It's Great To Have A Friend During Recovery A Pine Siskin and House Finch forged a friendly bond during their shared recovery, showing even in the avian world, it helps to have a friend when facing a challenge. Read on for their story...
Also in this update, a tangible need you can help with as we prepare for Baby Bird Season!
Strange Bedfellows
A tale of friendship between a House Finch and Pine Siskin
December, we admitted an adult House Finch who had been caught in a sticky trap. These traps can lead to an agonizing death for birds and other small animals. Fortunately, this little guy was found in time and brought to us for care. He was in bad shape and was facing a long recovery.
The initial exam confirmed multiple injuries. There was heavy bruising all over his lower body, injuries to his pelvic area and legs, skin tears with active bleeding, and severe feather damage. All his tail feathers, plus the primary and secondary feathers on his left wing, had been pulled out during his struggle on the trap. He was also severely dehydrated.
After carefully removing him from the trap, we began pain meds, antibiotics and fluids. Because it was winter and he had lost so many feathers, he also required a heated enclosure to keep him warm.
Given the extent of his injuries and the energy it would take to regrow all those missing and damaged feathers, he was going to need considerable physical therapy if he was going to be able to return to the wild.
Once he began responding to treatment, he was put on an increased diet to encourage healthy feather development. After almost two weeks, he had improved enough to begin gentle physical therapy. Shortly after that, we celebrated as we began to see lots of feather regrowth!
About this same time, hospital supervisor Cynthia brought in a Pine Siskin who had flown into a window at her home. If you're going to have an accident, what better place than where a trained medical professional lives!
He was obviously stunned, with heavy bruising on his breast, and the tip of his beak was broken. He was also displaying signs of possible respiratory issues. He was immediately put on pain medication, antibiotics and oxygen to help with his breathing.
Due to the broken beak, he had some trouble eating at first, but once his beak was successfully treated, he began to make progress.
On January 7, 2025, both patients had progressed sufficiently to move into an outdoor aviary. They soon became best buddies, and over the next couple of weeks seemed to forge a friendship as they finished their recoveries. They were observed "chatting" constantly as they continued to gain strength and mobility, and on January 21st, both were ready for release and returned to their respective home habitats. Two happy endings, indeed!
Appliance Replacement
Just like our dear old Quonset hut, many of our appliances are downright ancient! BRC supporters have asked us about specific needs, so here's an immediate need you can help with...
We need to purchase a new refrigerator. Due to space constraints, we can only fit an 18 cubic ft. model. We found one for about $700, so if you can help with the purchase, it's a tangible way to support the work being done at BRC!
To help with this purchase, click the link below - and enter "New Refrigerator" in the comment box.
Caring for injured birds like these two is only possible because of your support! We are grateful for your gifts that make stories like this possible!