Comments on: The baby bird debacle

By: eisha

eisha — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 14:27:31 +0000

Oh, Robin, that is so awful. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the poor lil’ babies.

Gotta agree with some of the other commenters, though - the way you told this story is hysterical. I’m always pleased by any mention of a can of whupass.

By: robin

robin — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 01:23:58 +0000

Annette! Group hug!

By: annette

annette — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 00:32:25 +0000

the best pet i ever had was a baby sparrow rescued from the mouth of our neighbor’s cat. his name was “peeper” for obvious reasons. he grew up healthy and strong except for a lack of tailfeathers due to cat-inflicted trauma and therefore could not fly. he had the run of the house (my folks were pretty “casual” when it came to things like birdie doo) and loved to hop on your foot to be kicked up to the ceiling. he would flap down and jump on again and again and again.

then one dark and stormy night (actually is was a beautiful sunny day and i thought it would be great for peeps to get some air) i hung his cage on the patio. ahhhhh, foolish, foolish child. the cat (i’m not sure it was the “original” cat that had almost ended his little hatchling life or some equally muderous thug of a cat, i refused to believe it could have been my own cat, who never expressed any interest in or aggression toward the dear bird) came back. we found only the twisted remains of the cage and a few scattered feathers.

he was a good bird that peeper.

By: Vivian

Vivian — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 20:41:00 +0000

Oh the poor birdies. My husband and I rescued a baby baltimore oriole that fell out of his nest almost ten years ago. His name was Ollie.

We were unfit bird parents. I totally feel your pain.

By: Christen

Christen — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 17:36:11 +0000

I’m sorry, but I think your story is hysterical!!! I mean, I feel bad for the birds, but I was totally laughing out loud as I read this. I can’t believe your husband knocked the other bird out of the nest… and then ate dove for dinner!!!! You guys are out of control! =)

By: robin

robin — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 16:05:24 +0000

Thanks, Sara. That is a consolation. You know how it is–anything for the blog.

Thanks, Heather and Katie and Deborah. Glad to know I’m not alone!

By: Sara

Sara — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 15:57:23 +0000

Oh, no, Robin. I’ve been there, too, and unfortunately, I know the math:

Adult + baby bird = heartbreak.

It’s the same with little kids + balloons. Sooner or later, you have a bawling child.

Nice storytelling arc, though, if that’s any consolation.

By: Deborah

Deborah — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 15:46:07 +0000

“The parents were going fully Hitchcock on us”: I Love It: The Birds was one of the first Hitchcok movies I ever saw and wow did it make an impression on me.

I’ve always been a huge animal rescuer (just look at my menagerie) and I feel so bad for the birds and you. Let’s hope those llittle birds are tough enough to make it.

By: Katie Alender

Katie Alender — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 14:16:05 +0000

Oh, Robin, I know exactly how you feel. I lost a whole nest of baby House Finches to a mean old scrub jay several weeks ago. Those little birds just get to you.

By: Heather Harper

Heather Harper — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 13:15:25 +0000

I feel your pain.