I'm not sure what these are going to turn out to be - they are clearly some kind of thistle, but look like they want to be cotton ball type things. (Those who read this blog do already know that my botanical knowledge is pathetic at best. But I know what I like looking at).
This poor little chap was rescued from Cupidon this evening; I locked Cupi up and returned in 30 seconds to find that Min had it now! There are times I could throttle my normally beloved cats.
I scouted around looking for distressed looking parent birds, but could find none. Leaving it outside at the moment is just writing a death warrant. I'll see how it does tonight and see if it will take some food tomorrow. It's not that far from being independent. If I can keep it alive for a couple of days it should be OK. Here's hoping.
Next morning update: The fledgeling died in the night, but peacefully. It was still comfortably and neatly reposed. No signs of struggle, flapping or derangement.
18 comments:
I wonder if the plant could be sea holly a type of thistle indigenous to southern european sea shores. I posted a picture of some in bloom last year - june 21 2007 post check it out and see what you think.
best of luck being a foster parent to the little birdie! do you have bells for your cats? if not DO immediately, do not pass go! the birds and mice will thank you (as will I)
mouse - I looked at your post and I think they could be kissing cousins, but don't have that ruff around the base of the ball. I'll see what they look like when they open up.
Bells make sense, but they don't wear collars. I started with Min when she was younger and she managed to get one of her front legs half way through it and was quite distressed. Put me off a bit. But thanks for the tip.
I haven't read enough of your blog to know whether or not you're the kind of person who'd go out looking for worms for the orphan. Good luck.
I'd have guessed a type of sea holly as well. I like plants like that, with good bones (or even just boney looking).
Pondside, welcome.
I don't always like people, but do care about animals. I feel that we often fail them miserably. So I would absolutely go out looking for worms. Have managed to raise a few orphan birds successfully, but they are tricky.
Sadly this one did not make it through the night.
I managed to raise a half-fledged kestrel (falco tinnunculus) years ago. Talk about fierce. It would sit back on its tail and raise its tallons saying "have a go then". I was eventually able to release it to the wild and see it go independent.
it is very, very hard getting an orphaned baby bird to make it...you tried - thank you for doing that.
yes there are many varieties of sea holly look forward to seeing a picture when you plant opens up!
Awww sorry the bird didn't make it. They tend to die from stress rather than injury. My cure all is just placing them in a cardboard box over night. The dark seems to reassure them and if not injured, they'll just fly off after a couple of hours. As for cats, love 'em but would never have one due to their bird grabbing habits!
that bird looks awfully disheveled.
it's hard to keep a wild bird alive; i'm sorry this one didn't make it.
i like the depth-of-field on the poppy picture.
mouse - it's worth a try, even if it means it dies in peaceful circumstances. I'll monitor the holly
baino - box, exactly. They either perk up or die, but as above, at least they die as peacefully as possible
laurie - it still had some downy bits which made it look a little untidy.
Depth of field - I do use a long lens which helps. I have a 75-300 mm which on a digital is more like 100-400mm (35 mm film equivalent) I believe.
What a lovely post. You're giving Bill Oddie a run for his money here :o)
Oh the poor little thing! A young neighbour once brought a starling to me that had been whapped by a cat, I gave it a drop of brandy and within minutes it was flying again! Not sure that's what I should have done but Nanna said brandy was good for everything.
Thanks for stopping by my place - I love the joke you left for me. :)
Sorry about the bird, always difficult to rear when they have been booted out of camp, usually a reason for it.
The plant by the way is ECHINOPS (Globe Thistle) Sculpted, spiky balls covered by tiny, starry flowers on tall, stiff stems above a clump of long, deeply divided leaves. Beautiful for mixing with the flowers of high summer, providing not just colour but variation of form. Sun. June-July.
Blossom
karen - by accident rather than design!
akelamalu - aha, one of my few innocent ones; it makes me chuckle too.
blossomcottage - too true. On the botanical thing, I emerge hands held high! Thanks for the info.
Thank you for your comment on my blog - I will think about it. -And thank you for your blog entry about your hen "Blue Foot". It was very moving to read it. (I like chickens and they are much for for me than the producers of eggs...)
Well at least you tried with the little feathered friend.
You'll have to let us know how the bird is doing. Poor little thing.
I like what your profile says, lol ... grumpy is good.
Welcome to Claudia and Drowsy Monkey. Nice to see you here.
gbs - they mostly don't make it, but you never know.
How sad about the tiny fledgling! You did the right thing and it had the cosiest last hours ... *sniff*
Hi there anonymous, nice to see you here, thanks for visiting.
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