Sad news to report. Both baby birds died today. One, this afternoon, the other this evening. They both died in my hand while I was feeding them. One minute they seemed fine and were eating, and the next, their bodies stopped moving, and went limp. I now know what it feels like to hold something in your hand as it takes its last breath. These little guys were tiny at only 1 1/2 ounces, so there was just not much substance to them yet.
I knew it was such a slim chance that they would survive, even make it 24 hours (two did), but I wanted to hold out hope. I know I made some mistakes, like giving them water, but I really think they just didn't have enough gumption to keep going.
I buried both of them in the same place as the other one that was already deceased this morning. The interesting thing this afternoon was that I found two nests, both empty, on the other side of where I originally found the birds. I must not have seen them yesterday. I now know that the mother/father had a good chance of finding them, since they were nearby the nests, but they didn't. I also noticed when I walked around the tree, there was another baby bird in the same place I found the others. Unfortunately, it was not alive. I buried that one as well with the rest and said prayers and my good-byes to them.
In some ways, I do feel silly being emotional about these baby birds, but at the same time, I had such a feeling of exhilaration rooting for these little ones. It gave me a sense of hope that something good could happen, that I could save something. The one thing that provides me relief is that the ones under my care passed away with food in their system, warmth for their bodies, and tender loving care. Why it wasn't enough, I don't know. This was just not meant to be. :sigh:
Note--*Photos taken in the afternoon. Both birds were alive and kicking.
16 comments:
What? Don't you dare feel silly! What you did was a wonderful, valiant thing. If there's such a thing as karma, then you've got some sunshine heading your way.
Please don't feel silly! I have to admit that I've loved following this story, and I think it shows the depth of humanity and compassion that you have, for all living creatures.
Oh, poor dears. You did a caring, humane thing, and they had someone to love them! I get really sappy about birds too, for some reason, and it's sad that they had to go, isn't it? Thank you for sharing in your blog. :) ClpX
Sorry about the birds. You did what you could.
Sorry again. Like I said yesterday, you did way more than most people would have. This morning I saw someone intentionally run over a squirrel, and all I could think was what a contrast it was with what you've devoted your past couple of days to. You have a kind spirit, that is much more inspiring and far-reaching than I think you realize.
(Sorry for the burble of deleted comments, will explain later. Should not submit comments before morning coffee!)
I'm sorry about the birds dying. I said my prayers for them, but like I said God doesn't listen to me anymore. Wait. I take that back. Sometimes creatures and people die. It's the circle of life. You did the best you could for those babies and you should feel proud of that.
I am sorry it happended. But as you said in the title- it´s nature. I have similar memory. When I was a child I want to "save" little hedgehog in park near my home. But some old man said me that if I touch it, his mother won´t take care of him anymore because of the smell. I let him there in the evening and in the morning he was dead.
I think it´s important this bird babies had loving care during their short life. Don´t feel silly please!
This, my dear Tiptoe, is the very definition of humanity. Like the little bird that my mom and I tried to save, it gave me great comfort to know that it died out of the blazing sun and with a little bit of water. I think the birds would say thank you, if they could.
Oh, don't feel silly about being emotional. I'm emotional and I'm not even physically close to the situation. I can feel the pain of trying to care for the birds, and watching them die. It's so sad. You really did all you could do. Nature is cruel sometimes... I know the birds appreciated your care. You are such a sweet, loving person. That is so obvious.
I appreciate everyone's lovely comments. To those who commented to not feel "silly," I realized after posting this that I often feel this way. It's something I need to work on. Minimizing your feelings doesn't do much good in the long run.
Lisa, I like to think I have good karma. :-)
Kristina, glad you enjoyed following this. In moments like these, I feel like my compassion-ism overwhelms me.
Clpx, yes, it is very sad they did not make it. Baby birds are just so delicate.
PTC, thanks for your kind words.
Cammy, thanks for responding to all my texts. I agree with you that it is said when people intentionally run over animals. In high school, I actually failed my first driving exam, because I refuse to run over a squirrel and stopped in the road instead.
Ola, thanks for sharing your hedgehog story. They too are cute little creatures. It is always sad when an animal doesn't make it, especially at the start of life.
Carrie, I like to think the birds thanked me. Actually, I'll have a post related to that later.
Kim, yeah nature can be cruel, but it is the cycle of life.
Gwen, yes, it is the circle of life. I do feel good for the efforts I made to save those birds.
I'm sorry, Tiptoe. :-(
Tiptoe, I really just wanted to say that I so much admire what you did. I don't know what else to say but I agree with Carrie that the birds would say thank you to you if they could.
best wishes
sarah-j
I really admire what you did for these birds too. A very kind act of service.
I agree with everyone else when I say that you aren't silly. I get emotional over things much smaller than this.
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