Variety of Water Birds Seen In Rehab

This week’s intense wintry weather brought an influx of injured water birds into our Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Program. It’s common for us to see quite a few of these birds each winter, but we don’t always encounter such variety of species at once.

Wildlife Rehabilitation Coordinator Amy LeMonds identified the birds sharing rehab quarters this week as 2 Pied-bill Grebes and 2 Horned Grebes, along with a Canvasback duck and 2 Ruddy ducks.

The grebes have legs that are set far back on their bodies, ideal for propelling them through the water and diving for dinner but not for walking.

This body arrangement also means that they cannot take flight without paddling across the surface of water.This time of year, grebes can get stuck on snow-covered frozen lakes or in shallow puddles that collect on land. Often, all that is required of us is that we get them to open water to restore their ability to take flight.

We were already able to return 3 of the grebes and 2 of the ducks to Lake Erie this week, in the warm open water near the Avon Lake power plant.

2011 Board Leadership Named



Charles V. Aquino

The Board of Directors at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center has elected officers to provide leadership and support for the Bay Village nonprofit organization in 2011. Charles V. Aquino, Director at Western Reserve Partners LLC, will serve a second term as President. Mr. Aquino, a Northeast Ohio native and Fairview Park resident, has served on the board for six years and brings an investment banking background to his leadership role.

“I am honored to serve a second term as President of the Board,” said Mr. Aquino. “I work with exemplary professionals, both my colleagues on the Board and in Center management. It’s a privilege to coordinate the many talents of our Board to benefit a great nonprofit organization. Collectively, we share a passion for the Center’s mission and a responsibility to see that this Northeast Ohio treasure thrives now and in the future.”

Also re-elected are Vice President Colleen Lowmiller, Senior Actuarial Consultant at Findley Davies, Inc., and Secretary Corryn Firis, Staff Attorney at the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Jerry Rudowsky, Senior Manager, Assurance Services at Ernst & Young LLP, will take over as Treasurer. In addition to officer elections, Steve Koliha, Client Executive at IBM Corporation, was elected to the Board.

Unwrapping Your Year-end Gifts To Nature

 Amy LeMonds prepares to return a owl to the wild.

Just three weeks left in 2010! We hope you've included your favorite charities on your gift list. Year-end support is crucial to the good work of so many valuable nonprofit organizations like Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. 

Imagine in your mind's eye that 180,000 children and adults will be "unwrapping" your gift in 2011... with magical moments during free visits to our live animals and free advice and help for injured backyard animals through our respected Wildlife Education & Rehabilitation Program. Now, that's truly a gift that keeps on giving and puts warmth in your heart and a smile on your face all year long!

Give a gift today and start spreading the joy of nature and wildlife. Thanks for your support and Happy Holidays!