage watching the neighboring Pelican ! ); Sparrowhawk I was 180 gram and number II was 126 gram. Buzzard II was 1065 gram and both baby-tortoises were 22 and 26 gram. Flyers were made (in 3 languages) for the tourists. The beak of “Máki” cleaned inside.

May 16^th:  because a “water-stop” was announced for today, we started more early than usual: the plants in the aviaries and the water-bowls should be done before 8 a.m.. The Eastern Hedge-hog was 1065 gram (and wants to leave !), Sparrowhawk I was 186 gram and the other was 128 gram. Buzzard II was 1055 gram. Four English visitors: 1 from Kallonís, 2 from Crumlington and 1 from NorthShields (Northumberland). Because the whole day the street was blocked by two bulldozers, knocking-down an old house, we couldn’t release, as was planned, the Eastern Hedge-hog > will be done tomorrow. At 9.05 p.m. a phone-call from Mória about a juvenile pigeon > we’ll pick that up tomorrow, during the cultural excursion.

May 17^th:  due to the cultural excursion we started earlier than normal. The Eastern Hedge-hog was 1060 gram, Sparrowhawk I was 188 and Sparrowhawk II was 128 gram. Buzzard II was 1035 gram and both baby-tortoises were 24 and 28 gram. “Doing” the Aviary this morning, we discovered a female rat teaching her children where easy food was available > so a mistake of her. One huge and four smaller ones changed into Owl-fodder. They were hiding in between the netting and the undulated roof-parts > so removing the corpses wasn’t easy ! Even before we left a juvenile sparrow was discovered in the street > wasn’t flying well and no parents in the neighborhood as well. In Mória we picked-up the announced pigeon, gathered some pieces of slate for the tortoise-pen and continued the excursion. Meanwhile there had been a phone-call from Mytiléne about a little “Owl” and they should send it with the coach of 1.15 p.m. > even before our contact-person could pick-up the owl, it had died. After home-coming we were able to re-unite one rat with its dead family and another one was only hurt. We can wait  for that one . . . .  After the siesta an Austrian visitor from Sankt Pölten.  

May 18^th:  the Hedge-hog was 1040 gram. Sparrowhawk I was 186 gram and number II was 130 gram. Buzzard II was 1030 gram. At 8.58 a.m. the Eastern Hedge-hog is released on a safe spot (deep in the forest, but close to a river). We received as visitors the Primary School from Skoutáros (12 children and 2 teachers) and a Dutch couple. At 11.20 a.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne: a Sparrow will be send by the coach of 1.15 p.m. Is picked-up. IN the siesta an English couple came with a thrown-away puppy (about 3 weeks old and discovered in Skála Kallonís); with pain in our hart we had to refuse the poor creature. The discoverers were “transferred” to the “Animal Lovers Society PAN” in Mólivos.

May 19^th:  Sparrowhawk I was 186 gram and the other 132 (so is gaining weight, but slowly). Buzzard II was 1020 gram. We discovered dead at 6.40 a.m. the juvenile Sparrow, we picked-up the 17^th. The dog “Humpy” (98-017) was in 5 quarters of an hour trimmed, dental-stone was removed (and one back-tooth was removed), ticks were “plucked-out” and ears were cleaned, nails were shortened and he was vaccinated, etc. etc. > so a 10.000 km service-job was done. This all under (almost) complete anesthetics. Even during our breakfast the (announced) Primary School from Papádos phoned us > 49 children and 4 teachers (of the latter “kind” evidently 2 not-interested!!). Hereafter with the 3 trainees a quick “cultural excursion” was made to the “Kremásti-bridge”. At 6.45 p.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne about 2 “swallows” (they still had to catch them and didn’t know how !!) they are planning to send tomorrow by coach (??) > so wait and see.

May 20^th:  Sparrowhawk I was 180 gram and number II was 132 gram. Buzzard II was 1015 gram. We discovered dead in her cage at 6.15 a.m. the White Pelican “Máki” > had vomited the last fed fishes. See further by WHITE PELICAN. After lots of phone-calls we at last heard that the first coach from Mytiléne is leaving at 1.15 p.m. !! So poor swallows !! As well after lots of efforts we reached the care-takers of “Máki” in Pérama > they are very anxious to know the result of the P.M.  After lots of efforts from our side we at last heard that the swallows won’t come . . . .  With the help of the, taken with us on the 17^th, slate we were able to do something “cage-enrichment” in the tortoise-pen and this was continued after the P.M. on the Pelican. At 1.18 p.m. a little black Tom-cat was brought-in with blood out of the nose. Showed to be one of the kittens born over here April 18^th. Taken-in for observation. In the siesta a phone-call from Mytiléne about a pigeon that should be injured on a leg and on a wing > one is going to try sending hem/her tomorrow by coach. At 4 p.m. we discovered Buzzard II (06-028; February 22^nd) laying on his back in the aviary > hadn’t been able to turn himself back and was bitten to death by ants (the head was over covered with those insects). A quarter of an hour later we had 2 visitors from Letzeburg (L).

May 21^st:  Sparrowhawk II was 130 gram. The yesterday taken-in little Tom-cat was a bit more lively than at intake. At 10.25 the little sister of the little Tom-cat of yesterday came in > as well vague symptoms and not lively. She had some under-temperature > so taken-in for observation. We received a phone-call from Mytiléne that they didn’t succeed sending the injured pigeon today > will be tomorrow . . . . !! So pretty “well” for a bird with a leg- & a wing-injury !!

May 22^nd:  both little kittens are quite lively and are eating well (but no fried [in olive-oil] potatoes !!). Sparrowhawk II was 130 gram. The village-pharmacist brought his ill Tom-cat > cat-flu. Was taken-in. Will be neutered as soon as he is better. Around 10.30 a.m. a phone-call from Mólivos about a (probably juvenile) Thrush > will be brought this afternoon. At 11.50 a.m. we at last had the announced Pigeon in our possession > see further by PIGEON. Real at the start of the siesta 2 German visitors from Duisburg. After the siesta a juvenile Blackbird was brought from Mólivos. The bearer, a Greek woman from descent but born in Canada, is living in Ikaría. As well two Dutch visitors. Both kittens were taken back (with lots of feeding-advices) at almost 6.30 p.m. At the same moment 2 Dutch visitors.

May 23^rd:  we discovered the juvenile Sparrow from Mytiléne (06-075; May 18^th) dead in the cage. Sparrowhawk II should be released as soon as possible: was only 124 gram !! Was released in a wonderful way at almost a quarter to eight ! The hit rat (see May 17^th ) indeed hadn’t made it and was scattering lots of maggots in our court-yard > the almost decayed body was removed and the maggots swept together and thrown outside for the wild birds. Today a Dutch couple came (living both in Holland and over here in Lisvóri) and they brought with them a good computer and a (black and white) laser-printer; especially for our trainees (now & in the future) > our gratitude is huge !! The juvenile Blackbird from yesterday isn’t reacting well > started during the day to vomit all the given food. Was discovered dead at 11.25 p.m.

May 24^th:  both baby-tortoises were 28 and 30 gram. In the Aviary we discovered dead (already some days) the Collared Dove (06-049; April 18^th), which was transferred to there the 9^th of this month (see over there). In the new tortoise-pen an egg was discovered (in the water-basin) > buried on a safe place. We were able to shoot again a huge rat in the court-yard of the House-next-door early this morning. During the morning 6 Dutch visitors. At a quarter past twelve a phone-call from Pýrgi (south of Pérama): there was a young fox discovered in a chicken-house > so we went over there and picked him up. At almost 5.30 p.m. a phone-call from a woman in Pétra about a cat with something in the eye (she had tried already some Vets, but “nobody home”) > is coming with the cat. (See further by the 2^nd Tom-cat).

May 25^th: it was quite early this morning, because the 3 trainees left, after a good finished practice, for Holland again. The cats they have chosen, ”Four-Spot” and “Silky”, will follow next Tuesday by charter-flight > made a difference of almost 140 Euro !!  The on the 22^nd of this month taken-in Tom-cat had lost his “crown-jewels” this morning; a gesture that was appreciated much by the little Dog-fox cub. After breakfast we discovered the, taken-in on May 13^th, juvenile SPARROW (06-068) dead in the cage. Already some days we have the air-conditioning working in as well the Sick-bay as in “The Keep” > with more than 30 degrees centigrade in isn’t nice anymore inside !! Some phone-calls from schools > they all want to come and visit us: next Saturday a school for “second-chance-education” will coma and Monday afternoon a Primary School.

May 26^th:  after we de-wormed yesterday the little Dog-fox, his cage this morning looked like “an exposition of a worm-collectioner” ; so many there were. Luckily the neutered Tom-cat will leave today, so we can lodge him in a better way. At 8.10 a.m. the Tom-cat was picked-up and just hereafter his cage was cleaned and re-fitted for the little Dog-fox. He liked the bigger cage and even more: the real hole in it !! During the morning-hours 2 Dutch visitors > those who are taking with them to Holland next Tuesday the 2 cats for our trainees.

May 27^th:  the little Dog-fox had eaten quite well. Already at 6 a.m. we brought the Ambulance down the street, because a shoveler is busy in the street already for days and we don’t want to be “locked-in” again. After breakfast we received the “second-chance-school” from Mytiléne: 10 “children” and 4 teachers. The latter were evidently more interested. The SPARROW with the broken wing (06-064; May 7^th) was transferred to the Aviary, “hoping for the best”.  At 8.40 p.m. someone came with his dog for the contraceptive injection > the last time (in a real Vet-practice) the bitch had bitten everyone and everything > over here the injection was given without any problems . . . . . Not in the statistics.

May 28^th:  both baby-tortoises were 30 and 34 gram. Were we “hoping for the best” yesterday for that sparrow, this morning we discovered him, laying on its back > dead. So an idle hope after all. We can hear the rats running over the sealing of the sick-bay > let’s have a look if we can do something against this “plague” without using poison. At 8.15 a.m. Mrs. Ioánna Knoop, a Greek from Dutch descent out of Athens, to help us for some days. At a further investigation of the Pigeon (which was completely “in barrels” > 06-080, May 22^nd) it showed to be that the pelvis-/collumfracture still was a mess, that the leg-fracture hadn’t healed and that the toes of that foot were completely without any function. And last but not least: the crop remained full !! So we had to put him down due to a prognosis infaust. And by the way, we fear that our remaining Sparrowhawk (06-030; March 1^st) is not going to make it > is vomiting all the given food. Has probably lost faith in his future. And our fear became reality: we discovered him dead on the ground at 5.10 p.m.. His body-weight was only 140 gram (and that’s 50 gram lesser as the body-weight at intake).

May 29^th:  during the morning a “little bit of agitation” because a snake (and no legless lizard) was spotted in the court-yard of the House-next-door, where he/she tried to enter a cage. Efforts to remove this creature with “silk gloves” were without any result (and this is an aggressive species !) and he/she disappeared into “The Keep” where a huge panic broke out in the Pigeon-cage. The snake disappeared into holes and under the undulated roof-plates, so threatening the life of the smaller birds over there, and it caused a fear-psychosis under the present ladies (of which one who is using the toilet where the snake disappeared in between the stones without any problem!!). Although it went against the grain with us, still with one well-placed shot stopped this threat. It showed to have been indeed a “Coluber jagularis caspicus” with a length of 139 cm !

Just before the siesta the baker from Kallonís came and brought the ordered bread; they were both very interested. In the siesta two women from Mytiléne came and brought an adult Swift, they had discovered on the ground (and tried to feed it with WHEAT !!)> nothing showed to be wrong, so will be released as soon as possible. And that was at 4.15 p.m., after he/she was fed first > was flying wonderful !! At 6.45 the Primary School from Kápi arrived (all together 53 people: children, parents, teachers and the driver) > we showed a lot. For the parents all the animals were “dirty” and they were afraid; the teachers were enthusiastic and the children as well. They donated us from their own money Euro 39,92.

May 30^th :  the traps with rat-glue are working, but the result is small: only 2 !! And its still “running” above our heads !! While we were busy hurrying to finish the normal work before we left for the Airport, two Greek children arrived on a moped with a box in their hands: last night a wretch (read: Marten or Weasel) had broken into the chicken- & pigeon-house > in the box a plastic bag with lots of dead birds and above it 2 still-alive chickens and 1 ditto pigeon (in the past a patient of us). See further by CHICKEN and by PIGEON. In any case we have for the time being enough “natural food” for our little Dog-fox. The cats “Four-Spot’ and “Silky” were transferred at 10.45 a.m. to their “foster-parents” for transport to Holland. While one of us was busy doing so, the other could take-in 2 new kittens with cat-flu, coming from  Skála Polichnítos. After the siesta 2 Dutch visitors. During the excursion with them we discovered that our disabled Little Owls had (at least two) clots. During the evening-feeding-round a further inspection we discovered 4 of them !! Late in the evening we received the message that both cats had arrived safe and well, and without problems, in Holland.

May 31^st:  all yesterday taken-in animals were still alive, and the Cock even tried to stand on his legs. In the cage of the Little Owls we had the opportunity to take a picture of the 4 youngsters.

The air-conditioning in “The Keep”, damaged by rats in a way it wasn’t cooling anymore, was repaired at the end of the morning (price Euro 40.=). As an extra protection for bitten through pipes, unused coarse-grained sand-paper was used > so the rats will become very short teeth !! And the rats took revenge in the siesta by biting in the electricity-cable in such a way, that the air-conditioning stopped. And when we tried to have the machine working again, the fuses were flying around our head !! In spite of that, it’s working again. At 8.50 p.m. a Vet from Mytiléne arrived with a canary-bird, where the ring (from 1998) had grown into the leg. With a dentist-drill the ring was removed.

Total amount of visitors this month:  188                      (total this year: 299)

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 579 (total this year 0976 kilometers)

Total amount of intakes this month: 36 [wild ones: 18; others 18], (total this year 106 > : wild ones 049, others 057; total since the start of registration in 1996: 3350),  of which:

KITTENS (Felis catus): 10; the first three (2-1) from our village; * about April 28^th > put down. The next two (1-1) came as well from  Ágia Paraskeví  and with the same intake-reason; eyes were still closed > put down as well. The 6^th (0-1) as well came from our village and was dumped alive with several brothers & sisters in a rubbish-bin > this one survived a bit longer and was brought-in by a child. Put down as well. Nr seven (1-0) was born over here April 18^th out of the cat “Mariètta”  > came-in with blood in the nose. Taken-in for observation. And the 8^th was the sister of her predecessor > under-temperature and languid > as well taken-in for observation. Both kittens went the 22^nd back to their mother & their little mistress, with lots of feeding-advices (so to say: what not to feed). The numbers 9 & 10 (1-1) came from Skála Polichnítos and had cat-flu > nothing could be seen of the eyes. Cleaned and anti-biotics.

COCK (Gallus gallus dom.): 1 from Ágia Paraskeví > severe sinusitis right side (due to rhinotracheitis). Cheek was opened and a real immense “stone” could be removed (was so hard, we first thought it was a piece of cheek-bone !). Temporarily closed with 1 agrafe. Taken-in and antibiotics were given. Went back to the grateful owner on the 9^th.

SPARROWHAWK (Accipiter nisus): 1 juvenile male from Megalochóri > had pinned himself with the wing on rusty iron. We were able to cut the iron and remove it. Bird was taken with us for further treatment (e.g. antibiotics). Was quite under the normal body weight: 104  gram in stead of the 150 he should bring on the scale.

HOUSE-SPARROW (Passer domesticus) [??]: 4; the first a juvenile from Ágia Paraskeví > fracture left wing (humerus) > “hanging cast” was given. Because of the finding-spot (the school) this could be a SPANISH SPARROW (Passer hispaniolensis) as well, but that’s not yet visible. Was transferred to the Aviary the 27^th. The 2^nd came from Mytiléne and was a juvenile as well. Discovered dead the 25^th. Number 3 was picked-up in front of our house; as well a juvenile (see May 17^th & 19^th ). The 4^th came from Mytiléne, was very juvenile and send-in by a Vet. Discovered dead on the 23^rd.

BLUE TIT (Parus caeruleus): 4 juveniles from Ágia Paraskeví (next to the school) > nest was disturbed !!

PALLID SWIFT (Apus pallidus): 1 juvenile (??) from Mytiléne > nothing seems to be wrong, but is a bit under-weighted. Discovered dead the same afternoon > no P.M. was done.

DOG (Canis familiaris): 1 about 1,5 year old male from Kallonís > the 9^th already the owners had visited the first Vet > he diagnosed a “dog-bite”. Lots of medicines had to be bought. The 12^th they went to the Agrotikí Stégi > over there they diagnosed a “snake-bite” > again lots of medicines. Only: in both cases one should have seen 2 holes c.q. needle-holes ( dog-bite 2 holes under each other and by a snake-bite two needle-holes next to each other) and that wasn’t the case; there was only one hole. So not bitten. Injury cleaned > lots of hair came from inside. So something should have penetrated the skin with force (arrow from bow & arrow ?? sharp stone from a catapult ??) There was an immense infiltrate in the face. The lungs were so full that the poor creature was simmering like an old steam-engine. Put under a huge “umbrella” of anti-biotics and Dermisol-solvens was used to clean the injury. Dog is taken-in and further it’s wait & see. After their return the both (almost) veterinary nurses gave the advice to look for an abscess in the upper-jaw > for this a jaw-distender was used and the dog started to vomit old blood (smelling real ugly). This fluid came as well from the injury in the face. From the skin on the throat hole pieces loosened and under there it was a huge blue “picture” (due to internal bleedings). The diagnosis was clear now: rat-poison (that’s causing internal bleedings) had been eaten. Although we injected Vitamin K, we tried as well to inform the owners that it now was real “bull-shit”. At 9.50 p.m. the hart had stopped beating . . . .  P.M.: inside everything was too bloody with a change of color on intestines, stomach etc. Both lungs with bleedings, especially in the top-lobes and the middle-lobe. Throat was opened: here everything was necrotic with holes like in Swiss cheese. This could have been indeed the result of a snake-bite (viper) > the poison of those snakes is known for “digesting” the bitten tissue. Ultimate cause of death: Cor-pulmonale.

EASTERN HEDGE-HOG (Erinaceus concolor roum.) : 1 adult from our village; sex still unknown. The intake-reason ??  In any case some ticks could be removed. Body-weight at intake was 900 gram and that’s not enough. Is released the 18^th with a body-weight of 1040 gram.

CAT (Felis catus): 1 from the L.W.H. > “Silky” > will never have problems with her “pre-menstruation-syndrome” anymore, as a preliminary measure before she will leave for Holland.

WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus): 1 adult female from Pérama, “Máki”. Should be hit by a car. Only has probably again problems with her right leg (like every year) > probably made a “crash-landing” on the concrete and sprained the foot. Support-bandage was given and taken-in for the “yearly rest-treatment”.

Discovered dead and stiff May 20^th at 6.15 a.m.; laying on her back, with around her the vomited fishes of the last feeding.  P.M.:

a)      the bird was shot in the past; a thick hail-pellet with a diameter of 6 mm was removed from under the skin

b)      the bird showed to be as fat as a pig > it was hardly possible to cut through the fat-layers. Close to the anus a huge bleeding was discovered in the fat.

c)       the whole digestive-system was “buried” in thick fat and was hardly to get free from that. Intestines itself no disorders. Liver the same.

d)      in the pericard lots of fluid. The hart itself was heavily fatty degenerated, especially on the side of both atria.

e)      the lungs showed a too dark color; the left side had severe bleedings, the right lung was a bit better.

Cause of death: cardial

PIGEON (Columba livia dom): 3; the first was an almost full-grown one from Mória (white with “hairy” legs). The second was an adult from Mytiléne > had waited two days “for the next bus”. Was quite in trouble: tail was missing, huge skin-injury on the back, fracture of the top of the collum (thigh-bone), fracture right leg (tibia), 1 too was black and dead (due to long hairs around it). Leg was splinted, collum as well (on the back). Dead toe was amputated. By the way, was missing on the left leg the same toe. Put down the 28^th (see at that date).

The 3^rd came from our village and was bitten by a Marten or a Weasel > injuries were stitched and anti-biotics were given.

TOM-CAT (Felis catus): 2; the first was a quite adult from our village > the owner (pharmacist) had already tried to give anti-biotics per os (the cat has cat-flu), but none of that for him > taken in. Will be neutered during his stay over here, but should be a little bit better first. Was neutered the 25^th and went home the day hereafter. The 2^nd  came from Pétra and had a sharp grass-seed in the right eye > could be removed.

BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula): 1 juvenile from Mólivos; was announced as a juvenile Thrush. (see as well May 23^rd).

DOG-FOX-CUB (Vulpes vulpes): 1 quite small specimen

from Pýrgi > was discovered there in a chicken-house. Should we bring back into life the day of intake with puppy-milk, the morning hereafter a bit hesitating was eaten from some left-overs of the Little Owls, with appetite from some removed testicles and quite eagerly he was with the yesterday shot-down rat > there were no left-overs !!

SWIFT (Apus apus): 1 adult from Mytiléne > nothing wrong so to see. Was discovered on the ground. Released well the same day of intake.

CHICKEN (Gallus gallus dom.): 2 from our village; bitten by Weasel or Marten. The first had only a small hole on the back, but one leg is lamed. So observation and have a look if we can improve this situation. At a further examination it showed it’s (probably ?) a COCK, but as well there were more bite-injuries: e.g. the neck and the left wing. Further an immense air-balloon started to develop under the skin. Opened and anti-biotics were given. The 2^nd came in, spitting blood; had immense blood-balloons everywhere over the body and died in our hands. (see May 30^th )

GLOSTER-CANARYBIRD (Serinus canaria dom.): 1 adult male from a Vet in Mytiléne > under her eyes the ring was removed with a dentist-drill.