There was a bridge where I lived as a boy that was home to countless pigeons. To most they were a swarming, pooping scourge. Without warning a kit of pigeons would swoop into traffic and wreak havoc with driver’s; not infrequently a collision would ensue. Perhaps it was just her tender heart and not a particular affinity for pigeons but my mom invariably became distressed if she spotted a wounded member of the flock. I remember my dad grumbling as she pleaded with him to stop on more than one occasion to brave traffic for a pigeon rescue. He’d grumble but he always went. With some over-the-phone help from our local veterinarian we nursed them back to health in our basement. Usually after several weeks we’d ceremoniously set them loose to wreak havoc all over again.
One of my coworkers found this wounded Acorn Woodpecker; it took me back about thirty years. His wing was badly broken making him rather immobile and an easier photographic target. He’ll be taken to a refuge tomorrow where hopefully they’ll be able to mend his broken wing so he can peck another day. I hope he makes it.
[Update 10-19-10: Unfortunately Acorn didn't make it. He wouldn't eat and died before my colleague was able to get him to the good folks at The Living Desert in Palm Springs.]
9 Comments
Great close-up, let’s hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Thanks Miles–I hope so too. Wing looked pretty bad though.
What a mix of a story–from the sweet to the bitter, so to speak. I add my hopes for the woodpecker, too, and know workers at the refuge will do what they can to help. I hope “our hands” are big enough.
Good folks at the refuge–hopefully they’ll have success. I’ll ask my colleague on Monday to see if they gave a prognosis. Thanks Phil!
Love the clarity of this, eye included !
Thanks k@!
Awesome shot Christopher. The detail in the face is spot on.
Hope the bird makes a full recovery.
Cheers,
Glen.
Boy me too Glen–thanks so much!
sorry to know about the demise of the brilliant bird, love the red at the top of the head
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I was really saddened to learn the news–thank you Ayush