December 2007

LOG-BOOK:

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

December 1^st:  the yesterday taken-in Pigeon from the pigeon-cage in “The Keep” was discovered dead at 5 a.m. > no P.M. was done. The Sparrowhawk was 158 (+8), the Hobby was 243 (-2) and the Tweety-chicken was 33 (+8) gram. The yesterday taken-in Little Owl was 160 (+6) gram. Today it will receive a good washing and afterwards drying under the red lamp. Honey Buzzard I was 800 (+4) and Honey Buzzard II was 1023 (-11) gram. When all is going according to plan the Central-heating-installer will come today to connect the House-next-door to our heating-system. And he was here at 8.30 a.m. Meanwhile our eldest minus one patient (only a Marginated Tortoise we have longer), the blind Little Owl “Pállas” (96-018; May 7^th ’96) had taken a difficult decision out of our hands by falling at 8.20 a.m. from her roost and not rising again. She was already some time ailing . . . .  The yesterday taken-in Little Owl received a good washing and had spend hereafter almost the whole day under the red lamp drying-up. The bath-water was coal-black ! For the work of the installer we had temporarily to “demolish” both computers in the library completely and store all parts somewhere else, what was quite a huge job. With lots of troubles the pipes were drilled through the fence-wall (80 cm thick !!) to the House-next-door and hereafter at the testing . . . . we had an immense leakage in our library !! The installer had closed the leak, but when we has just on his way back, it started again ! So till now on still no warm houses ! When he is coming back for a repair ??

December 2^nd:  the Tweety-chicken was 35 (+2), the Sparrowhawk was 158 (=), the Hobby was 242 (-1) and the new Little Owl had lost 2 gram of dirty oil (158 gram). Honey Buzzard I was 792 (-8) and number II was 1024 (+1) gram. Very carefully we have started with giving some pieces of normal food this morning. Yesterday and today we have continued in the workshop; together with granddaughter Lara we have made again 2 square meter of shelves.

December 3^rd: all were “plus” this morning: the Tweety-chicken was 37 (+2), the Hobby was 243 (+1), the Sparrowhawk was 161 (+2) and the Little Owl was 160 (+2) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 804 (+12) and number II was 1040 (+16) gram !! The Sparrowhawk is “walking” on its heels through the cage !! Today again meat had to be processed: 8,735 kilo of meat. liver & minced meat (58,41 Euro) went through the hands of both women. Total now this year 561,294 kilo for 3626,44 Euro. A Dutchman, who is living in Mólivos, passed-by (on a scooter, only dressed in a short leather coat, was totally numbed: we thought he should faint ! Received a military coat, water- & wind-thighed, we had discovered on the rubbish-dump and cleaned & repaired) after he had taken-in a stray dog, in which case we had intermediated > dog has probably puppy-scabies. Medicines were given and in the case it should be a herpes-virus, he can come back and receive medicines to treat that. Dog not in the statistics. The man was shown around as well. We have heard from Holland that our oil-victim Little Owl most probably is a male. And after trying, trying and again trying to reach the installer, we at last heard that he’ll come (probably ??) next Thursday (so the 6^th) to repair the leak ! So till that time body-warmers and woolen gloves !! We could continue a bit with the cleaning and organizing of the workshop: today tent-halves and other materials which can be used for the aviaries for protection against sun, rain & wind. At the first feeding-round after the siesta the Sparrowhawk escaped from the cage and smashed on the floor: was beating the last gasp. Luckily this improved later.

December 4^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 41 (+4), the Sparrowhawk (which is still alive) was 165 (+4), the Hobby was 245 (+3) and the Little Owl was 160 (=) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 799 (-5) and Honey Buzzard II was 1045 (+5) gram. At 8.20 a.m. a phone-call from the Police-officer “Kóstas” from the station in our village, that “our” White Pelican “Pelli” (05-013; February 9^th ’05, and since March 9^th on “detachment”  in Skála Kallonís) yesterday-evening was knocked-down by a car. We went to pick her up after Ineke had returned from the dentist. See at WHITE PELICAN. The knocked-down puppy (07-214; November 15^th), which we had named “Kíli”  > Greek for “hernia”, was taken back at 5.05 p.m. by the over-grateful owner. At 5.55 p.m. we received a phone-call from the police-officer “Kóstas”, that our Pelican was knocked-down deliberately !! He’ll pass-by to morrow for making a report.

December 5^th:  all patients were still alive at 5 a.m. !! The Tweety-chicken was 46 (+5), the Hobby was 243 (-3), the Sparrowhawk was 160 (-5) and the Little Owl was 163 (+3) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 796 (-3) and the female was 1056 (+11) gram. We should and could extract under a light total-anesthetic 4 milk-eye-teeth from the mouth of the puppy “Tríti” (07-187; September 18^th). The police-officer “Kóstas” passed-by and he should, after being informed about the condition of “Pelli”, contact the Dasonomeío (Forest Patrol), because this is a wild and protected bird. We are going to contact the Dasarcheío (Forestry-Commission) and those people have quite thick fingers in the pie !! For “Pelli” it is if she never has left us: is climbing with the broken leg on our lap, wants to be dallied and so on. This afternoon she recognized the plastic bags with fishes again and grabbed them out of our hands !!

December 6^th:  did we end yesterday with plastic bags with fish, today we started with them: “Foúrno” had entered the food-hall at 5 a.m. and had taken possession of a bag of fish, which was “acclimatizing” ! Luckily we had more in the fridge, otherwise we should have had problems at Pelli’s first feeding-round. The Tweety-chicken was 51 (+5), the Hobby was 243 (=), The Sparrowhawk was 159 (-1) and the Little Owl was 161 (-2) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 798 (+2) and Honey Buzzard II was 1061 (+5) gram. And outside it’s feeling ice-cold !! In the house in the living it’s only 15 degrees centigrade !! Due to the new windows the library is about air-tight locked (the door can’t left open because of penetrating cats and the weather-conditions aren’t so well we can open windows), so we started with a ventilation-system over there. The Central-heating Installer was here at 3.10 p.m. and at 4.35 p.m. both houses had warm radiators and we had no longer a leakage in the library !!

December 7^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 57 (+6), the Sparrowhawk 157 (-2), the Hobby 237 (-6) and the Little Owl 161 (=) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 810 (+12) and the other was 1062 (+1) gram. At 10.30 a.m. the ventilation-system in the library was connected and working, and all damages in the walls were plastered. With lots of difficulties we have been able to remove the foot-ring from “Pelli’s” leg > it will take quite a lot of efforts before this ring is again “ready for use”.

December 8^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 62 (+5), the Sparrowhawk was 168 (+10), the Hobby was 238 (+1) and the Little Owl was 160 (-1) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 800 (-10) gram. With Honey Buzzard II we seems to be over the hill: was yesterday the whole day in de aviary and was this morning 1110 (+48 !!) gram. With the elder half of the, leaving in about two weeks time, family was made this morning the well-known “cultural excursion”. Unfortunately all what could be locked in the castle of Mytiléne, was LOCKED.

December 9^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 66 (+4), the Little Owl 161 (+1), the Hobby 238 (=) and the Sparrowhawk 167 (=) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 792 (-8) and Honey Buzzard II was 1118 (+8) gram. Since we decided yesterday that it’s allowed for “Pelli” to move freely in the Sick-Bay (as far as possible with a broken leg of course), the given fish isn’t vomited anymore. We already started with the Annual Report 2007. In the morning visitors for “Pelli”: two fishermen (dressed for the Sunday) from Skála Kallonís, who came to look after (and inform about) their pet. The bird recognized them at once !! The fishermen meanwhile started their own investigation for the wretch who has injured her so badly . . . . !!

December 10^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 72 (+6), the Hobby 237 (-1), The Sparrowhawk 158 (-9) and the Little Owl 161 (=) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 789 (-3) and II was 1119 (+1) gram. The injured leg of “Pelli” is not well > the color has changed from yellow into drab and it seems of the blood-circulation has stopped completely . . . . !!

December 11^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 77 (+5), the Sparrowhawk 161 (+3), the Hobby 237 (=) and the Little Owl 162 (+1) gram. The latter received 2 silver rings  before being transferred to the Little Owl-aviary in “The Keep” Honey Buzzard I was 796 (+7) and II was 1142 (+23) gram. In the aviary voor the Little Owls in “The Keep” we discovered a dead inhabitant > no ring was present, but it was the one which always was at the bottom of the aviary and received the food separately. We have transferred to the Aviary (as an invalid) the Song Thrush (07-208; November 1^st). The Hobby (07-173; August 27^th) was transferred back to the falcon-aviary. The oil-victim Little Owl (07-221; November 30^th) was transferred to the Little Owl-aviary in “The Keep”. After we had discovered (already days ago) water under the central heating in the Sick-Bay, we discovered this morning that there was a leaking tap > while we were fastening, the water was spouting in all directions . . . . !! So we have to replace two taps and it’s almost the lowest point of the whole system . . . !! The problem was solved (with lots of problems) at 10.30 a.m. “Pelli” is vomiting all the given food and even gave back the (half digested) fish from yesterday . . . . !! Today meat etc. had to be cut again and with the extra-help of Douglas & Janice there was processed 14.260 kilo of meat, liver & minced meat (94,66 Euro). Total now this year 578,554 kilo for 3721,10 Euro. 

Study finds rivers in need of care

Many of the lakes and rivers in northern Greece are showing signs of degenerating water quality and need immediate attention if they are to be saved, according to a study by scientists at Thessaloniki’s Aristotle University.

As far as rivers are concerned, the Axios is the most worrying, experts say. The river, which flows into Greece from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), “cleans itself” on its way southward but is polluted once again near Polykastro, in Kilkis, experts said.

The River Nestos is also fueling concern as it is reportedly being polluted by the runoff from landfills in Bulgaria despite a bilateral agreement with the neighboring country regarding the river’s management.

As for lakes, Koroneia, near Thessaloniki, is in the worst shape by far.

Experts say long-delayed measures need to be taken to clean up these bodies of water. “Effective waste water management is the key to guaranteeing the health of our rivers,” Professor Maria Lazaridou told Kathimerini. The destruction of riverside foliage, which is an effective pollution filter, is also a problem, she said.

Experts stressed that the attitude of the Greek authorities needs to change if any progress is to be made. “We must hurry if we are to reach the level of other (European Union) member states, rather than trying constantly to secure an extension for the implementation of directives,” the report said.

There are also financial concerns. Greece has been fined several times for failing to meet EU water quality standards and faces another penalty unless it improves its management of lakes and rivers.

We are afraid that “Pelli” has given-up courage: even given water is vomited again . . . . !! And the problem with the Central Heating showed not to be solved, because at 6.15 p.m. the hot water was spouting around our ears again. Luckily we could get good advices from our back-neighbor Yiánnis and buy in his shop two other taps; taps which are resistant against hot water !! But those we can install only tomorrow, because now it’s too dark.

December 12^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 85 (+8) and the Sparrowhawk was 162 (+1) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 787 (-9) and the other was 1145 (+3) gram. “Pelli” was still alive this morning. Three young rats without swimming-license were discovered in the water-deposit in the Aviary. The three birds, which were transferred yesterday, were spotted this morning > all alive and well. Next Friday they will be caught for measuring the body-weight. With the new taps the Central Heating was fixed within the hour and working !! And all without soldering !! We could continue with the re-organizing of the work-shop.

December 13^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 90 (+5) and the Sparrowhawk was 150 (-12 !!) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 792 (+5) and number II was 1156 (+11) gram. We have build in the work-shop a small chest of drawers in which 10 drawers with small materials have found their place. “Pelli” was the whole morning capable to keep inside one complete fish !! And around the evening this had risen to three !!

December 14^th:  “Pelli” still hasn’t vomited . . . . !! The Tweety-chicken was 97 (+7) and the Sparrowhawk was 157 (+7) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 795 (+3) and the other was 1151 (-5) gram. The Hobby (07-173; August 27^th) was discovered dead at 6.30a.m. at the bottom of the falcon aviary. Had lost since the 11^th of this month 35 gram, but that hasn’t been the cause (he has been much more lighter): was discovered laying on his back and hadn’t been able to turn !  And as well the oil-victim-Little Owl hadn’t been doing as expected: he had lost 25 gram since December 11^th and so hadn’t eaten > taken-in again. “Pelli” has started brushing the feathers again !! At 10.56 a.m. a phone-call from the Castle in Mytiléne, that over there were discovered one injured, but as well some dead Greater Flamingo’s > so we went for a ride and collected them. See further at GREATER FLAMINGO.

Cold snap to take grip today

The weather is set to deteriorate significantly today with snow and bitterly cold winds forecast for the next couple of days.

The National Meteorological Service (EMY) warned local authorities, particularly in northern Greece, to be on standby as heavy snowfall is expected to make roads treacherous.

Northern Greece will be the worst hit with temperatures expected to plunge as far as -10C. In Veria, the local mayor provided store owners with snow shovels. In Macedonia, snow-clearing trucks were on standby.

Snowfall will be heaviest in the north. Attica is unlikely to see much snow – only on its mountainous outskirts – but temperatures are set to reach freezing point.

Conditions will worsen from this evening, starting in northern Greece before moving on to the Peloponnese and other parts of the mainland.

The Dutchman Will Tieleman (from Plomári) spent the whole day making our both computers complete “up-to-date”. As well he could re-install some disappeared program’s (a.o. paint) on this computer.

December 15^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 104 (+7), the Sparrowhawk was 153 (-4) and the Little Owl was 148 (+11) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 801 (+6) and Honey Buzzard II was 1143 (-8) gram. We performed P.Ms. on all three Greater Flamingo’s > see over there. We had to treat around 5 p.m. the little she-dog “Tríti” (07-187; September 18^th) for a (possible) poisoning > further not in the statistics. The whole evening we were on full alert, because she wasn’t able walking normally. Around 11 p.m. it seemed to become more normal.

December 16^th:  no victims last night and “Tríti” is as normally again. The Tweety-chicken has almost lost all the fluffy-feathers and was 111 (+7) gram. The Little Owl was 152 (+4) and the Sparrowhawk was 160 (+7) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 798 (-3) and the other was 1135 (-8) gram. We can notice that “Pelli” is eating normally again, because her sleeping-quarters are smelling like hell due to the produced droppings !! The injured leg must be amputated, because it’s died-off completely. In the course of the morning she started again giving back the fed fish . . . !!

December 17^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 113 (+2), the Sparrowhawk was 155 (-5) and the Little Owl was 152 (=) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 803 (+5) and number II was 1133 (-2) gram. At 6.35 a.m. was discovered in the aviary of the Scop’s Owls an inhabitant; laying on the bottom > re-taken-in. Was 06-105, June 14^th ’06). At 8.10 a.m. we started with the amputation of the leg of “Pelli” > see further at her name.

Greeks enjoyed the first snow in two years

For the first time in two years time there has fallen snow in huge parts of Greece. The snow is for many Greeks a blessing after a long period of draught and after a summer with lots of wildfires. Due to the snow-fall the Greek water-reservoirs are replenished  a bit. The snow didn’t cause many problems in the traffic. Two planes had to be diverted and some ferries as well were taken out of service.

Snow, fog cause road, air travel problems

A cold snap over the weekend caused problems on the roads and for air-travellers in northern Greece. Thessaloniki’s Macedonia international airport canceled five flights on Saturday and nine planes were unable to land because thick fog had seriously reduced visibility. The airport was operating normally yesterday.

Snow fell in much of northern and central Greece, reaching 20 centimeters in Trikala. Authorities did their best to clear roads, spreading large quantities of salt, but motorists were advised to attach anti-skid chains to their car tires. Temperatures yesterday dropped to -5 Celsius  in parts of northern Greece. Sunny weather early yesterday melted snow in many parts but a new drop in temperatures late yesterday was expected to bring fresh snowfall.

We received a phone-call from the Chairman of the Hunters-society of Lesvos, who said to be very shocked about the shooting of the 4 Greater Flamingo’s. He wondered if eventually the birds could have been shot above Turkish territory and afterwards still able to reach our island. In view of the injuries this indeed could have been possible. Today again meat had to be processed and there is (together with Douglas & Janice, Runa & Axel) 14,975 kilo of meat, liver & minced meat (price 97,88 Euro) processed. Total now this year 593,529 kilo for 3818,98 Euro. The Sparrowhawk is standing and walking on two legs, but the function of the tail remains behind. “Pelli” is after the amputation quite more active and is begging for fish and water !! There was announced that there will be a black-out from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. !!

Cold snap is taking Europe in its grip

ATHENS – Snowed-in schools and villages cut-off from the outside world. An unusual cold grip, which is taking since this week-end huge parts of Greece, Spain and Italy in its grip, is lasting.  The winter-weather is due to the streaming to the south from cold air from East-Europe.

Missing

After heavy snow-fall there were on Monday still four people missing in Greece. On the Peleponnesos-peninsula rescue-workers are searching for three mountaineers. They had asked for help with their mobile phones on Sunday. In the north of Greece, where the mercury came below the freezing-point, there is a search for a missing shepherd. Lots of schools are closed and as well the air-traffic is troubled, according to the Greek  media.

December 18^th:  all patients were still alive this morning !! The Tweety-chicken was 118 (+5), the Scop’s Owl was 109 (+3), The Little Owl was 155 (+3) and the Sparrowhawk was 153 (-2) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 800 (-3) and Honey Buzzard II was 1129 (-4) gram. And electricity disappeared at 8.54 a.m., leaving us with a house that became more and more cold . . . . !! Came back at 12.20 p.m.  Changing of the lump-bandage of “Pelli” didn’t gave a bad smell ! And she is almost eating traditionally ! There is some movement in the legs of the Scop’s Owl (with 5 times a day physiotherapies) . . . . !! But what has been the cause ??

December 19^th:  the Tweety-chicken was 126 (+8), the Scop’s Owl was 107 (-2), The Sparrowhawk was 159 (+6) and the Little Owl was 161 (+6) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 801 (+1) and the other was 1121 (-8). With the latter we started again feeding normal food. While changing the bandage of “Pelli’s” leg we noticed no special bad smell.

December 20^th:  at 5.15 a.m. we had to say good-bye to the whole family; an experience richer and an illusion poorer . . . . !!

The Tweety-chicken was 130 (+4), The Scop’s Owl was 110 (+3), the Sparrowhawk was 157 (-2) and the Little Owl was 165 (+4) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 800 (-1) and Honey Buzzard II was 1124 (+3) gram. Because with the last black-out something showed te be “blowed” in the monitor of this computer (a present from the “Foundation for Animal-help in Venezuela” in the year 2000) and which wasn’t reparable anymore, we had to buy a new monitor > we could only buy a “flatscreen” because the old monitors are “out”! In the last days we had used the monitor of the computer in the House-next-door. At 11.34 a.m. a phone-call from mytilena about two smaller gulls, with which something shouldn’t be ok > will be send by coach. And at 12.13 p.m. a phone-call from the Vet Myrsíni Tourvalí about a pigeon, she wanted to send by coach of 1/15 p.m. The gulls didn’t arrive by coach, but were brought by a group of students, who had offered us assistance in the past > see further at YELLOW-LEGGED GULL. And the pigeon we had in our hands at 1.56 p.m. > see at PIGEON.

December 21^st:  all patients were still alive this morning at 5 a.m. The yesterday taken-in Pigeon was 250 gram (but isn’t yet eating on its own), the Chicken 138 (+8), The Little Owl 169 (+4), the Sparrowhawk 148 (-9, but had eaten not so well yesterday) and the Scop’s Owl was 113 (+3) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 801 (+1) and the other was 119 (-5) gram. Both Yellow-legged Gulls haven’t yet eaten on their own. The adult bird isn’t vomiting the given food at once; this in contrary with the juvenile. We started making the House-next-door again suitable for trainees/volunteers: we removed the children-doors at the staircases, etc. etc. The three cats which were left over there, are reacting quite well in the changed situation: no panic-shitting any more in the house, the droppings are in the litter-box now in stead of next to it, etc. etc. We have brought already a car-load (full of surplus materials) to the rubbish-dump. In spite of repeated and repeated attempts to keep some food inside the juvenile Yellow-legged Gull, he/she was discovered dead in the cage at 9.15 p.m. > no P.M. was done.

December 22^nd:  no further victims this morning. The Chicken was 145 (+7), The Little Owl was 175 (+6), the Sparrowhawk was 152 (+4), the Scop’s Owl was 113 (=) and the Pigeon was 246 (-4) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 796 (-8) and number II was 1116 (-3) gram. The adult Yellow-legged Gull was released at 8.04 a.m. in the “East-river” (the river Tsianás) close to Kalloní > was flying away majestically !! At 1.52 p.m. a phone-call from Mytiléne about a tortoise which should be injured on the legs. Because at that time there was no coach anymore, advices were given how to treat this creature till it could be send by coach tomorrow.

December 23^rd:  both kittens, “Moortje” (07-198; October 5^th) and “Snipper” (07-200; October 13^th) have for the first time spend 24 hours inside our house (so no sleeping anymore in the Sick Bay). A huge abscess is developing in the face of the blind Tom-cat “Stevie” (07-204; October 20^th), on the spot where the right eye has been. The Chicken was 150 (+5), the Little Owl was 177 (+2), the Sparrowhawk was 161 (+9), the Scop’s Owl was 112 (-1) and the Pigeon was 250 (+4) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 806 (+11) and Honey Buzzard II was 1090 (-26) gram. At 10.06 a.m., during the mucking out of the pigeon-cage in “The Keep” there suddenly was a woman in the court-yard with a, not so prosper, hen in her hands > see further at HEN. We received a phone-call, that the injured tortoise (bitten/discovered by dogs) will come with the coach of 12 o’clock. And so we had him in our hands at 12.43 p.m. > see further at SPURR-TIGHED TORTOISE.

December 24^th:  no victims last night: the Spurr-tighed Tortoise was still alive, but is moving hardly. The Hen was standing straight upright and was pecking for food !! The Chicken was 157 (+7), the Little Owl was 182 (+5), the Sparrowhawk was 152 (-9), the Scop’s Owl was 110 (-2) and the Pigeon was 256 (+6) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 824 (+17) and number II was 1080 (-10) gram. Today we have to neuter the, born May 27^th ’07, he-dog “Dévtros” > afterwards we won’t hang the balls in the X-mass-tree . . . . !! At 7.30 a.m. we discovered, before meat could be bought, that the car was covered with thick ice !! Without problems “Dévtros” was neutered > see at HE-DOG. Today 6,390 kilo of meat, liver & minced meat (42,49 Euro) was processed by Ineke alone. Total now this year 599,919 kilo for 3861,47 Euro. At 12.40 p.m. a phone-call from Eftaloú about a knocked-down little cat, which should be hiding in a “green-house” in Kalloní  and which should be difficult to catch for treatment > after lots of calls agreed that we should go tomorrow and try to catch the little one.

December 25^th:  all patients were still alive this morning and the mutilated Spurr-tighed Tortoise is moving a bit more. It’s the first time we’re confronted with a neutered he-dog (or Tom-cat) which is psychical so in disorder after the surgery as it’s now the case with “Dévtros” > he is refusing going out for sanitary stops . . !! The Chicken was 170 (+13), the Little Owl 187 (+5), the Scop’s Owl 117 (+7), the Sparrowhawk 152 (=) and the Pigeon 251 (-5) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 813 (-11) and number II was 1072 (-8) gram. The Hen is doing fine and is cackling all the time. The announced little cat we had in our hands at 9.55 a.m. > the owner had been capable to catch her himself. See further at KITTEN. After asking, Yiánnis could tell us that the Hen we’re treating now, is no hen but a COCK.

December 26^th:  the knocked-down kitten had moved during the night, but nothing was eaten and/or drunk and neither shit was produced . . . . So prognosis ?? And as well the Spurr-tighed Tortoise is moving a bit, but isn’t eating as well. The Chicken was 179 (+9), the Little Owl 189 (+2), the Scop’s Owl 113 (-4), the Pigeon 255 (+4), but the Sparrowhawk 142 (-10) gram. This one doesn’t want to be fed anymore, but isn’t eating himself as well. Is able to stand on his legs, is flapping with the wings, but is constantly tumbling. So . . . . ?? Honey Buzzard I was 808 (-5) and the other was 1086 (+14) gram. At 9.33 a.m. a phone-call from Mólivos about a little cat with severe eye-problems > one will pass-by. Under a light total-anesthetic we have been able to clip the nails of our oldest dog, “Prótos” > * 1994, and as well dental scale. Even while he received the injection he was already screaming like hell !! Further (as usual) not in the statistics. The little cat was over here at 11.15 a.m. > see at KITTEN. The Cock was taken-back by the grateful owner at 12.21 p.m. The knocked-down kitten is fading-away slowly . . . . !! After 4 p.m. the breathing became more and more superficial and cries of pain were heard > put down. Tomorrow a P.M. will be done to see what the internal injuries were.

December 27^th:  no further victims last night. The Chicken was 191 (+12), the Little Owl 190 (+1), the Scop’s Owl 116 (+3), the Sparrowhawk 143 (+1) and the Pigeon 249 (-6) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 818 (+10) and Honey Buzzard II was 11076 (-10) gram. The Spurr-tighed Tortoise is hobbling around and the blind kitten “Greyly” is carefully discovering the Sick-Bay. The P.M. on the knocked-down kitten gave no clear evidence: there was only a minor bleeding in the rectum, but there were no internal bleedings and/or ruptures. And as well the skull was OK. The Sparrowhawk has injured himself on the legs > the cage was a mess of blood ! Early next year there will be a conference between the Municipality and the L.W.H. about . . . ??

December 28^th:  all patients were still alive this morning. The Chicken was 208 (+17), the Little Owl 192 (+2), the Sparrowhawk 120 (-13), the Scop’s Owl 116 (=) and the Pigeon 250 (+1) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 820 (+2) and number II was 1085 (+9) gram.

December 29^th:  the Chicken was 208 (=), the Little Owl 195 (+3), the Scop’s Owl 112 (-4), the Pigeon was 246 (-4) and the Sparrowhawk was 136 (+6) gram; this one had eaten by himself yesterday for the first time. Honey Buzzard I was 818 (-2) and the other was 1079 (-6) gram. We have transferred the Chicken to the cage where the Spurr-tighed Tortoise was (there is no floor-heating) and the former inhabitant transferred to the Terrarium, in the hope a warmer housing will be good for the healing (in the hope he’s eating over there !!)

December 30^th:  the Chicken was 206 (-2), the Little Owl 194 (-1), the Scop’s Owl 107 (-5), the Sparrowhawk 132 (-4) and the Pigeon 252 (+6) gram. Honey Buzzard I was 806 (-12) end number II was 1091 (+12) gram. We have removed the left eye of the kitten “Greyly” and the hole closed. See further at KITTEN. We have received a phone-call from Skála Polichnítos about a very old Tom-cat, which unfortunately should be put down > due to transport-problems one can come only on New-Years-Day. So not a nice start for the New Year !!

December 31^st:  the Chicken was 209 (+3), the Little Owl 195 (+1), the Sparrowhawk 138 (+6), the Pigeon 257 (+5) and the Scop’s Owl 98 (-9). Honey Buzzard I was 805 (-1) and the other was 1089 (-2) gram. The Spurr-tighed Tortoise is still amongst the quick and “Greyly” had a problem-less night. She became friends with the Chicken and those are (now and then) together walking free in the Sick-Bay . . . !! And before meat could be bought, the whole car had to be made ice-free !! And the meat was 12,760 kilo (for 84,87 Euro) which was processed together with Douglas & Janice. Total now this year 612,679 kilo for 3946,34 Euro; and this is coming close to a complete cow !! We have only today discovered (and that’s after one month !!) that the Chicken has on every foot 5 toes in stead of 4 and that the color of the legs is blue in stead of yellow !! And after sending of pictures and other strange data we received the message from Holland that this is a Silky Fowl ; quite an old race that already was mentioned by Marco Polo in China !! And at 5.45 p.m. a phone-call about the “ancient” Tom-cat > it seems to be so badly, that one will pass-by now. And they were here at 19.37 > see further at TOM-CAT.

Total amount of visitors this month:  001                     (total this year: 538)

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 146 (total this year 2739 kilometers)

Total amount of intakes this month: 15 [wild ones: 10; others 05], (total this year 268: wild ones 162, others 106; total since the start of registration in 1996: 3811) of which:

WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus): 1; our former “05-013”, which was “placed on the feeding-list” in Skála Kallonís since March 2005. Was knocked-down the evening of the 3^rd by a pick-up-truck (the fishermen could exactly tell where it had happened, but no-one had informed us . . .  !!) and was laying now apathetically on the landing-stage. The thick copper foot-ring with our initials and her status-number was totally deformed and pressed into the foot. We needed a monkey wrench to get the ring a bit more round again. Foot-injuries were treated. At a further inspection there showed to be a fracture of the Tibia with a strange, huge frayed injury > with utmost efforts this could be stitched. We tried to stitch the leg, but the place of the fracture isn’t favorable.

(see as well December 10^th). The 17^th in the morning we had to amputate the right leg just above the heel (the spot where the foot-ring was forced into the leg) > foot was completely died-off and full of maggots. No drop of blood came free.

GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus ruber): 4 adult birds, discovered in the Castle of Mytiléne. One was already partly eaten by predators, one was still alive and the other two were very dead. The partly eaten bird was left over there; the others were taken with us. The injured bird wasn’t savable > put down. At the first inspection no clear shot-injuries were visible.

The 15^th a P.M. was performed on all three: the one with the broken leg (a male) showed to be shot; a.o. lung-bleeding left side. The other two (females) were shot as well > subcutaneous it looked like (red) Swiss Cheese !! Over here as well lung-bleedings and free blood in the abdomen.

SCOP’S OWL (Otus scops): 1 adult (ex 06-105; June 14^th ’06) from the L.W.H. Was discovered on the bottom of the cage and was quite lethargic. No injuries could be found, neither fighting-marks. At a further inspection it showed to be that both legs were  “lame and without power”. We have started at once with physiotherapies.

YELLOW-LEGGED GULL (Larus michaellis [in the past: Larus cachinnans michaellis]): 2 birds, discovered in Mytiléne. One an adult, the other in 2^nd-winter dress. Most probably eaten something wrong. Started with feeding both birds a tablet NORIT. Further observation (see as well December 21^st & 22^nd).

PIGEON (Columba livia dom.): 1 adult, via the Vet Myrsíni Tourvalí  in Mytiléne. Couldn’t fly: had a huge bulb on the right elbow-joint. We could remove clear fluid and blood. Observation & physiotherapies.

COCK (Gallus gallus dom.): 1 from our village; the head is hanging and the bird doesn’t look very prosperous. According to the owner the hen should be attacked by . . . . Collared Doves !! So this story we have declared being a fairy-tale, the more because there are no injuries at all. Something more in the direction of cerebral ?? Was standing in the afternoon almost straight-up again . . . . ?!?! Was primarily booked as a Hen (information of the owner), but it showed to be the opposite (see as well December 26^th).

SPURR-TIGHED TORTOISE Testudo graeca ibera): 1 adult male from Mytiléne. Was discovered by dogs which thought it was a piece of bone, on which they had gnawed quite a lot: both front-legs were gone, shell quite badly damaged on the front-side and as well on the rear-side. Rear-legs are still intact. Because of the time of the year no good prognosis. In spite of that both front-leg limbs closed with stitches, because he was still looking so brightly and sprightly.

HE-DOG (Canis familiaris): 1 from the L.W.H. > “Dévtros”. Started to be quite hot > neutered without problems.

KITTEN (Felis catus):  2; the first was a juvenile female from Kalloní, “Gríngo” > was knocked-down by the own owner in the “greenhouse”. Huge (dirty) injury on the rear-side of the left rear-leg > after cleaning we had to stitch it with 6 normal and 1 U-stitch. Antibiotics were injected and further observation backbone-, pelvis and leg-injuries. Late in the afternoon it looked like the whole lower part of the body was complete lamed; however signals of pain were given (see as well December 26^th). The 2^nd, as well a girl, came from Mólivos and was (probably due to rhinotracheitis) almost complete blind. However, there is a little bit of light-sensibility in the right eye. Started with antibiotics and CAVASAN-cream. In the future we’ll have to close (in any case one) the eyes. Is named for the time being “Greyly”.

The 30^th we had to remove the left eye and we closed the hole. We have noticed that the right eye is becoming more clear and that (maybe) this one can be saved. By the way she is, probably January 19^th, leaving for Holland !!

TOM-CAT (Felis catus): 1, almost 19 years old. Was indeed “on the end of his days” and had lots of pain > put down.

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