Foxfeather Zenkova

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

He is! They have a really impressive wingspan for their size, they can soar really effortlessly with those big sails :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Misha's right wing was broken (and healed improperly) while he was a baby in the wild. It unfortunately keeps him from being able to fly (the reason he was placed with us), but he loves to stand in the window and 'soar' on windy days! (He can go outside too but the window is more fun, apparently) 🪶

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Our newest outdoor aviaries are finished and are already housing their first patients! Our first batch of wild turklets has graduated to this protected outdoor space and are immediately starting to forage for bugs and try out their wings. They grow so fast! 🪶

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Its terrible how often it happens, then we just have to carry and roll them around. So much emu-eating quicksand around here!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

When the floor is quicksand #emu 🪶

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

I actually don't have a clue, and I can't find research done on it. I'd love to get some grad students studying it someday! From observing them together it seems to be about mood/activity, what theyre doing and where they are, but that's anecdotal at this point

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Most round! Most birds fluff up to trap warm air in their feathers, but bearded reedlings also use their level of roundness to communicate with each other 🪶

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

'Tis the time of year we have a new crop of crowlings in our big pre-release aviary. They have a lot to learn about what to avoid, how to find food, and a lot of exercise needed to turn their clumsy kid bodies into sleek aerial acrobats so they can return back to the wild. 🪶

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

So much rain! #soggyvulture #birds

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Wildlife@vultureconservancy.org :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Its something I'd consider but the difference in community engagement tools and a few other things are why I made the change. I'd be happy to chat about it sometime if it was of interest to you!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Add more emus, of course!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

In case your day needed some happy bird boats as much as mine has. Siri and Stomp the black vultures, contented pancake mode activated, are glad to oblige. 🪶

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

That's Toph, she came to us that way. I was told it was an early age injury she got from getting her horn stuck in a cattle chute which damaged the horn base. Older yak, especially bulls with big heavy horns can end up having them droop but its not super common

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Lol!!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

I abuse the heck out of our tiny ancient mower since we don't have a brush hog type thing and the area is really sloped. It's crazy what it will chew through (with a ton of hard labor)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

When you ask the neighborhood kids to mow #yaklet

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Messages in our staff chat often crack me up (and are often overly weighted with emu shenanigans). Any sort of outdoor cleaning accumulates emus, who, being agents of chaos, are wildly unhelpful at making anything clean.

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Just a mutation! It's called pied (when there's big white marks) and is common in many species as a basic color mutation that comes up :) Like pinto horses

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Appa the highland coo, getting into the summer goddess fashion trend

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Aah, that is perfect!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Morning meditations with Disco the peacock 🪶

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Good luck!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

There's a lot of work to be done on this front but I know a ton of artists wish they could donate more time/skill to charitable causes and do it anyways despite the intense burden it can cause, it doesn't have to be that way. Just have to get charities to realize the ethics and possibilities!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

This is something I'm really passionate about (running a nonprofit as well as being an artist). I've been working with a lot of charities to help show them how they can team with artists (Conservation focus -pay them/commission) while raising more with good merch. It's win win that way :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Move over Motivational Monday, it's Soggy Vulture Tuesday 🪶

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

They have super adorable fluffy tails, they get really long as adults and they flick and flail them :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Our newest baby yak, born this weekend, frolicking with the two month olds. They grow so quickly!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Appa and Momo showing how highland cows are masters of camouflage

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Thank you so much for your patience with (and sharing and support of!) all the advertising I had to do for our yearly fundraiser the last 2 weeks - I appreciate it so much! Now back to your regularly scheduled cute bird (and yak/dogs/etc) photos! Starting with: Cowbird on a Cow, News at 11

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Aaaaaaaaaaaahhh! Thank you so much for all your shout outs and support!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

We did it!! The borbs are released!!! 🎉

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

I don't understand either, I think they just haven't converted yet!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Aaah, thank you!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

I agree. Patents are great if it's a novel invention but this just seemed to be wanting to corner the market (but then not utilize it by making them bulk/wholesale?? It's very weird)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

We didn't, we got them from a different source before they shut down but haven't been able to get more, so we've just got a small stock we offer with the projects. I get the patent but also.. its not really a totally novel idea??

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

People have made awesome pin display banners too, but I love the shadow box framing!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

We are so so close!!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Thank you so much for sharing your photo, they look so beautiful framed that way!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

📣There are only 3 HOURS left 📣 and we're so, so close to our final stretch goal (a free pin for backers)!!! We're celebarting with a livestream party (hanging out with burrowing owls and bearded reedlings) - come join us! tinyurl.com/ys8jk8te #art #birds

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Please do, your pins are beautiful!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Those will be in the checkout/add-on shop which will be available as soon as surveys (to pick your items) are sent out after the campaign closes :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

If your day would be better if you spent some time hanging out with burrowing owls, we've got you covered! Come join us at: www.twitch.tv/thefoxloft #birds #livestream

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Happy birthday to you!!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Aww, thank you for that incredible compliment!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Lots of people tell me they like our art but just aren't a pin person. We have custom magnet backs that can turn our pins into instant magnets (with no modifications!) and they also look fantastic framed shadow-box style. The pendants make great holiday ornaments, too! tinyurl.com/ys8jk8te

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

🥁🥁🥁Drumroll, please! We're excited to announce our Visionary Vultures celebration photo contest grand prize winner: Jay Meredith, with this stunning king vulture from the Riverbank Zoo! You can see the other winners at: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f... on the community page #birds #vulture

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

That is so kind of you, there's definitely always infinite projects here, for sure!! Let's touch base soon and plan something :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

I mean, look at this ridiculous unit!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

The trees all around the farm are covered in delightful lemon yellow orbs; we rehabilitate & release a large number of goldfinches each year, and though they disperse we've definitely got a lot more around. Many of these are likely kids we've sent back to the wild years past, it makes me so happy!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Ah, thank you! Those telemetry boxes are super perfect and I appreciate it a lot. I'd always rather recycle when I can and give a box another life instead of using new ones. We will have to do dinner again sometime soon! :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Help us get the word out! 📣We're down to the FINAL DAY📣 and our final stretch goal More than 1200 super awesome people have helped to make our Art-For-A-Cause campaign a soaring success, are you one of them? Come see! tinyurl.com/ys8jk8te #birds #sciart #supportartists #artshare

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Thank you so much for your kind words and your support - that makes me beyond happy because it's exactly why we do this and what we want to happen. Thank you so much for sharing, and for all that you do, too!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

📣The countdown has begun! 📣 ALL 16 pin designs & all earrings are unlocked & we're super close to goal for the final design! The final stretch goal for a *free* mini pin has been announced and you can make it happen. 🪶 Get cool art and make a genuine difference! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f...

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Two more of our photo contest winners! Seriema and Crowned Crane!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

There definitely should be more crested caracaras because they're really fun and underrated birds!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Need a pick-me-up? Come hang out with the world's roundest birds - bearded reedlings, live now for a little while! www.twitch.tv/thefoxloft #birds #livestream

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Oh! Yes, sorry about that, it sold to a patron so it got taken off the campaign page since it found a home :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Meet 'Tantrum' the Crested Caracara! A perfect name for a perfect bird, and also one of our photo contest winners! Full of absolute gems like this - you can see them and cast your vote for the grand prize winner under the community tab at: www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f... #birds #caracara

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Thank you so much for your kind words and the share, I appreciate it a lot! <3

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Thank you so much for all your shares and support! <3 <3

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

It should still be there, I just double checked! The blue jay pendant is a go and is on offer, sorry if there was some glitch about that!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Thank you so much for your kind words and your support! There are so, so many cool bird species, we're really excited to be able to continue making them!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

An absolutely perfect term!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

"Enfloofenation". Noun. The act or process of flexing all your feathers at once 🪶 (It's Mary the blue jay!)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

🎉We've been smashing through our final stretch goals - the Magpie earrings and Red-tailed Hawk pendant are now unlocked!! Up next: Himalayan Griffon Vulture Pendant If you've been waiting, now's a great time to join! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f... #birds #art #furryart #sciart

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Time to VOTE! Can you pick a favorite from our lineup of amazing photo submissions? Come see all the birds and help us find some winners! Voting runs today only, so don't wait! forms.gle/K9Rwh6x7yY68... #birds #photocontest

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Very accurate description of emus in general!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

We're now down to 3 days left, and all pin designs are now unlocked! We're working on our last few stretch goals, have you joined and gotten your pledge in yet? www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f...

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Since they're considered naturalized/gamebirds here, we rehabilitate and release them like any other birds.

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

When the wild turklets start coming in needing help, they really start coming in in droves. We had 7 new kids join our older two today and likely there will be many more every day now. Bonus if you know who the other little one is (not a turkling)! #wildliferehab #birds

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Aaah that's wonderful!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Aww, I am so happy to hear that, that's lovely. :) thank you so much for your support!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

If you do fall down the rabbit hole and havent seen it, there's a great documentary on a researcher who raised a clutch of poults which is really a fun watch. youtu.be/ENr62-oWyPs?... Raising heritage breed turkeys for some time and now lots and lots of wild ones, I've really come to love turkeys!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

We're super lucky to have wild hens and their own chicks around that visit our rehab avairies, so when we do soft releases they end up adopting them all. We basically just have to get them big enough to be able to go without extra heat and learn a few skills then the kind wild moms do the rest :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Your art is so delightful. It's always a joy whenever I see it on my feed!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

You got it! Newly hatched ring-necked pheasant

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

When the wild turklets start coming in needing help, they really start coming in in droves. We had 7 new kids join our older two today and likely there will be many more every day now. Bonus if you know who the other little one is (not a turkling)! #wildliferehab #birds

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

🎉We're so close to hitting our $100k fundraising goal and unlocking the fan favorite shiny magpie earrings!! Will you help us to smash through this benchmark? All pin designs are unlocked so if you've been waiting, now's a great time to join! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f... #birds #art

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

That is really neat and I will have to check it out! For this contest (and how its being judged) we are just doing photos, but I will definitely keep in mind other forms of creative work in the future! Thank you for sharing :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

I feel you there! I have some blurry shots of them from when traveling, they're not native where I am either. I guess zoos don't want to keep them since they can be quite skunky, which is too bad because they're really beautiful and very interesting!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Aww yeah! Please submit it to the google form (if you're so inclined) so we can add it into the contest, and you'll get a chance to win a free hoopoe art pin! :) forms.gle/CgVBG7c4kbVo...

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

We are so, so close to unlocking the red kite pin - will you help us get there? www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f... Red kites are my personal favorite raptors (other than vultures, of course!) - they are incredible aerial acrobats as well as absolutely stunning, strikingly beautiful birds. 🪶

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Make sure that you regularly read to your birds, and teach them all about their heritage and history. It's a very important part of them growing up well rounded and worldly.

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

They really are such stunning birds! The whole family of them is so cool :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Yes, absolutely! They are meant to represent prayer flags flying under mountains in the designs, seen commonly in their home range :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

They are some of our honorary vultures this year!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Meet the beautiful Himalayan Griffon vulture, one of the highest flying birds in the world, able to soar over Mount Everest with ease! #birds

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

🧵Species Spotlight! Our Flagship species this year for the Visionary Vultures Project is the Himalayan Griffon Vulture! When we designed these pieces, we wanted to include a motif of prayer flags flying under mountains, frequently seen gracing their homeland skies www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f...

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Seriema is UNLOCKED now aaaaah! I hope more people get to know and enjoy these underrated and amazing, goofy birds!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Could your Friday use some more baby emu antics in it? Our Baby Emu cam is LIVE, come check it out! www.twitch.tv/thefoxloft

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

That makes me so happy! Glad you got compliments, they are so fun for starting conversations :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Yes!! They are too cool, we had to add one to this year's lineup :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Dance party Pumpernickel 🥳 the tiny terror bird is here to let you know we are SO CLOSE to unlocking the seriema design stretch goal!! Will you help us do it? www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f... #birds #sciart (Pumpernickel, NEI resident, is actually enjoying an enthusiastic dust bath here!)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

🦅There's less than a week left to help us take flight - literally! Treat yourself to an awesome bird pin, sticker, or other art and help us build a new, massive flight aviary for exercising our wildlife rehabilitation birds and education ambassadors! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f... #birds

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Im so happy when I can introduce folks to new birds - there's so so many amazing species (and with 11,000+ birds there's a *lot*!)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

These and many others (having been introduced to quite a few more in years as a dispatcher) - there are so many bizarre and varied ways to die, its really amazing to me that any of us are alive at all

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Pumpernickel! :)

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Your work is really stunning!

Foxfeather Zenkova (@foxfeather.bsky.social):

Are you a bird keeper, trainer, photographer, or fan? We're hosting a bird photo contest with a bunch of great prizes to celebrate Visionary Vultures, featuring a few species from the campaign! www.backerkit.com/c/projects/f... For full details and to submit a photo go to: forms.gle/5ibZV79iyzh7...