News From The Mews

I abandoned the idea of obtaining accurate length measurements on our snakes several years ago after struggling with Emory. She just did not want to straighten out! Emory did not want to straighten out for me in 2018! This week I was excited to catch Digger, the hognose snake, slithering along the front window of her habitat in a mostly-straight line. I grabbed a tape measure and estimated her length at 32 inches. No struggle needed!

Naturalist Intern Rosie and I watched as Digger the hognose snake rubbed her nose along rocks and hides in her habitat. A bit of skin had separated along her neck, but she seemed to be having trouble loosening the skin on her nose. Once that end was free, Digger would be able to slither right out of her old skin. I knew Digger would figure it out, but I wanted to help. Humidity can help loosen snake skin, so I lightly misted around Digger. Normally, she would avoid the water. But today, she lifted her chin into the mist. I wonder if she knew the extra moisture would help! Digger seemed to enjoy a mist bath!

As we wrap up each live raptor program, I discuss the effect DDT, a powerful insecticide, had on raptor populations. The chemical caused eagles, osprey, and peregrine falcons to lay thinned-shelled eggs that cracked easily. DDT was eventually banned in the United States 1972 due to these environmental impacts. Since I didn't live through the time of this wonder-chemical, I enjoy hearing stories from people who experienced it. Last week, an audience member shared a childhood memory of visiting their family cabin. The old log structure hosted many mosquitos inside and out. He explained how his mother used to spray the bedroom with a fog of DDT as the kids crawled into bed.  At this week's program, one audience member shared that their father worked at the lab that received the first shipment of DDT in the US. They were amazed at how well it controlled fly populations in barns. In hindsight, of course, we know they could have tamed their enthusiasm for this chemical. But I imagine...

I peered into Carson's mew through the dusty screen. Dust was stacked high in each of the screen's little mesh holes. I imagined how many Who-villes must be established on all of these specks - Horton would have his hands full protecting them all!  Look at all those specks and potential Who-villes! Our raptor mews are covered with a layer of screen to keep mosquitoes out. The screens always become matted with dust, feather particles, pollen, and cobwebs. Wiping with a washcloth will remove some of it, but they still look grungy.  Then this mesh screen cleaner came across my internet searches. The angled fibers promised to scrub both sides of the screen at once. I thought it might be worth a try. Back in the mews, I wished all the Whos good luck as I swept the specialized brush down the screen. I was delighted to see a cloud of dust puff away from the screen. It worked better than a washcloth!