Babies without a Mom
by Kathy H
(Cortlandt Manor, NY, USA)
Every year a Carolina Wren makes its nest in our birdhouse under our eave. Sometimes, she/he would flash by me as I walked by only to return shortly.
Recently, I noticed the nest twigs coming out of the air slits near the top of the roof. Today is Sunday and yesterday I heard the chirping of chicks and their mother lay still by the entrance.
However, today, I still heard the chirping but the mother hadn't moved. Upon closer inspection I saw that she had died! Behind her was a little open mouth.
After calling a nature preserve nearby, I received several names of "bird" people in the area. (This was all very new to me). In the meanwhile I pried open the house and it appeared that all but one or two had passed. Their movement was minimal and laborious.
Fortunately, I received a call-back from one of the "bird" people (Patty) and was informed what to do with dog kernels that were soaked. (I had dug up some worms but to no avail did I get one of the two to eat).
Patty had an incubator in her garage and received many chicks in trouble. She was an hour away but I knew they would be in better hands if I could get them to her in time.
The ride was the longest hour I had spent recently in a car.
Much to my surprise, when she lifted them out of the nest, all six stirred! They were all alive! How relieved I was to have put them in capable hands. I am looking forward to hearing of their progress. My only concern now is the father. What will he think?
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