The Passing of a Feathered Friend

[chickadeedeedee]

Someone found him nearly buried in the late winter snows of the year 2000. He had a broken leg and was near death from the injury and cold. The broken leg, that was thinner than a toothpick, remained attached by a tiny piece of skin. There was no saving the already blackened limb so I completed the amputation.

He was warmed up and given antibiotics and a lot of tender loving care. It is not every day that I meet a Dark-eyed Junco face to face. And what a beautiful face he had! I contacted my Avian Veterinarian friend and asked if Mr. Junco could be fitted with a prosthesis to make his life easier. Alas, there was no such item but Mr. Junco very quickly recovered and adjusted to a one legged life in captivity.

He was free to mingle and play in the aviary. He was a little smaller than the sparrows and finches but he got along with everyone. Mr. Junco never failed to keep us company while decorating the Christmas tree. His sweet song was a continuous serenade throughout the month of December and beyond. Mr. Junco sang his sweet song at all hours of the night too.

This spring he seemed weak and was placed in a cage. It was the first time since a week after he came to stay with us seven years ago that he was jailed. The Avian Veterinarian suggested he remain more isolated as he was getting up in age and the stress of being in the free flight aviary may be too much for him. Mr. Junco had a large cage and a variety of seeds, fruits, mealworms and a dish of water for a nice bath. Within 2 days Mr. Junco seemed to recover his strength and was singing happily at all hours of the day and night again.

He looked so good we thought to let him back into the free flight area again, once the Orange Weaver Finches were done with their nesting. The Orange Weavers are *VERY* aggressive at this time. Mr. Junco never made it back to the free flight. He died suddenly this afternoon.

He was an adult when he came to live with us and it is estimated they can live 8-10 years in captivity but only 2-3 years in the wild. He was wrapped in a paper towel with a flower design and buried under some violets.

Oh Mr. Junco ... You always remained wild and barely tolerated our intrusion into your territory. You would fly up to the highest branches or go behind a limb and stretch to peek over and keep an eye on us. Although you knew us for so many years you never quite trusted that we would not suddenly make a quick meal of you.

Here's a photograph of one of his relatives:



Mr. Junco, you'll never know how much happiness your cheerful nature brought to our home. It is sadly silent here now. Seems that Kramer and the others mourn your passing too.
__________________

[Shrubrose]

How fortunate he was that you found him and gave him back his life C3D. Sorry that he can no longer be with you.

Shrub.x

[nightowl]

Oh that's such a lovely story C3D. You gave him years of life he would not have had otherwise, and he rewarded you with his singing.

[Plocket]

Oh C3D yet again your wonderful reminiscences draw me in despite knowing that it will end sadly, because of the title. At least he was cared for and loved for the longer life than he would have had in the wild - that must count for something.

Px

[Susie Snowdrop]

Awww C3D......................

Beautifully told tale.

S x

[piggingardener]

Hello C3D

A beautiful tale, as ever. You write so well I can almost see and hear your feathered friends in your postings.



Piggin x

[snowowl]

C3D how nice it was you gave him some extra life he wouldnt have had.
He rewarded you with his singing and you will always have the nice memories that might not have been thanks to you. l

[chickadeedeedee]

Thanks everyone.

A friend of mine summed up the tale like this:

Be not sad that he has gone, be glad that he was here.

I *know* I am more fortunate than many to be able to get to know these beautiful precious wild souls on a more personal level. They all have their distinct personalities and I treasure every encounter.

Now of course I need to worry about the other feathered friends we have at home. Floyd, a House Finch with a deformed leg is now 7 years old too. Kramer, our beloved Starling, was born in June 1999. Other small finches and sparrow guests are ready to apply for a retirement pension too. They should all live forever but they will not. All I can hope for is that we provide the best care and happiest home so their lives in captivity are as joyous and fun as can be.

~~~~~~> No wonder I get the migraines! ;D

[nightowl]

Hi C3D. You get them through to a good age, don't you? I'm sure none of them would live anything like as long in the wild.

And what your friend said is beautiful.