Todd Secki plays flute for Denali at another  Center for avian enrichment.
After suffering from an injury to its right wing, a lone Canada Goose who was residing in Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth has finally been RESCUED!
   This Canada Goose has been in the park since last Spring unable to fly.  When the other geese flew off, he/she was left to fend for him/herself.  Many calls from concerned park goers alerted us to the situation during the summer season.  All callers stated that the wing drooped, appeared broken and the bird was unable to fly.  By the time we became aware of this situation, the wing had already set or healed.  There was not much we could do for the break at this point, not to mention that our attempts to rescue had all been unsuccessful.
     We knew he was being fed breads and lunch snacks by good intending people but this only masks the hunger of a bird and does nothing for the daily nutritional requirements of wildlife.  We felt an urgency to do something, but found ourselves at a standstill.  We had no luck chasing a wild goose who could not only swim but run!  And for any of you who think you can out run a goose, prove it! and please join us on our next rescue!  Despite our concerns, we decided that it made the most sense to try again once Winter set in and the pond froze. 
   After many long months surviving on its own, enduring extreme winter temps, evading predators, dealing with a limited food supply, this goose had proved to have a successful routine. Regardless, it would only be a matter of time before his luck would run out.  We knew it would be a horrible ending for a lone goose living on a frozen pond if we weren't able to intervene and soon.  It was time for us to make our attempts at rescuing this goose again so we called on our volunteers to help us.  
   By the way, they don't call it a "wild goose chase" for nothing!.  It took three hearty attempts by a group of our volunteers at A Place Called Hope but in the end, the Canada Goose has been rescued! He or she looks to be in fair health, a tad thin, but in overall good condition.  The wing has healed beautifully and may only need to molt in new flight feathers before being able to join his/her flock in the sky!  After an examination, our best guess is he/she will continue to be a wild goose after his/her next molt.  The goose will live out the winter months in a safe location, along with other geese and a consistent water and food supply both natural and human assisted.  We will always remember the Chatfield Hollow Goose as a brave survivor! and the one that "almost got away.
   We, at A Place Called Hope would like to thank our devoted volunteers (Marilyn Lavezzoli, Tess Simhoni, and Miranda Voght) for joining us on this rescue mission.  Each of you know how serious this situation was, and you all dedicated your time and your comfort, brrrrrr... to see this goose to safety.  We couldn't do it without caring individuals like you!!! and we appreciate your participation!  Spring will certainly bring us more of these kinds of events, so get ready!
   We would also like to thank Russ Miller director of Meigs Point Nature Center for adding success to our mission, and park goer Linda for her efforts both Monday and Tuesday.  Two other park goers assisted on Monday, and unfortunately we do not know their names, but their efforts were not unnoticed.  Thanks Fawn Haven Family for coming out to assist only moments after the rescue.  Who knew we would have been successful so quickly today!  THANK YOU ALL! for everything


Canada Goose Rescue
                                                 ANNUAL OWL PROWL SUCCESS!
This years Owl Prowl held on January 8th at Meigs Point Nature Center was a huge success!  Over 350 interested people filed through the Center meeting A Place Called Hope's Resident Owls and then were escorted through Willard Island searching for wild owls with The Friends Of Hammonasset.

Working along with Meigs Point and The Friends has helped A Place Called Hope to spread the important messages pertaining to our local wildlife, in particular Birds Of Prey.  We look forward to continued relations in order to carry out our combined mission of preserving wildlife for tomorrow.

The Owls in attendance were; Snowball, an Eastern Screech Owl handled by Russ Miller.  Sage, a Northern Saw Whet Owl handled by Todd Secki.  Seminole, a Barred Owl handled by Christine Cummings and Chestnut our Great Horned Owl handled by Grace Krick.  Let's not forget our Mascot Owl who still needs a name!  Send your email suggestions.  Many Thanks to these wonderful birds who tolerate so many cameras!