Momma's Dream
By Tracy A. Bye
2023
When I was in my 20’s and thinking of becoming a mom, my dream was to have twins. Two sets of twins and two other kids. That dream did not come to fruition, but I did get to become a mom of two sons which is the most wonderful gift in this world to me. Then as I became a wild life rehabilitator, I had another dream of being able to rehabilitate a moose calf. I began wildlife rehabilitation at age 28 and now I am in my 60’s and that wish has continued from year to year.
My connection with moose has always been very special to my life and my heart. My first moose that I ever saw was a big bull moose in Sweden. That was love at first sight for me. He was magnificent and calmly checked me out. In Steamboat in my early years (1980’s) we did not have any moose that I recall. Then over the years since then my sons and I got to help CPW relocate moose from North Park to White River National Forest. The moose population grew and grew. I have loved all my interactions with moose every time I see them hiking, on horseback, in town, or on rescues.
The day my dream began to unfold, I was driving back from the flight cages on the front range with three Golden eagles to release outside of Craig. I stopped to pick up my friend, Christy, from the CPW office. She was releasing one of the eagles in honor of her husband, Dan, who had recently crossed over. Many indigenous tribes believe eagles are messengers to the heavens, so at every eagle release I honor this and we carry on the belief by sending messages to all of our loved ones who have crossed over before us. Amazing things have transpired while sending eagles off with our messages to heaven. Magical.
The call came in that a moose calf was in the Yampa River and was being taken downstream from its mom. We went to where it was last seen and with the help of a CPW officer, Christy and one of my volunteers, we were able to rescue this calf and get her back to her mom. When we brought her to her mom, her mom was calm and not aggressive at all which is unusual. We also found out she had a brother!
She was so adorable and so was her brother! This was very early June so they were not very old. Their mom was a first time mother who was very skinny due to the rough winter and having twins. Her dream of being a mom had come true too and she got to have twins! Her dedication to her twins was beyond amazing. Nursing two moose calves took a toll on her.
About ten days later, CPW got a call that a momma moose had laid down and died. When David Rehak-Suma, the CPW officer on call went to investigate he discovered this moose who died had twins. This moose momma was the one we had previously met and saved her cow calf from the river. David contacted me to see if I would take these moose calves for rehabilitation.
Moose rehabilitation in Colorado is difficult. Too many people and not enough wild space to release them in safely. If moose imprint even just a little on a human, it can mean death to people once released because they feel too comfortable with humans, they are BIG animals, and can be aggressive if provoked. Moose are individual creatures, they don’t have a herd. In Alaska, moose rehabilitation is very successful because they can release way away from people and the rehabbed moose will more likely run into another moose than a person.
Even though my long time dream was starting to happen, there was red tape to get through. David was so helpful and really was the main reason these two calves did get to be rehabilitated. I am so grateful to him for making this dream come true for me.
I named the calves Karl and Kitty – Karl, after Karl Howelson because they were born on Howelson Hill. Kitty because she slept curled up like a little kitty. I got to be a moose momma of twins for about 6 weeks. In that time Karl gained 50 pounds and Kitty gained 35 pounds! They ate more willows than I could cut each day, drank gallons of water and brightened my day every day! Moose have great personalities. Karl watched over Kitty just like a brother should. Both had great senses of humor and were very confident. I learned that moose get down on their knees to eat like giraffes do and their eyelashes were to die for! Each of them persevered even though they had great sorrow in losing their momma, the trauma of being caught and moved, and the struggle of being moose in a busy, downtown area. Their courage to survive was incredible to me.
Both calves are living well in a sanctuary run by CPW and they will become educational moose. The people there are very dedicated to them and their space is beautiful and big. Even though I was wishing they could be released in the wild, this alternative so they could be rehabilitated is good. They will not have the stress of finding food, humans taking selfies with them, rough winters, hunting, etc. Karl and Kitty made my momma’s dream come true and I hope in some way I helped them on their way to living their best life. I feel honored that I got to take care of them and their grace in my life touched my heart deeply and will always be one of my best memories. My momma’s dream came true in raising my two sons and rehabilitating two moose calves. I am grateful.
Hello Little Bird
By Tracy A. Bye
2022
As a wildlife rehabilitator there are many springs where lots of little birds come in who’s moms were eaten by a cat or hit by a car or we are not certain why mom and dad are not around. The amount of work it takes for one human to try and feed a nest of little birds is a lot. It’s time consuming, it’s hard to try and match the food type, nutrition, and consistency of what a mother bird feeds her young, especially when the mother bird regurgitates the food into their mouths. They are so adorable and always are courageous in their fight to survive. Plus, many species of birds have really good parents and both the mom and dad share the duty of raising the babies and feeding. So, for me, when a nest of baby birds comes in or a single one – it’s kind of daunting. I want to do what’s best for them and help them all survive. Little did I know that many of them over the years helped me survive too.
When Billie Holiday came to me, she was just a little pinky bird. I had no idea what kind of bird she was. I made her a little nest and warmed her up and hoped she would be one that survived and lived a long life. For every baby bird or nest of babies that comes in I light a candle I have that is of an angel holding up a little bird. I lit the candle that night making a wish that this little one would survive and live a full life.
As each day passed and she was growing and feathers were coming out, I was grateful. There is always a day when you wake up in the morning and go to feed and all of a sudden, the little bird is singing. The day that Billie Holiday started to sing she got her name. What a song she had! I still couldn’t tell what kind of bird she was because all of her downy feathers were a white, gray and black.
Each day as I fed her, several times per day - she sang to me so beautifully. I would always say, "Hello, Birdie Billie Holiday!" Some days when things in my world were rough and I came to feed her, her song would fill me with happiness and gratitude. It would remind me of the beauty in the world and what was important to focus on in life. I would forget my troubles and go on in my day feeling so much better. Then one day I discovered why she had this effect on me.
I went out to see Birdie Billie Holiday and guess what I found – she had grown in beautiful blue tail feathers! SHE WAS A MOUNTAIN BLUEBIRD! She was a bluebird of happiness, especially to me. I researched this legend and found so many positive things about these beautiful birds.
The spiritual meaning of the bluebird is joy and happiness. The bluebird reminds us not to lose hope in the face of adversary and not to let go of the joy even in the direst of times. It represents serenity and satisfaction. The Iroquois believe the bluebird is a harbinger of spring, many Native Americans were deep in awe of the bluebird and wanted them to nest near their homes so they could enjoy their enchanting songs of happiness and hope. The Chinese saw the bluebird as immortal, a protector, and a symbol of the sun. For Russians the bluebird represents hope. In America, there are many songs about the Bluebird. 1934 song "Bluebird of Happiness, Judy Garland singing "Hello Bluebird" and Paul McCartney wrote a song, "Bluebird".
What a gift I was sent to have Birdie Billie Holiday in my world for a couple months before I released her. She sure made me believe in the magic of the bluebird of happiness. Bluebirds are symbols that you should always have hope, even when things seem impossible. I learned this well from the beautiful song of my little friend. I LOVE bluebirds and will be forever grateful to this special one.
A Prickly Year
By Tracy A. Bye
2021
As 2021 started and we found the world still in the midst of a pandemic, I stopped to wonder why I was "tangled up in blue" as Bob Dylan so beautifully wrote. Each day was filled with all sorts of prickly news, different opinions, anger, worry and unrest. I could not find my balance and wondered what was happening in our world. Life for me in the wilderness seemed right, but with people or at the store or in town, I felt off center and thought about what the world might be. Where was compassion, where was care for Mother Earth, where was care for each other? Had all of this "masked us" to what really matters in life . . . sincere relationship with each other and all beings?
When one day I was awakened by my telephone, a land line. By the time I made it upstairs from my bedroom, I listened to a man worried about a porcupine that had been on his deck for several days and not moving much. My heart felt a slight bit of hope for all of us - an act of compassion for a porcupine from this man. I immediately felt the kindness and concern in his voice. After speaking with him and determining this porcupine did need help, I went to his house to see what I could do. The minute Pickle the porcupine looked at me, I got a prickly feeling, like tingles but stronger. I was immediately aware that this porcupine had a few lessons to teach me.
Handling a porcupine is not easy and can be a prickly job. When Pickle was captured and transferred to a kennel there was no "prickliness" from him. He seemed to be thankful for help. His gentle demeanor and sincere gratitude in letting me touch him without quilling me made me wonder. I could feel a bit of my "blue" lifting from the true integrity of this porcupine. In today’s world porcupine get a bad wrap. Look how adorable they are! A mother porcupine and her young are considered a family group and it’s called a Prickle! Now, that’s super cute! Pickle was most likely hit by a car and had an injured paw and a concussion. Porcupines form lifelong partners – which to me, means they truly know how to be in a sincere relationship and care and have compassion for each other.
Each day when I went to feed Pickle, he always had something to teach me – whether he showed trust in me walking into his pen, hope in knowing he would see his partner and family again, courage in facing the cold weather and healing without his lifelong partner by his side, happiness in eating the fresh fruit and vegetables he normally wouldn’t be eating in February, faith in my care and of his healing and GRATITUDE which I could sense and see in the smile on his face and by his demeanor.
As Pickle healed and was eager to go back to his home. I got him ready for his release. As I opened the kennel up and he recognized his territory, he mushed off through the snow with vigor. He looked back one time as if to say thank you and then headed home as fast as he could to his sweet Prickle. I admired him and all he gave back to this world, me and my family. A kind human stranger had cared enough to want to help Pickle and in return Pickle taught us how to be in relationship with all beings, Mother Earth and even me - who is thought to be his enemy. A "simple twist of fate" in the words of Bob Dylan again, brought a porcupine into my world who helped me see what truly does matter in life – even if prickliness surrounds you, you can choose to have compassion, kindness, joy and hope. These will bring you lifelong relationships that really matter and will heal this world. Pickle wins you over, doesn’t he? I am so grateful for him coming into my life just when I needed to have hope again.
The Power of Perseverance
By Tracy A. Bye
December 2020
2020. Wow, what a year. In the challenges that faced each one of us we had to find hope in some quiet place in our own world. My quiet place of hope was found in the blessing of a small elk calf named Bear.
I got the call in early June, a cow elk had been mostly eaten by a bear and her calf was curled up by her side still alive. As you can imagine this calf was so scared and had some bear injuries as well. She wanted to believe her mom would wake up, but instead she got humans trying to capture her.
After she was safely in her barn with fresh alfalfa and water, I would quietly look in the door. She would become so frightened. I would sit outside, make cow calls, and wait. After several hours I needed to get in and clean her wounds so I did so as quietly and gently as I could – but it was so stressful on her. For several days I let her be as quiet as possible while trying to get her to take a bottle. One morning as I was sitting in the barn with her as still as I could, she got up and started to sniff the bottle. Soon after, she took a hold of it and drank it all! This moment in wildlife rehab of ungulates is very important because you now know they have a chance because they are willing to eat.
The animal world has many lessons for us. This elk calf had the power to persevere, after dire consequences, completely by will alone. She did not hold the loss of losing her mom or the fear of the bear attack and let it control her life. She accepted compassion and trusted that she would survive. Then she took a bold step forward and became ALIVE. She ate with gusto, showed her power to new elk calves that came in, became a leader to the herd at Born Free and did all of this with a strength of heart that made me cry.
At her release late this year, I watched as she headed out into the sage and pine towards the river and thought back on the months she spent at Born Free. She had no idea of COVID, but to me, she had been an inspiration in my time with COVID restrictions. Her grace in the face of hardship, being "quarantined" in the barn and her pen, persevering through fear and loss – yet she faced life with hope, accepted other ungulates and became their leader, decided to move forward and live her best life. As she goes on living her life, having young, and just being an elk – she will never know what a gift she was to me this year. The lessons she showed me through just being her made a big impact on how I face my life each day.
In the effort for all of us to face the losses, the loneliness, the difference of our lives at this time, I believe in the grace of Bear and her power of perseverance to face life with hope, step forward with boldness, believe in the goodness and become ALIVE.
The Gift
By Tracy A. Bye
December 2019
All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot is one of my favorite books. In my 27 years of wildlife rehabilitation I have often thought of James Herriot and his words. His beautiful way of writing the wisdom animal’s have taught him connected me to how I felt as well. He is my kindred spirit. In his words, "If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans."
Many days in wildlife rehabilitation there is a hecticness or anxiety and worry in the amount of responsibility involved to do no harm to the wild animal, resolve it’s issues and reasons it came into rehabilitation, do not imprint on it so it can be released to be free again, and most of all to calm it’s fear and heal it’s wounds.
Then a funny thing often happens to me, there is a moment when I am sitting in the presence of an animal that has come in for care and I feel a kindred spirit with them . . . a connection, and both of us become calm. That is when I realize it isn’t me doing the healing, it is that animal spreading light to my life and gracing me to be in their presence. It is beyond words for me to say how much gratitude I have for these creatures great and small in my life and the many lessons they have taught me, the sad times they have helped with and all the years they have brightened my life.
This year was no exception. I have so many animals I could write about that I had a hard time deciding which story to tell. Sherman the American Avocet was high on my list and was a bird like no other. Supposedly Avocets are very shy and stressed birds, so when Sherman arrived I was trying to give him his space and a place to hide by putting a plant in his environment that he could hide behind. Well, wasn’t I surprised when he did not like the plant and poked his head around it every time I came to visit with him or feed. He’d walk right up to the front of his pen and "whistle" to me and look right into my eyes. He SAW me. He had the best personality and was in no way stressed or shy. He may have been an unusual Avocet, but I believe it was that unprecedented connection that happened to us that gave me THE GIFT of having Sherman in my life.
The soul of a chipmunk I met this year is exactly as James Herriot described – "being able to feel love, loyalty and gratitude." Some might laugh that I believe a chipmunk has a soul, but after Potter, our connection and his uncanny way of showing his gratitude for my love – I definitely do believe.
Potter came in as a teeny tiny baby chipmunk. He was one of many chipmunks in for rehabilitation. His mom was eaten by a cat and he was left on a driveway in the sun. His eyes still closed and barely any fur yet, he was very dehydrated and hot when I got him. As he recovered, he became a voracious eater. He grew by leaps and bounds and soon was ready to release.
Over this time, I was aware he was a super friendly little guy and always was the one who would run forward when I put food in the chipmunk pen. He would "chirp" loudly TO me, not AT me as most chipmunks do. When I noticed this, I tried to understand what he was trying to tell me. It was as if he said thank you for the food, hello and goodbye, and if I said," Potter, where are you?", he’d chirp, "Here I am!" and run down the tree branch, through the grass and to my feet. I released him with the other chipmunks and was happy he was well and could be released, but I would definitely miss his big personality and friendly way of being.
I have a big community of chipmunks out in the fields and see them running along the boards that surround the enclosures. About two weeks after I released the chipmunks, I was out feeding the fawns that were in for rehabilitation. I suddenly heard a chipmunk chirping TO me, not AT me. My heart warmed and I got that energy flow that goes through your whole body when a really cool thing happens that is filled with love – then you get goose bumps. So I said, "Potter, is that you?" Then I saw a chipmunk run down the fence boards, look at me, cross the grass in the fawn pen, run up onto the door of the fawn barn and stop and look at me. He SAW me. Then he stood up on his little legs and chirped," Yep, it is!" He visited me often when I was out feeding the fawns. After the fawns were released, I hadn’t seen him in a long time, then suddenly he was on my wood pile and getting sunflower seeds from my birdfeeders. Each time he graced my life with his presence he chirped TO me most enthusiastically with his gratitude, love and loyalty. The gift of Potter blessed my life and brought me pure joy. I am so, so grateful to have met this beautiful little soul.
Addie
By Tracy A. Bye
December 2018
This year I was going to write my story about an elk calf I got in who was very sick, we named him Ernie. Ernie was a miracle and survived by the grace of God or by the grace of Addie. He was treated for chronic diarrhea and was not expected to live. He would not take a bottle with formula and was just 48 hours old . . . but Ernie survived and grew to be an enormous bull calf that was released successfully. He lived, but Addie did not.
Addie was our most loyal and trusted confidant – she was a healer, a Golden retriever, a faithful friend, and a friend to all the wildlife that came through Born Free the last 15 years. She passed away peacefully as this newsletter was being written. She was a light to so many beings on this planet. Her generous compassion and faithful companionship gave so many the will to survive.
Addie’s story began when we found her in Hayden, CO. My son, Garrett, chose her from the litter and we brought her home to join our entourage of animals, including our Newfoundland, Apollo. From that day forward she touched our lives in ways we cannot even explain in words. Her positive attitude and undying loyalty to our family was a blessing we couldn’t have enough gratitude for. She was there for us through 15 years of divorce, death, sickness, hardship, kidney donation, lessons, growth, recruiting, winning and losing, success, graduations, blessings, and reunions. She brought us great joy and the kind of friendship that only a greater power can bless you with.
The lessons we learned from Addie were many. She never shirked a duty and was always willing to go camping, shovel, hike, horseback ride , walk, watch a movie, or sleep with us when we were sick. Addie was a believer in miracles and she lived her life believing in the best that life can bring. When a sick or injured animal came in to Born Free, Addie would be there willing it to eat or live and giving it companionship if it asked for it. Her ability to heal by just being in the room was something to witness. Her grace in the moments that really counted made the difference to a wild animal or to a person. She was just being who she was, but her light and her love surrounded those in need. Her quiet confidence in what she knew was always present. She was strong in her beliefs but endearing in her presence. She tried her best each day and greeted all with acceptance.
Addie lived her years in happiness. She faced what she had to and always tried her hardest. She conquered several 14ers and cattle drives. Her strength of character was one that moved others and showed them what life could be like. As Bill Lyons has written, "Dogs touch the deepest part of us. There is a connection of souls. We find in them a kindred spirit, an understanding that needs no words. For almost 15 years she was there to protect us and mother us and shepherd us. She was there without complaint or demand, without malice or deceit, patient and enduring beyond all reason, grateful just to be acknowledged, offering unconditional and totally selfless love." We will forever miss you Addie and so will all the wild animals you helped heal. Love you Dumplin!
Eagle Release
By Tracy A. Bye
October 2018
Otter the Owl - 2017
By Tracy A. Bye
December 2017
Otter. This little owl was such a BIG presence in my world this year. How can such an adorable little being touch every life he meets? Otter’s bright light shown on people, dogs, cats, and songbirds. Every being he met was touched with his brilliance and they too, began to shine.
Otter, a flammulated owlet, was found by a mountain biker who cared enough to stop and wonder why a fuzzy little "thing" was laying in the middle of the bike trail, on a hot day. After riding all the way down Emerald, she got a hold of me and then rode back up to get Otter. On her way to meet me, she had a close encounter with a bull moose on the bike path. "Quite a day!" she exclaimed.
When I saw the little ball of fuzz, I wasn’t sure if he would survive. I got him home and gave him fluids and soon he was alert and ready to eat. He began eating well and winning us over with his dear personality. Otter became the highlight of our days! He loved every animal he met and they loved him. He was at ease with all situations and trusted that all was good.
As he grew, he feathered out and started using his wings. He loved mealworms and would fly around hunting for them. My sons and I would throw a fistful of mealworms in the grass, on the floor, where ever we threw them, Otter would fly over and go hunting! This made all of us laugh and Otter seemed to love that game too.
He was always very vocal and would "purr" at you when he was content and "chirp" at you when he wanted you to understand what he was talking about. His low, quiet hoot was a beautiful sound to hear. Every day I loved him more. He was so cute and persevered through a very tough few days of life. I will never know how he got on that bike trail, on a hot summer day, but every day I thanked him for coming into my life.
It is extraordinary to be in the presence of a wild animal, no matter what animal it is. I feel flammulated owls go unnoticed usually, unless you are very aware of your surroundings, know their hoot, and take the time to be quiet - to feel their presence and hear their call. In this day and age of reckless abandon and rush, rush, rush – isn’t it a nice lesson from a little being to be quiet and still. To sit in the woods and be present, to chirp when your happy, purr when content and hoot when you want to be heard?
Otter taught us many lessons this past summer. I feel one of the lessons he taught us is to be a blessing to all creatures great and small. He didn’t need to be the center of attention, but his quiet presence was BIGGER than any limelight. He trusted the goodness of the Universe so trusted me to be his mom, he always tried his best and became quite an astounding owl. This little owl lived at his highest vibration and his brightness shown on everything. We will be forever be touched by him coming into our lives! He is now with his owl family flying on Emerald and spreading his wisdom to all.
Flo Jo - The Appaloosa Eagle - 2016
By Tracy A. Bye
January 2017
The day an injured eagle comes in for rehab, I am always more aware of what I need to learn that day or what I am feeling or more watchful for signs from loved ones who have passed or the angels that guide me. I believe, as the Native Americans do, that eagles are great messengers from the heavens.
The day Flo Jo came to me was July 3 and she was a 4 year old bald eagle. I immediately thought about the significance of this bird coming to me the day before our Independence Day and being a bald eagle - she represents our freedom. I felt a huge sense of responsibility to help this beautiful bird heal and be free again.
She was a very big eagle and did not have the usual markings of a bald eagle with a white head and a white tail because she was just four years old. At this stage of life, bald eagles are often misidentified as Golden Eagles because they appear to be mostly brown. After x-rays with Dr. Meyring, it was determined she had a fractured scapula and the good news was she did not have lead poisoning. Many of the raptors that come in, especially eagles, have lead poisoning. The symptoms of lead poisoning appear as if they have a bad head injury - neurological symptoms. In Northwest Colorado and Wyoming, all of the eagles I have had in over the past four years have had some level of lead poisoning. They are unable to digest lead and when their food sources have it, it becomes a serious issue to an eagle?s health. Luckily, Flo Jo tested well and did not have high levels of lead in her system.
In September, Flo Jo was healed and ready for release. She was being released in honor of Maureen Florence, who had passed away this year and others who had passed on too. Her feisty attitude and assertiveness in wanting to be free again, made her hard to catch for release, but certain she was ready. Her unique appearance was so beautiful that she was nick named "the Appaloosa Eagle". In her release on the Elk River, many significant emotions were felt by all who witnessed this event. For some, she was taking messages to the heavens for the loved ones lost, for certain parents - she was a sign of hope for better health after a kidney transplant, and in this release, Flo Jo shed her light on all of us to remember the power of love and compassion. She chose to thank us by soaring around and above us for several hours. Little did she know that the power of her presence touched many hearts that day and gave us hope for all the world.
The Greatest Gifts Come in Small Packages
By Tracy A. Bye
January 2015
This past summer the old adage that says "the greatest gifts come in small packages", really came true for my sons and me. During a very busy month of July with 40 total animals coming in for rehab in just that month and a major surgery I had to have, I was wondering how I was going to keep up with the pace of my busy season. When the day after I had surgery, I was given the greatest gift in a tiny, dehydrated baby hummingbird.
This baby hummer was one of four I had brought in to me. As you can imagine, feeding a baby hummingbird can be quite challenging. It can?t be all sugar water because they need their minerals and protein as well. It also has to do with timing. I feel since I was home recovering from surgery, I was better able to provide the right feeding schedule and the nutrition these little ones needed. The one hummer that survived this whole ordeal was a broad winged hummer who I named Bee.
Bee was not part of the other nest of baby hummingbirds, she came to me after her nest was blown off a satellite dish and a lady found her brother dried up against her house. She then noticed the nest and found Bee close to death, but still alive. This woman brought Bee to me and I was able to start rehydrating her. I was worried because I had not had success with baby hummers before. To my relief, Bee-bird started getting some energy and feeling better. The first day was difficult to get her to eat, but once she did ? she did not stop. The next morning when I woke up I could hear her little chirp ? meaning she was HUNGRY! Each day her strength grew and so did mine. Her perseverance in wanting to survive was an inspiration to me. Watching her give her best each day to gain strength, gave me the courage to heal as well.
Hummingbirds are a beautiful animal totem. They represent tireless joy and the nectar of life. The humming of their wings creates an internal massage, restoring health and balance. The first time Bee-bird "buzzed" her wings, she was around 16 days old. She frightened herself and almost fell off her nest. When she "buzzed" them again, you could see a sense of peace come to her as she settled in to her routine of chirping for food and then buzzing her wings to gain strength and health. Her sounds became a comforting factor in our household. My sons and I looked forward to waking up and hearing her, or coming home and hearing her ? it was similar to the welcoming of a beloved pet. We all double checked with each other ? "Have you fed Bee?" Her constant companionship and darling demeanor kept all of our lives full of joy. Compared to other birds, hummingbirds have the largest heart in proportion to their body. The resting heart rate is a zippy 500 beats per minute. No wonder Bee was so full of love, she had a huge heart and was sharing it with all of us who got to experience her. We weren?t rehabilitating her, she was rehabilitating us - changing our lives forever.
All hummingbirds remind us to find joy in what we do. They are a symbol for that which seems impossible. Bee was definitely this symbol in my life and the people who met her felt this as well. Her presence in our lives was such a great gift! Watching her grow was amazing and when she started to hover and fly ? it was something we?d spend hours watching. Although she felt comfortable perching on us and she allowed us her friendship, she always remained wild and I knew if I opened my door she?d want to fly free with the other hummingbirds coming to my feeders. We wanted that for her as well, but she had to be ready.
Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. Bee continued to add joy to our lives each day. Over her time in rehab, she actually rehabbed me. Having her in my life each day helped me to heal, find true love, and reminded me to celebrate all the precious time I had with her and all the moments in my life. Her presence in the lives of the people she met always made a difference. The gift of her grace and energy touched lives in different ways, but always touched lives. To many lives she gave hope and in many she gave joy. Her lesson that every connection in life has meaning and that facing each day with joy will make your life beautiful was the greatest gift to all of us!
Her release was a unique and special one. She was ready to be free, was an expert at flying and hovering and was eating nectar from all sorts of flowers that were given to her by loving admirers. We released her on a gorgeous fall day with some other hummers around. She immediately flew to a feeder, met a friend, and darted away to spread her light to others along her migration journey. She truly was the greatest gift and the Universe sent her to my family and I at just the perfect time. She opened her heart to us and in turn opened our hearts to life! We are so unbelievable grateful for our time with Bee. . . . the greatest gift in a tiny package.
The Girls
By Tracy A. Bye
May 2014
I am a mother of two boys. All of our pets are boys except one of our kitties. So being female in the Bye family is a rarity. The ratio of boys to girls changed in early summer at the Bye household.
During early June 2003 I got two calls within a day of each other. One was for a deer fawn and one was for an antelope fawn. Both came to Born Free because of human intervention. Both were less than a day old and as cute as can be.
Angelina, the deer fawn, was picked up by a woman on horseback who found her along a path. When she called me from her cell phone and told me there were no signs of injury, I told her to take her back to where she found her because her mother was nearby. Many people don't realize that deer moms will leave their babies for up to 3 hours at a time. They are communicating with them during this time, but to a human's eyes the mom may appear to be nowhere in sight.
Later that night, the woman called me back to inform me she had not taken my advice. She had brought little Angelina back to her house, to her son's baseball game and had her in her living room with her kids and dog. "She seems to be fine except I think she's hungry," is what this woman told me. Little did she know that anytime a wild animal "seems fine" inside a house with people and pets around - that means they are in severe shock!
In the first few days Angelina had to fight hard to survive after all that she was put through. I always think of the moms of these fawns, who are desperately searching for their babies but come to find they have been taken away from them by unknowing humans. How their hearts must break.
Then came Cantelope a precious little antelope fawn who was found by some ranch kids. She was a twin that was left when the ranch kids came upon her mom and her sibling. The rancher and his kids did the exact right thing and tried to reunite Cantelope with her mom and twin, but it didn't happen successfully.
Cantelope was a light in Angelina's world those first days and continues to be to this day. They are inseparable. They are both growing well and are very healthy. I call them "my girlies!"
One morning in mid November I went out to feed, when to my surprise there was another deer fawn hanging out by "the girlies" pen. The fawn was almost as big as Angelina and was definitely wild. This perplexed me as all the deer had migrated already. Girly ,as I fondly call her ,has stayed with us ever since. My thinking is that her mom was killed during hunting season and she was smart enough to find Angelina and Cantelope. They must have told her that this was an okay place to be. Maybe they told her I needed some extra girls around. Needless to say, 'Girl Power' at the Bye household has taken on a new force!
Each day I look at their big, kind eyes and darling faces and realize how very lucky I am to be in their presence. Their tenderness towards me and their unconditional compassion make lots of my hardest days better. Animals are always part of those moments when I feel my greatest joy.
In April or May the girlies will be released into the wild together. To live free, as they were born that way.
Shelby
By Tracy A. Bye
2002
My usual stories are of wild animals who have been to be rehabbed and have made a difference in my life. This story will be different. It is the story of my most faithful friend who helped so many of those wild animals have the will to live and to feel they were loved.Burning Brightly in Heaven
by Tracy A. Bye
2002
My best friend died this past summer, her name was Shelby. She was my Golden Retriever, my truest friend, my wisdom keeper, my gentle companion and an animal who gave many gifts to this world. Her life touched the lives of children, of adults and of all animals.
Shelby was a dog who could be trusted in all situations. Her contented, gentle demeanor was a joy to be around at all times. She loved life and all that it brought to her. When I got my first deer fawn in, I was very nervous to do everything correctly. Shelby would be by my side with each feeding and cleaning, day and night. I would be inside and Shelby would wait by the door to go out. Soon I would go and look for her and she would be in with the fawn sound asleep, with the fawn curled up by her side. Shelby became the surrogate mother to many ungulates in my care. They treasured her companionship, loved her kisses and waited for her to come home to them. I believe having her help me with their rehab enriched their lives and gave them hope to live. She licked them as their mom would have, she gave them warmth and she could talk to them in animal terms.
When fawns or calves would die in our care, Shelby would mourn their passing along with the rest of us. She was by my side as I cried at their death and the unfairness of life. It was Shelby who could give me hope again - as she did to many critters too.
Shelby loved the raccoons, fox kits and baby beaver. She was a light in their lives. Her compassion towards their needs and their loneliness was a treat to watch. In her grace, I learned many things. She taught me patience, persistence, faithfulness and joy. Her wisdom on how to care about life , how to give in all circumstances and how to live your best life was a treasured gift to the lives of my whole family. I keep working on living my life by the lessons she taught me.
The last night of Shelby's life on earth was spent in her usual way - making our lives happier. I received a call about a fawn who had been hit by a car on Highway 131. The person who called was in great distress and was very worried about the fawn. I told him where I lived and he was on his way with the fawn. With hope in my heart I went to sit down by Shelby and wait for the fawn to arrive.
My girlfriend's were over and we were eating pizza with Shelby. As we sat and talked to her and gave her lots of love, I could see in her eyes she was not feeling well at all. Her cancer was back and stoically she was fighting to live the way she always had, with grace, kindness and joy. As I told them all about the phone call, Shelby picked her head up and listened with concern. She wanted to come out with us when the car arrived, but was not able to walk. I know she wanted to be by my side as she always was. She wanted to help the fawn or me or the person in distress in whatever way she could - that was her way.
I gently told her I would be back soon and that she should stay comfortable on her bed. I gave her a kiss and headed to meet the car in my driveway with the injured fawn.
As I opened the door to a man in tears, I knew it was not good news. The fawn had died in route to my house. In the hour I spent out with the fawn and this man, Shelby passed on. My best friend was not there as I cried at the unfairness of life. My hope had to come from within, from the support of my family and friends and from the life lessons I learned from Shelby.
I have so many stories I could tell of the many animals she took care of in her lifetime. I know them in my heart and feel so grateful to have been given the gift of Shelby in my life. Her light burned brightly on earth and I feel it burning in heaven too.
Flag
By Tracy A. Bye
I got the call in early June from a friend of mine. "Dogs are attacking a deer fawn in my garden!" The story quickly unfolded after this fawn was treated for severe bites in the neck and abdomen by local vets. The fawn was found by a hiker who thought she was abandoned by her mother. The hiker took the fawn to town and put her out in her yard, where she was attacked by dogs.
After experiencing this horrible trauma, this little one came to recover at Born Free Wildlife Rehab. She was a little darlin' with so much will to survive. I named her Flag, after the deer in the movie, The Yearling. She became my shadow following me everywhere on my rounds to feed the critters. She overcame infection, shock and some digestive problems. To this day when I recall her will to survive it gives me goose bumps. She trusted in me when she should have hated me. She loved me when she should have been loving her own mom. Flag became a part of my soul. If ever there are soul mates, I often feel she is mine.
Flag stayed at Born free for a year. With in that year she brought my family great joy. I "soft released" her out into the wilderness behind my house. She could come back for a visit while starting a life on her own. She met many deer friends that summer. As summer progressed into fall, Flag would be away for weeks at a time. Towards the end of September Flag came home with friends! Two big bucks and two other does. They slept behind the garage and lazily wandered around our yard. I think they felt safe there since it was hunting season.
I worried her friends would stay with her for the winter, which would be very costly in feed and was not the best scenario for the deer. But soon, Flag's friends migrated with the rest of the herd. Flag decided to stay another winter with us. She became a surrogate mom to two fawns that I had been rehabilitating. There names were Johnny and Olivia. Flag, as always, did her best at this task and became a loving mom to both the fawns.
The next spring when it was time to release all three deer I considered where I should release them. It had not been successful releasing Flag behind my house, because she chose to stay home. I called my friends at the Division of Wildlife and they told me about a wildlife refuge outside of Meeker. There were no homes or people and lots of deer. This was the place for Flag, Johnny and Olivia.
I trailered them to the refuge with great heaviness in my heart. At times I couldn't see the road because of my tears. I kept telling myself, this is what's right for them. They need to live free...be free...because they were born free. I talked to Flag, Johnny and Olivia constantly, reassuring them of their trip and their lives that were ahead of them.
The refuge was beautiful and there were many deer all around. I let them out of the trailer and watched them as they tested the area. They came back and sniffed me and rubbed their heads on me. I told them I loved them and got back in the truck. The ache in my chest was very real. I felt as if I were leaving my children behind.
The drive home was a good time for memories and thoughtful wonderings. I prayed they would be smart and would be safe. All I could do now was have faith that their instincts would guide them in the struggles of life. When I got home it seemed so lonely. I missed their talking to me and the unconditional love they showed me daily.
I did not see them for four years. Then one September night I went out to cover the pumpkin patch. I turned on the floodlight and saw many deer in the pasture. All the deer started moving up the hill except one. She stood and stared at me with quiet ease. As I looked at her closely I recognized her unusually large ears and her heart shaped nose. "Flagaroo, is that you???" I called to her. She came closer and looked at me. I began to cry and had to hold myself back from running up to her and hugging her. She allowed my cat to rub her legs and she touched noses with my dog. Be still my heart .... I could not believe I was seeing her again and knowing that she was okay. her mate called to her from the hillside and off she went. She came back many times that fall.
The next time I saw her again and with her was a beautiful buck. Both would come with the herd of deer but were more comfortable hanging in our yard and eating my plants. They were comfortable with my pets that they had grown to love when they were being rehabilitated. Flag and Johnny had come home, yet they were wild. It was a precious gift to my heart and soul.
In the spring and summer of 2001 they were back again. Johnny is a six point buck and Flag has had a fawn the last two years. Flag was nine this year. Each spring when she returns - my goose bumps do too. I am forever grateful for her presence in my life and in my soul.
The Story of Sailor
By Tracy A. Bye
Sailor came to me in late June after being found on the side of the road near Mabel. Sailor is a glorious Golden Eagle. The couple who came across Sailor on the road were traveling home from a Native American conference. When they came upon this eagle and were able to walk up to him, they felt they were very blessed and it was a sacred moment. For they had just learned from the Native Americans about the importance and beliefs they have about eagles.
Every time I get an eagle in to be rehabilitated I feel this blessing also. They are so majestic and very stoic creatures. Golden eagles have the ability to break my wrist with their talons if they so desired. That is how much strength they have in each of their feet. However, the eagles I have had the pleasure of rehabbing have all been so gentle and kind with me. Sailor is one of these eagles.
Sailor and I bonded immediately. I could see he was very dehydrated and very skinny. As soon as he rested and got relaxed at Born Free, I made sure plenty of food was available to him. Within an hour he had eaten twelve mice. He soon realized I was there to help him and I was his source for food. Sailor began to let me stroke his head and chest with no threatening behavior. He loved to have his head stroked, it seemed to calm him.
Sailor is a young eagle, but of great size - both in heart and physical stature. I came to the conclusion that Sailor's only problem was that he had not learned how to hunt properly. My thought was that his mom was killed somehow and had not fully trained Sailor how to survive. Over a course of a couple of weeks Sailor became weak and hungry and that is how this couple came to find him on the road.
Sailor's strength grew incredibly in just a few days by eating well and feeling safe. My heart is happy because Sailor is now in the flight training cage on the front range with 12 other Golden eagles. I get daily reports of his progress and how he is an amazing flyer and he is learning to hunt like a pro.
Soon I will be able to bring Sailor home and release him back where he was raised by his wild mom. He will continue to bring blessings to our lives and beauty to our skies. I hope that in the short time I have with Sailor I can convey to him how thankful we are to have his kind in our world.
Sailor's Ending
By Tracy A. Bye
In a past NWCAAL newsletter I told you the story of Sailor. He is a beautiful Golden eagle that was brought to Born Free Wildlife Rehab in June of 1998. Molly and Steve Unfug were driving back from an Indian Pow Wow and saw Sailor on the side of the road. They believed they were given a great gift in being able to see Sailor and then an even greater gift in being able to assist him.
Sailor was not injured, only very dehydrated and hungry. It is my belief that Sailor's mom was killed and he had not been taught how to hunt properly. After coming to Born Free he was fed and given tender loving care. Soon thereafter he was ready to learn how to hunt. I took him to the flight cages I use on the front range at The Birds of Prey Rehabilitation facility. Sailor spent the winter in the flight cages learning how to hunt and take care of himself from the mature eagles that were rehabbing there.
Sailor's grand finale took place in June when he came back to Steamboat and I released him. However, the story behind this story is what makes it a grand finale.
Molly and Steve have studied Indian beliefs for many years. They believe that Golden eagles are great messengers for they have learned this fact from their Indian friends. Sailor was their messenger of good news - they found out Molly was pregnant.
Molly had a hard pregnancy. Their son, Keenan, was born in December even though his due date was in March. They went through many hardships before Keenan was born, but after he was born was even more difficult. Keenan never was able to leave the ICU and he ate through tubes. Molly and Steve spent every day in the hospital. Keenan died when he was one hundred days old.
Molly and Steve had a strong belief that Keenan's spirit was connected to Sailor's. They kept in touch and when Sailor was able to be released, they wanted to be there.
They flew to Denver from Georgia and drove to Steamboat. We released Sailor on a beautiful summer afternoon with blue skies and puffy white clouds. As Sailor gracefully soared back to freedom he cawed his appreciation to us. As we were watching him dive and soar and dart through the skies of the Yampa Valley, we began to notice other eagles coming and flying with him. In the end a total of five Golden eagles came to fly with Sailor. It was an unbelievable moment that was filled with awe and with sweet sorrow.
As Molly, Steve, and I cried with the beauty of this moment and the knowing of Keenan's spirit soaring with his messenger into the heavens, I understood what an incredible gift animals are to our world and to our souls.
Sailor's grand finale helped a young couple deal with the death of their child and made me aware of what we take for granted each day. We can all learn from the messages the wild animals are trying to deliver, if we leave ourselves open to them.
Love at First Sight
By Tracy A. Bye
I am a school teacher and the first day of school is always exciting. I may feel a little nervous and stressed from the pressure of getting my room ready , planning lessons and having everything "just right" for my students before they walk in to our room on that first day, yet I am always excited to meet my new class. It is quite a transition from being outside, around animals all summer, to being emersed into a first grade classroom. Little did I know that this year, the first day of school would have a whole new level of excitement!
The bobcat kitten was brought to me from a woman who had found him outside of Hayden. He was brought to me during lunch on the first day of school. The moment I looked into his eyes, I knew it was love at first sight!
I had never seen a bobcat before. In pictures and on calendars, yes, but never in real life. This kitten was the cutest thing I had ever seen. His name became Jeremiah.
Jeremiah was little - probably the runt of the litter. It is thought that his mom abandoned him because it was a late litter and he was the runt. Another thought was that his mom had been poached and he was left without a mom. I will never know why he was without a mom, yet I feel so thankful that I got the gift of becoming that to him.
Throughout the afternoon I worked to get Jeremiah to drink and then that evening I worked to get him to eat. What an exciting day at school! When he was eating and drinking regularly I began to feed him using an adult bobcat puppet. He was truly a joy to my whole family. We loved watching him play and growl, purr and sleep. Each day he worked hard to survive and was so stoic in coming to new surroundings and not having any bobcats around.
Bobcats are easily imprinted. So all of us had to watch that he stayed wild and that we didn't ruin his chances of living his life in freedom by loving him too much. As he grew and grew I began looking for another wildlife rehabilitation center that had some other bobcats wintering over. There is a wonderful wildlife rehabilitator in Del Norte ,named Susan Dietrich, who was willing to take Jeremiah. She had two female bobcat kittens around his same age.
He was transferred to Susan in late December and as Susan writes to me, "is doing bobcat things." He has become a great hunter and is dominant with the females. He had the courage to survive and the strength of spirit to become a great hunter. In April we will travel to Del Norte to release him to live a life that he deserves - one of freedom and of greatness. I love Jeremiah. He has taught me to love all bobcats. I learned so much about them while he was in my care. He showed me how the spirit of one little bobcat can add so much to the first day of school . . the lives of my family and to our world.
I treasure the days I have gotten to spend with Jeremiah. It truly was love at first sight . . . second sight. . .
third sight . . . and forever more.
Bull's Eye
By Tracy A. Bye
Over the years I have written many stories from my heart about the animals who have touched my life and taught me so much. This year it is a story of great courage, devotion and love from a little beaver kit who helped us all get through a tough summer of change.
Bull’s Eye came to us in early June on the eve of my oldest son’s, 8th grade graduation. There was a big run-off and the Yampa River was running high. My assumption was his dam was flooded and all his siblings washed away. But, due to this little one’s great courage he made it to the side and was able to get out of the river. He was wandering along the 5th street bridge when my younger son, Garrett, found him. He was cold, in shock and very hungry!
My mom and sister were in town for Dan’s graduation. We all ran to the store to get the proper formula for him. I carried him next to my body under my coat to try to give him warmth. He soon was asleep with his body temperature rising. A baby beaver has got to be the cutest baby ever. We were all enthralled.
Little did we know that Bull’s Eye would have such an impact on all of our lives. He did not like the bottle and it was hard to get him to eat. Garrett and I spent many hours trying to get him to eat more. Finally after much care, Garrett was able to feed him. The devotion between the two of them was obvious. They truly loved each other. This kind of devotion is rare and I have really only witnessed it in animals. The livelihood of both beaver and boy were of utmost importance to each of them.
What Bull’s Eye didn’t know was that Garrett needed him more than ever because Garrett was facing a big life change in that his parents’ were divorcing. Each day as I observed them I saw them both face the day with courage. The devotion and love between them helped them each want to be the best they could be for that day. Bull’s Eye taught Garrett to not wonder what sadness was awaiting or what disappointment may be in his future but to see each day as an opportunity to be outside together watching the clouds, playing in the water, lying in the grass for hours and enjoying each other’s company. The perfect day to a beaver . . . and now to a boy.
As Bull’s Eye grew and was able to spend all his time outside, he would wait at the door of his pen for Garrett to show in the morning. He would squeak and “coo” to his delight when he saw the face of his best friend. Garrett would turn down play dates so that he could spend his day with his wise little friend.
The Indians believed that having a beaver as part of your family was a great blessing. They would take a beaver kit and raise it as a child. The squaw would breast feed the kit. Beavers are very social animals and live in a family unit their entire lives. As the beaver grew up in the Indian family – the belief of the family was that they were protected and were given many beautiful blessings.
As the summer turned to fall, Garrett, Dan and I all realized what an impact this little beaver had made on our lives. Although Garrett had spent most of the time with Bull’s Eye, his lessons were taught to Dan and I as well. Change may seem like a negative situation when really it can broaden your view and make life clearer and filled with blessings. The courage with which Bull’s Eye faced his change of being washed from his home and family to being a member of our family was amazing. His grace in facing each day and making it his best and bringing forth his wisdom to teach us was a gift. The love of a beaver and a boy was a blessing that gave us all hope to live by.
At Bull’s Eye’s release we all felt his gratefulness and his knowing that his life had truly been a blessing to ours. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts.
George and Karl
By Tracy A. Bye
When two baby marmots came into our lives, we did not know what a difference they would make in our every day living. The two marmots came from opposite ends of the county, but were nearly the same age. Their eyes were still closed and they were found by themselves without any family or mother near by. After reading an article about George Karl, the coach of the Nuggets, my son asked if we could name the marmots George and Karl – that was the start of our “name theme” of Nuggets names.The gumption they each showed with in the first days of coming to Born Free made it clear to me that these little guys had the will to live and that is what they did – with gusto! They began eating well with the bottle and after a couple months they began eating solid foods that marmots love. Every day their bright attitudes and fun-loving personalities would make us all laugh. They always awoke with an inquisitive mind and ready to face what ever they needed to with charm and joy.
There are many people who seem to not care for marmots, but I guarantee that if they were allowed the time we were to raise and observe how these marmots live life, their opinions would be changed. I love all animals and still these two made me love marmots all the more. Their personalities came out and when I moved them to their outdoor pen, they really began to show what intelligent little beings they are. They did not show fright, but showed more of an interest in every thing they saw. They were housed by a mink and a rabbit. They thought watching these two was the best thing in their world! When they became alarmed they would whistle their warning and alert the mink and rabbit to any movement or shadow coming their way.
There are so many stories of the funny things they did over the summer, but the joy and happiness they shared with us is something we will never forget. They were released in the fall and they were the first marmots to ever get a horse back ride to their release location. But just as in everything they faced, George and Karl thought it was the greatest adventure yet in their young lives. When released, they whistled their warnings and then began eating. As I rode away from them and looked back, both of them were standing up looking my direction with a gaze of great gratitude . . . I looked back at them in just the same way.
Babaji
By Tracy A. Bye
2011
It happened on one of those beautiful summer days . . . perfect temperature, puffy white clouds, bright sunshine and gorgeous blue sky. This day seemed to be full of animals in need of some tender care. On days like this one, where there are many calls for help, I often wonder what lesson it is that I am suppose to learn. Some of those days I get frustrated with the amount of work and responsibility, sometimes I get angry at the thought of a fawn or calf being taken from it’s mother, and some days I am more balanced and just rest in the peace of the wild things surrounding me. It is these times of peace I strive for and know that is what’s best for the animals as they enter the world of human hands trying to heal their injuries.
This call was probably the seventh call of the day and its message was that a baby bird of some kind was found in the middle of Hwy 131. As I drove to pick up this little one, I always wonder what I will find. As I peeked in the box at this particular bird, I smiled as I observed a ball of white fluff with very bright eyes looking out. I saw that it was an American kestrel, one of my favorite types of falcons! The spot where it was picked up, in the middle of the highway, was very unusual. How did it get there? I felt blessed to have another kestrel in for rehab. They are such delightful little falcons with a beauty that is hard to fathom.
From this day forward, this kestrel gave life his all. He was a great eater and was willing to trust me. Signs of great wisdom arose almost immediately with this little guy. He was inquisitive with grasshoppers, as well as mice. He would observe them and seemed to respect them before he chomped them down to build his strength.
His name soon became Babaji. This name is an endearing nickname given to a great teacher in life . . . . a guru. Babaji grew in his role as Babaji to many raptors and songbirds that filled our facility this summer. His endearing “chatter” as other kestrels came in for rehab helped them to feel comfortable and not afraid. He persevered with his heart and won us all over with his character. His daily business was enjoying life and doing his best to guide other raptors in our sanctuary to health. As his feathers started growing in, I was amazed by the brilliance of the colors – gorgeous silver-blue with beautiful rusty-reds.
Each day I looked forward to checking in on him as he grew bigger and bigger. Babaji was a special gift to our summer. His character was one of a saint, his wisdom showed us all how each day should be lived, and his love and excitement for everything shed a great light on all of our lives. As he grew ready to be released, my heart felt joy for him to be able to fly free, but also great sadness in not being able to see him each day and learn from him. I chose to release him on the birthday of two of my dearest friends. It was a lovely late summer evening and he was ready to fly free. There had been several kestrels flying over his cage for weeks, checking in on him it seemed. As with everything in his life, Babaji flew at his release with such grace it made us all cry with such joy and happiness for being given the gift of this wise falcon. He landed on another cage nearby and let us all take pictures. He stayed in the area for several days and some days as I was out feeding, I would see him “fly-in” as if to say thank you and to let me know all is well with the world. I do believe he was a great sage that “dropped” into our lives to spread light wherever he flies. I look forward to seeing him back in Steamboat next spring.