Nelson Mandela said, “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” And I am on a mission to change the world for garden birds.
Last week the Parys Gazette published my article about the right and wrong times to help a baby bird.
When I received a call yesterday morning about a hungry and exhausted fledgling, I decided to help the youngster. After rehydrating and feeding him, I put him into the aviary. He desperately tried to escape a few hours later, so I took him back home.
Upon arrival at the premises where the person picked him up, he immediately called for his parents from the travel crate on the lawn. I did not hear any answers and felt a little disappointed. After a few minutes, I released him from the box, and as I walked away to observe from a distance, his parents flew down to inspect him.
Because the person brought their dogs inside, the youngster could continue his flying lessons without being caught. I received feedback this morning that the youngster is learning fast and is happily reunited with his parents. The person agreed to keep their dogs away from the area for two or three days so that the youngster could continue his flight training.
In another situation, I asked someone to return a dove to the area they found him. They were worried about feral cats, but I told them we shouldn’t interfere with nature. A few minutes later, they sent me a picture of the baby’s mother sitting on a perch, watching over him.
Remember, you do not help a baby bird by taking him from his parent’s backyard. You are not rescuing the bird; you are ABDUCTING it!
After Marisa shared this post earlier this morning, Gerben van der Meulen replied:
Thank you for your help yesterday Marisa, it was an enjoyable learning experience. We followed the little one being guided back to it’s nest by mom and dad. Early this morning we found the 3 of them out in the veld, feeding the little one. Success, because of your correct decision to bring him home.
