10 Doves are Released

     Today 9/8/9 I fed the two remaining Gopher Tortoises some watermellon. They know me well now and come to me as soon as I come near. I fed the large Spurthighed Tortoise and Red Legged Tortoise too. All these animals get regular (more healthy) feedings by the staff. I'm just hand feeding them for the tortoise's enrichment/entertainment/socilization. The Box turtles on property are not as friendly yet.
     I captured the ten best flyers from the Dove enclosure and took them home for release. On transport I covered their cage with a dark sheet and didn't play the radio. I didn't want to do anything that might scare them anymore than they already were from riding in a car. I take my Water Snake and (Snapping and Box) Turtles in the car often just for short rides. Just to get them used to the experience. So when I take them to do classes they don't arrive all freaked out.
     I released the Doves right by my front door. There is lots of native Beauty Berry and Sycamore Tree seeds close by. In fact these are the plants I've been taking seeds off of to train these same birds to eat native foods. I someitmes brake off branches so the birds at the hospital would see the seeds on the branch rather than in a feeding tray.
     I also found some lost keys that were dropped when someone was looking for a large Spurrthighed Tortoise that has been seen in a close by neighborhood.
     I also picked up a pile of cardboard for recycling.