While walking my very stubborn English Bulldog through our quiet neighborhood at 10pm last night, we both stopped short when we heard a small but distinct and persistent bird cry. Undoubtledy a baby, undoubtedly on the ground, undoubtedly NOT in the nighttime comfort of a nest. My dog, Jack, was in “lizard hunting mode” (I don’t let him actually catch them, but he knows they hang out around the ground lights and loves to seek & chase them – I’ve hauled little lizards right out of his chops before! Crazy dog, no lizard munching on MY watch!). Well, we both start to follow the small cry to a spot on a neighbor’s front walk across the street. Sure enough, I spot a tiny baby Killdeer (Sand Piper). No water close by! I had no idea how it got to be there but knew it wasn’t going to make the night alone. So, I distracted Jack long enough to scoop the baby safely up.
I am happy to report that after my oldest son and I figured out a comfy and warm little ”nest”, and got a little water and bug into him, he settled down to a peaceful night’s sleep.
In the morning, after checking on our little winged house guest, I look out our front door and see an odd lump at the end of our front walkway. I go out to see what it is….it is another displaced baby bird, this time a dove who cannot fly yet. Hmmmm. So I watch for an hour or so to see if mamma is close by. No mamma. So, After I get directs to the closest wildlife rescue ( http://www.libertywildlife.org/index.asp ) and organize my youngest son into the car for soccer camp, I load our little house guest into the car and then scoop up the baby dove in cozy box and load her into the car too and off we all go.
Both little critters have been safely handed over to caring volunteer experts and although I will miss the little SandPiper (he was such a cuddler and so adorably marked!), and hope the wee dove finds her way again, I know they are in good hands. Thank goodness for volunteers! Now, I am back home and as I write this, there are two big thumps at my back deck sliding doors, and Jack is startled into barking….it is two doves who appear to be trying to get in the door! (of course Jack has scared them away now).
I think I better pay close attention to what Spirit is trying to tell me by way of these little winged ones. I thought I found them…but I think they found me.
Hugs and blessings,
Critter Doc