As most of our readers now know, Don Cote passed away in December following a short illness. I noted at the end of his obituary that I would write a final “Critter Chatter” column to honor Don and Carleen Cote’s six decades of caring for the literally thousands of animals that came to their home Read More
Critter Chatter
Critter Chatter is published in the Town Line newspaper and reprinted on the Nature of Maine blog. This column is written by NRCM member Jayne Winters of South China and highlights the wildlife rehabilitation work of Donald Cote of Vassalboro, Maine, at the Duck Pond Wildlife Center.
Critter Chatter — More Reminiscing, Part VII
In looking through old articles and photo albums from Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center, I discovered a story about a baby moose that arrived at the Cotes’ in 1993. What follows is part of Carleen’s column from August 1997, recounting that experience: “On May 15, 1993, we received a call from the State Police at Read More
Critter Chatter – “Many hands make light work” – Reminiscing, Part VI
During our recent series of “Taking a Trip Down Memory Lane,” I’ve shared a few stories that Carleen Cote wrote about local school children initiating various fundraising projects for Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center. However, not only young members of our community have supported this facility over the years. In September 2003, Paul Basham wrote Read More
Critter Chatter – Reminiscing, Part V
I continue to share more of Carleen Cote’s past articles because Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center isn’t accepting any wildlife or phone inquiries right now. I found several about the generous efforts of local students to help support the rehab center. From August 2005: “For two years, China Primary School students have selected the Wildlife Read More
Critter Chatter — Reminiscing, Part IV
As noted in recent columns, I’ll be sharing some of Carleen Cote’s past articles because Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center isn’t accepting any wildlife or phone inquiries right now. What follows is a story entitled, “Labor of Love” from August 3, 2002: “This week’s ‘Critter Chatter’ is not about the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center Read More
Critter Chatter — Reminiscing, Part III
As part of our continued stroll down Memory Lane, I found several articles written by Carleen Cote about students who have raised money for Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center. Here is one from August 4, 2001: “On June 12, fourth graders from Windsor Elementary School, with teachers Julie Clark and Sheila Ready, visited the Center Read More
Critter Chatter – Reminiscing, Part II
As a follow-up to last month’s stroll down Memory Lane, here is another article Carleen Cote wrote in 2004: “Over our 40 years, we have cared for every species of Maine mammal except for the Pine Martin [sic]. We have cared for every species of water mammal. Caring for the mammals every year is one Read More
Critter Chatter – Reminiscing, Part I
When I stopped by Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab this week, as there were no critters awaiting transfer to other rehabbers, Don and I talked again about how smoothly things have gone since his hospitalization in May and subsequent transition to semi-retirement. Over just a few days — thanks to Inland Fisheries & Wildlife staff, volunteers, Read More
Critter Chatter – Happy Endings x 2
I don’t remember that I’ve ever written back-to-back articles about the same species, but sometimes things just naturally fall into place. Both of these recent rescues have a happy ending, so how could I resist? As a follow-up to August’s column about the raccoon that underwent surgeries for a broken leg, fractured jaw, and dislocated Read More
