A Bird in the Hand

My day yesterday was completely thrown off when I went to check the mail. Usually, I'll go down the front steps, but I was cleaning up the kitchen after lunch and was closest to the back door.

I like to keep the door open, so we can enjoy some sun through the storm door. Bella, the cat, enjoys it too. It's like Kitty Kable in our backyard with squirrels, birds, rabbits, etc.

When I went out and got to the bottom of the concrete steps, I saw an itty bitty bird just sitting there. I kept my distance for a bit and observed it. He (?) kept opening his little beak and chirping. He could hop around, but not fly.

I looked up into our trees to try to find a nest he may have fallen out of and didn't see anything. I knew if I left him there, he would most certainly die. I also knew I shouldn't touch him.

I sat on a stair and kept watching. Finally, I decided I had to do something.
Since we have the two parakeets, I keep a smaller cage in case there is any emergency situations and one or both need to see a vet. The parakeet cage is actually large enough for Cockatiels and not easy to transport.

I scooped up the little fluffy feathery dude and called for Buddy to help me get the smaller cage. I got pooped on a couple of times. Blech! But, the little fella was obviously scared.

He seemed okay in the cage, while I called a local vets. Amazingly, they had an employee (a vet tech) who has cared for and hand raised several wild birds, getting them healthy with special food and then releases them back into their natural environment.

Sissy and I loaded into the car and Mr. Feathers got to ride shotgun, with the seat belt around the cage. :-) We took him in and in short order, the empty cage was returned to us. I spoke to the tech, just to make sure he would be well cared for. The receptionist I had spoken to earlier on the phone told me that little ones who fall out of the nest typically don't have good odds, but I was confident that this lady would have the resources and knowledge to give him the best chances.

Sissy was heartbroken that we weren't bringing the little bird back home with us. She cried for a long time. I told her we did the best thing for him and that he would be safe and happy there. She said she didn't care about any of that, she was just sad we'd never see the little guy again.

I recolored my hair purple and rescued some wildlife. Pretty cool day, huh?

Have a great Tuesday, hooligans! And remember, always stop to rescue an animal in need. :-) It makes your heart feel 3 sizes larger! :-)

Love,