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....
12 comments:
It is either a female or branchling Gold Finch looking very tentative and who could blame her after such an experience. I usually pick them up and put them in a lunch size paper bag with paper towel folded on the bottom and let them sit until they are strong enough to fly. This helps avoid their becoming dinner for the many hawks we have around, who are usually responsible for buzzing them and causing the window collision. It also gives you a chance to transport them to a rehab facility if, in fact, they have an injury that would prevent them from being able to fly. A very sweet little bird indeed ...
Andrea @ From The Sol
So glad you could rescue it, and protect it, until it was able to fly again!
Shame it collided with the window - after a bit of 'down time' they do often recover - not being based in the US i'm no expert in birds there (I'm no expert anywhere if the truth be told!) - but I agree with the Goldfinch!
Hope all is well and welcome back!
Cheers - Stewart M - Jakarta (for this week!)
Très belle histoire. Nous pensons qu'il s'agit d'un Gobemouche noir - Ficedula hypoleuca - European Pied Flycatcher
Céline & Philippe
Well done you at saving the little bird - amazing what sitting quietly in a box can do - ha ha - I think I might try it myself! I love your new header pic - you have such talent don't you!! x Jo
In answer to your question ... a "branchling" is a baby bird that has moved from the nest out to a branch, but doesn't fly yet. I was mistaken in using that term because this is probably a fledgling ... a baby who has fledged it's nest and is out and about :) Sorry, didn't mean to cause any confusion :)
Andrea @ From the Sol
So glad you are back to blogging. Congrats on saving a little bird who could have been badly hurt. Gee, what a knock-out that must have been. She's a cutie but I haven't a clue as to what kind of bird she is. I suppose you could google your assumptions or guesses.
She's beautiful! So glad she's okay and really glad to see you blogging again! We missed you!
I hope the little bird survived and good on you for helping it!
Hi Bumbly!
I think a empidonax fly catcher is what you have. Probably got carried away chasing down a tasty bug and missed! Oops! Thanks for taking care of him...or her...
Dave
You have done a wonderful thing - bless you! We need all the birds we can get so it's good that this little one made it.
I love happy endings! Great story!
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