We've had a pair of Mississippi Kites nesting in a big gum tree in our front yard. We've got a bunch of Kites in our neighborhood this year. They haven't been a problem, and I honestly kinda' got a kick out of having them. We took our normal morning walk this morning, getting home around 9AM, and nothing out of the ordinary. About 10:20 this morning, I went out front and we had a new 'guest' at the base of the tree.
This 'little guy or gal,' actually a pretty BIG guy or gal for this year's hatch, had apparently fallen out of the nest. It was alert, but not trying to fly or anything, so I kept my distance and called my local Game Warden and left a message. I kept a close eye on it and it made no attempt to fly. It would stretch its wings now and then and attempt to get up on its feet, but it couldn't even stand. I called the Game Warden and left another message. Then, I called the Lieutenant and left a message. Then, I texted them both. Finally, about 6:45 this evening, I got a reply to my text from the Lieutenant, including a link to the Rehabilitators from the ODWC web site. I tried to call both of the Rehabilitators in my county. One responded with (basically), 'call the other one.' No response from the 'other one.' I even tried getting ahold of an individual who I know has done this in the past. No joy. I have a feeling I will be cleaning up a pile of feathers in the morning. Beautiful bird. It's a damn shame. I know, they die in the wild every day, but not in my front yard. That is all. Rant over.
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This 'little guy or gal,' actually a pretty BIG guy or gal for this year's hatch, had apparently fallen out of the nest. It was alert, but not trying to fly or anything, so I kept my distance and called my local Game Warden and left a message. I kept a close eye on it and it made no attempt to fly. It would stretch its wings now and then and attempt to get up on its feet, but it couldn't even stand. I called the Game Warden and left another message. Then, I called the Lieutenant and left a message. Then, I texted them both. Finally, about 6:45 this evening, I got a reply to my text from the Lieutenant, including a link to the Rehabilitators from the ODWC web site. I tried to call both of the Rehabilitators in my county. One responded with (basically), 'call the other one.' No response from the 'other one.' I even tried getting ahold of an individual who I know has done this in the past. No joy. I have a feeling I will be cleaning up a pile of feathers in the morning. Beautiful bird. It's a damn shame. I know, they die in the wild every day, but not in my front yard. That is all. Rant over.
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