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After cutting down an old "dead" tree, the property owners were amazed to find out that the tree limb was peeping! The limb was transported to the IRC. 
 
 

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Lowering our flashlight deep inside the hollow branch, we found 4 baby American kestrel chicks, alive and well, but now far from mom and dad.
 

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The chicks were placed with a non-releaseable American kestrel at our center which acted as their foster mother.
 

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Wildlife Rehabilitation gives a second chance to many animals that are displaced or distressed due to human contact. But rehabilitation is not the answer to wildlife problems. The answer is education! Over 1,500
species of animals make a dead tree their home. IRC urges property owners to leave dead trees standing whenever possible. When health and safety issues force the cutting of a dead tree, wait until late summer or early fall to cut. Check the tree carefully for "residents" and, if you have any questions, call your local department of natural resources for help.