Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge

09/01/2026

Well, I did not have washing a garbage dump goo covered eagle on my bingo-card, but here we are…

This poor eagle arrived absolutely covered in awful smelling goo down to her skin. Even all her down was sticking together.

The initial call was for an eagle with a broken wing, but luckily that is not the case.

Many thanks to the folks from Brantford bylaw for catching her and Hillside kennels for arranging the transport.

The poor girl is now drying up in an incubator. Hopefully she’ll feel better when she is dry.

In the meantime I have a feeling she is plotting my untimely demise in great detail.

08/31/2026

Here is a great blog about some of the research we are doing at Hobbitstee written by our partner and master permit holder.

He has been exceptional at teaching our students and me more about the science of bird banding as we move forward with our research project.

This summer at Hobbitstee, we have been introducing the next generation of biologists to bird banding, field biology, and the fundamentals of good research. While bird banding may be an old science, the lessons behind it remain deeply relevant: careful observation, consistency, animal welfare, thoug

08/29/2026

Yesterday was the last work day for our summer students.

They are each heading back to their various schools and universities.

We have been so fortunate this year with absolutely fabulous students.

They have put in a tremendous amount of hard work and I know that all of you who had interactions with them over the summer will agree that they have done a fabulous job.

These wonderful young people have wonderful lives and careers ahead of them.

I am proud Hobbitstee has played a small role in their future career plans.

08/28/2026

This Great Horned Owl youngster was returned to her family after a stay with us.

She ended up in the water entangled in weeds.

Someone fished her out and one of our awesome volunteer drivers picked her up and brought her out.

She spend some time drying in an incubator and recovering from an infection.

She is now back with in her territory to continue her life. Hopefully she’ll stay out of the water this time.

08/27/2026

We just had a harsh reminder that it is getting to be the season where snakes like to bask on the nice warm pavement.

Kind folks rushed a mature male Eastern Fox Snake over to us who was hurt on the road, but sadly the snake passed before arriving at our place.

Please be cognizant of basking snakes on pavement while driving time of year.

Of course road safety is paramount. Do not risk your life or the life of others by pulling over in an unsafe manner.

Find an injured snake? Please don’t hesitate and call us using our new phone number:
(519) 304-5195

08/26/2026

Thank you everyone for the lovely birthday wishes. It was much appreciated.

I had a very nice day yesterday.

08/25/2026

Happy Birthday to Chantal today! I am so lucky to have such an amazing person in my life that I can share with all of you.
❤️

08/23/2026

This mum opossum was clipped by car with a pouch full of babies.

She has injuries to her head and jaw, but her babies are ok.

We are hopeful she’ll make a full recovery so she can continue to raise her little ones.

08/21/2026

This huge turkey tom has been in care for a while.

He arrived without any use of his legs. X-rays showed no spinal fracture or damage, so we assumed spinal shock.

After 5 days of pain/anti-inflammatory medication he regained use of his legs and today we returned him home.

We hope he has a happy life and can locate his harem again (if he had one).

08/21/2026

Our wonderful summer students help us with all sorts of work, not just animal care. This afternoon we build nesting boxes for the 6 new enclosures.

They did a great job and we had fun doing it.