I Am My Own PETA

[dissention]

Originally Posted by sparky

I moved right in, scooped the little thing up and took it outside. I kept talking to it and held it in my hands next to my chest in the sun to keep it warm. I thought for sure it's neck was broken. But after a few minutes, it started to blink, and move a little bit. I kept petting it's head and neck, hoping it would move it's head. Finally, it sat up in my hand. By then about six or seven people had come out to see what was happening. The little guy stood up in my hand and I continued to pat it on the head and scratch it's back. Within another minute or two, the bird opened and closed it's beak a few times, shook it's little tail, and took off into the trees. I got a round of applause.

Reason #469 why I want to marry your ass.

That was a sweet story and nice to read after that horrific PETA one. Thanks.

[sparky]

Originally Posted by Sugar

Very cool! Funny--I recently had a similar experience!

About a month ago our neighbor across the street knocked on our door saying she just saw a bird fly into another neighbor's front window. She said she saw it fall, but it wasn't moving and she was worried about it. So my husband (friend to all animals) came out, picked up the bird and basically did everything Sparky did. Interesting because he did the same opening-beak thing Sparky described! And he too eventually was fine and flew off!

But you're right, Sparks! I often get involved if an animal is hurt (remember my Great Blue Heron story?). I'm always amazed at people who choose to do nothing when a few moments can make all the difference in the world.

Anyway here's a picture of my husband holding the bird during its recovery. I think it's a Northern Flicker.

What a beautiful and very lucky bird.

I didn't hear the Great Blue Heron Story. Would love to, though.

Last summer I had a crippled (car accident) Mamma Raccoon and two babies come onto my property and had to rescue one little baby that got lost later that night. I took it to a lady who does Raccoon rescue in Topanga. I may have posted that story then. Nutty. What else to do though ? I can't turn away from a hurt animal.

[sparky]

Originally Posted by dissention

Reason #469 why I want to marry your ass.

Back at ya, D-puppy.

[GODDESS6]

very sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!~

[Sugar]

Originally Posted by sparky

What a beautiful and very lucky bird.

I didn't hear the Great Blue Heron Story. Would love to, though.

On a sweltering day last summer my daughter runs up to me and says, "Mommy, there's a big bird outside." Assuming that he's not 6 feet tall and yellow I look in the back yard and there in the back corner by our compost heap is a Great Blue Heron. I watched him for a while, and when he didn't leave I figured he must be hurt.

About a half hour north of me there's a wildlife refuge that will take any injured wild animal, so long as you can get it to the shelter. So I called them for advice on how to catch him (In case you're wondering, grab the beak first, because it's like a spear. Once you have the beak, you can drape a sheet or something over him and lift him up. They weigh almost nothing, which is surprising considering their size, but I suppose it makes sense since they fly and all! ).

A compost heap is in August is less than pleasant! But I went in there and got him. He was so weak, he didn't put up much of a fight, and I could see his one wing was mangled. So I loaded him into the car and took him to the shelter.

I really thought he was going to die on the way. He just sat on my passenger seat with his beak resting on the floor not moving. The whole way I'm saying, "C'mom Mr. Heron dude, Keep it together! You can make it! Please don't die in my car!"

He made it. They said he was probably hit by a car. But I never called back to see if he lived. I just couldn't bear to know.

So here's another picture...this is him in the car just before we started up there...

[sparky]

Originally Posted by Sugar

On a sweltering day last summer my daughter runs up to me and says, "Mommy, there's a big bird outside." Assuming that he's not 6 feet tall and yellow I look in the back yard and there in the back corner by our compost heap is a Great Blue Heron. I watched him for a while, and when he didn't leave I figured he must be hurt.

About a half hour north of me there's a wildlife refuge that will take any injured wild animal, so long as you can get it to the shelter. So I called them for advice on how to catch him (In case you're wondering, grab the beak first, because it's like a spear. Once you have the beak, you can drape a sheet or something over him and lift him up. They weigh almost nothing, which is surprising considering their size, but I suppose it makes sense since they fly and all! ).

A compost heap is in August is less than pleasant! But I went in there and got him. He was so weak, he didn't put up much of a fight, and I could see his one wing was mangled. So I loaded him into the car and took him to the shelter.

I really thought he was going to die on the way. He just sat on my passenger seat with his beak resting on the floor not moving. The whole way I'm saying, "C'mom Mr. Heron dude, Keep it together! You can make it! Please don't die in my car!"

He made it. They said he was probably hit by a car. But I never called back to see if he lived. I just couldn't bear to know.

So here's another picture...this is him in the car just before we started up there...

WOW. That is one heck of a bird.

He probably made it just fine. A bird can get along without a wing if he is fed and watered.

You rock !

[Sugar]

Originally Posted by sparky

WOW. That is one heck of a bird.

He probably made it just fine. A bird can get along without a wing if he is fed and watered.

Hope you're right. They would care for him at the shelter if he would be OK.

They have an open house once a year where you pay like $5 and they take you on a tour of the grounds and let you see all the animals. I know they have a blind red-tail hawk there, and they just keep him because he wouldn't survive in the wild.

Originally Posted by sparky

You rock !

Obviously WE rock!

[Lisa1769]

You're such a nice guy Sparky.

In the Spring, when all the baby birds are leaving their nests, I have a heck of a time. I know if they're on the ground to long, my cat will be licking his lips. I'll move them to higher ground but 10 minutes later I'll have to repeat the process.

[sparky]

Originally Posted by Lisa1769

You're such a nice guy Sparky.

In the Spring, when all the baby birds are leaving their nests, I have a heck of a time. I know if they're on the ground to long, my cat will be licking his lips. I'll move them to higher ground but 10 minutes later I'll have to repeat the process.

That is sweet. The birds probably appreciate it !

I don't seem to have many nests here on my property. There are some Crows that hang in my trees, and recently a Hawk has been here too, but no little ones. They stop by for a bath, but must have pads elsewhere.

[sparky]

Originally Posted by Sugar

They have an open house once a year where you pay like $5 and they take you on a tour of the grounds and let you see all the animals. I know they have a blind red-tail hawk there, and they just keep him because he wouldn't survive in the wild.

That is awesome. There is a wildlife refuge here somewhere, but I don;think they do those kind of tours. : (

Obviously WE rock!

[catinthedark]

What a great story, Sparky. I can't stand to see an animal suffer either. And I would be fit to kill if people were laughing at it. Good for you for saving that poor bird from the shameless asses.