Two become one
Newsletter 20/06/2016
Every project season has its particular singularity. This year, the hand-raising of our young NBIs is characterised by unforeseen “staff dynamics”.
Like in the year before there are two groups of 16 young NBIs each that are to be raised and trained by two foster parents respectively. At the end of July, when the birds are used to follow the microlight, the groups should have been brought together to lead them across the Alps towards the common wintering area in Italy. This approach has proven itself in the last year.
However, one foster mother quit her job already in May for personal reasons. About a week ago, a second foster mother quit her job too, based on her own decision and also for personal reasons. Thus, we were confronted with an entirely new situation: Both foster parents of one NBI group weren´t available any more, with Lilly being the only remaining staff member who already socialised with the birds after the first foster mother left.
Out of this new situation arose a rather exciting if unplanned experiment, our two experienced and dedicated foster mothers Corinna and Anne being the basis of this trial. Supported by Lilly, Anne was able to socialise with the “orphaned” birds within a few days. Last Friday, June 17, both groups were brought together at camp “Ackerl” at Seekirchen, where they are kept in a spacious aviary. Corinna was able to socialise with most of the new birds already that day. Since a few days, Anne and Corinna care for all 32 birds.
So far, the experiment went surprisingly well, but the actual key part is yet to come. Tomorrow, all 32 birds will perform their first free flight. During the next few weeks we´ll see if all birds are willing to be trained and to follow the microlight. I´m confident that it will work, especially because of the excellent and motivated team with the foster mothers Anne and Corinna, the pilot Walter Holzmüller and all the other staff members.
Picture: Corinna and Anne are feeding the 32 young NBIs. All birds are used to the new situation by now; they formed one large group, showing a rather stable group structure, and are sleeping side by side.
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