Good morning from my new frenemy, this spunky little fighter I caught yesterday just a block from my house. This injured bird rescue started with a bird who had all the fire in the world, but unfortunately, not the wings to match. I could tell he’d been shot, though the bleeding had stopped. Poor thing tried to fly away, only to drop like a rock from a branch about 16 feet high.

Then the chase was on. And let me tell you, this bird was fast. Wouldn’t you know it? He made a beeline for the Shively ditch, and me, hot on his talons, not paying attention, slid right down after him. He stayed dry. I did not. Turns out, I must be getting fat because I broke through the ice, feet soaked up to my shins. Lucky for me, it was only a block away, so I didn’t freeze solid on the walk back.

I can’t save all of them, and I lose a lot, but the wins, the ones who get to roam free again, just like they were meant to, make every bit of effort worth it. I run, walk, limp, even crawl from little win to little win, but they add up. Sometimes, we make the hard call because letting them suffer would be worse.

Oh, and I also caught a goose, but that’s a whole other story for tomorrow.

If you find an injured bird or wounded wildlife, please do not try to keep it, feed it, or treat it at home. In Kentucky, the safest first step is to contact a permitted wildlife rehabilitator or follow guidance from Kentucky Fish & Wildlife’s injured and orphaned wildlife page. Many wild birds are also protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which means they need proper legal care from licensed or federally permitted professionals.

Have a good day, everyone!