Chester County, County Animal Response Team class was held on Saturday, July 7, 2007 at the New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, PA.

The class covered hazardous materials, capture techniques, and how to clean birds and other animals involved in spills.

Three things that may surprise you are:

• Most hazardous waste spills are local events.
• Contaminated birds will be found outside of the "hot" zone because they are still able to fly
• After cleaning a bird, you rinse it dry. The water will bead off of it's feathers when the wash detergent is completely removed.

Please join us next time to get the basic skills to help our wild birds and animals. There is so much to learn. Email us to get updates on all trainings. Info@chescocart.org

For more information on Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research please see their website http://www.tristatebird.org

Click on the image for larger photos and a click through gallery.

Getting dressed to work with the hazardous materials found on the birds.	"Now, you are going to rinse the bird dry."	Class, "What!? We are going to RINSE a bird dry with water?" Trainer, "Yep!" (No Joke.)
This goose passed away, and his fellow birds allowed us to use him to practice on, so that we may help other birds in the future.	The first tub with blue Dawn (tested to be the best) and water.	Gull, "Now get my ears, and don't forget my mouth." (No Joke - we cleaned the ears and mouths with a q-tip.)
Class, "Is he ready to move on?" The other tubs are more Dawn/Water solutions. Then it was off to the hose rinse.	Trainer, "Nope, wash him more, lots of water movement is key."	Gull, "You missed a spot... ahh, this feels much better."
Class, "You stay in there or I will give you a few knuckles for lunch." (Joke.)	Gull, "Lots of agitation please. I like my bubble bath with lots of bubbles." (No Joke.)	Move on to the second tub wash. This guy was trying to get away. There is a limit to how long they can be in there due to stress levels.