On Sunday, I heard a "ponk" sound and immediately thought it was the fridge.... we've had a lot of trouble with 'fridges since our major renovation, but, then... had a horrible thought that proved to be the case. I little bird had flown into the front room window and bounced off ... I ran to the window and sure enough, there he/she was lying feet up on the rocks below the window. I felt sick to my stomach.
But, ran to find a shoebox as quickly as I could. My Mom used to do it all the time and it's always been a good way to salvage them and try to revive them. By the time I got out there he had righted himself and was sitting up a bit.. sort of... so I carefully got him and put him into the shoebox...he did shriek and I was hoping it was just fear and not in pain.
I closed the lid and put the box in the patio. There were a few holes in it so he had lots of air. I went into the house but kept a close eye on the box. After about 10 minutes...I was thinking ...would he try to fly and be panicking if he was trapped in there or would he just stay resting because it was nice and dark? I waited a bit more and then went out and carefully opened the lid. His eyes were closed... but in the light...he opened them and actually looked pretty good. Almost perky. I had hope. Back inside I went, but kept an eagle eye on the box in case a cat or something showed up. Actually got out my camera and went out on the patio steps and got a great photo of him. I keep saying him, but I do think it is a little, young female.
I had one other little birdie hit our patio window and it killed her. I just didn't have the heart to take her photo even though she was beautiful. I think with this little one, I felt hopeful and wanted to document a success.
Several more minutes... so, a total of only about 25 minutes total from the time of impact ... and, off it flew. I cheered right out loud!! It was a fluttering up and out and I did wonder if perhaps it might not have cleared the patio wall or that it landed nearby the steps..so went out to check. Nowhere to be found, so I guess it is a success.
Poor little thing...I sure hope it was alright and can continue on it's intended path. I think they must be migrating now and it could have just been a fly by... I have only ever seen one or two and only about this time of year. I suppose they could live here, but like I say... only ever seen one or two... and, sadly this little guy had a run-in with our window. Darn it.
Without further ado.... here she is. I think she is a young American Goldfinch ....
If any of my birdie blog buddies see this... please let me know if you think that is what it is.
So.... update:...... I got two comments saying they thought it is in the Empidonax genus, and Dave from Birds from Behind gave me all the clues to look for which one. Apparently a "gnat master" if you will .. (not Dave, the little birdie that is ) .. empis meaning "gnat" and anax meaning "master".
I looked for photos of Canadian flycatchers and lo and behold, found photos identical to this little one and so it is.... An Alder Flycatcher!
Check out other beautiful birds over at Paying Ready Attention by clicking on the birdie below....
