Hubertus Sparrow

by lia Evanson-Willems
(Merkelbeek Netherlands)

Every year sparrows build a nest over my back door. I counted 5 little fuzzy heads about 4 weeks ago. Yesterday I found a baby bird in my yard in the grass.

How this little one fell out and got as far as he did without a major injury and not being gobbled up by one of the many cats I feed is a mystery.

My husband said to leave it alone and let nature take it's course, but I could not abandon junior to his fate.

I put it in a box with some old towels and since my husband would not help I called his dad. My father-in-law has been breeding finches and canaries for years. Bread dipped in water and good luck was his advice.

I named junior after my father in law, but I think junior just might me a juniorette. I have been feeding Hubert(ina) every 15-45 minutes.

What goes in comes out in a huge squirt at the other end so I guess everything is working inside. Also reading on line how to do the best I can. I am glad school just let out for the summer so I have plenty of time.

Hubert has feathers that seem to be encased in long tubes, and I don't think is at the fledgling stage yet. He has a voracious appetite and is always cheeping softly unless hungry, then he gets very loud.

I will put him outside in his box tomorrow to see if his mom and dad will continue feeding him.

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Hubertus Sparrow

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Jul 01, 2010
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almost there
by: lia

Poor little Tina, kicked out of the gym for "hygiene" reasons. Any how she now making short flights or graceful landings. Looks beautiful in her new feathers, no pins left. Is able to perch on my fingers instead of always being held in my hands.

One of her siblings actually fell into her box yesterday. Which I had left outside on my table. It was easy to tell the difference between the 2, Tina is excited when she sees me.... FOOD. the other, poor thing was terrified, I put it into the grass and it took off running. Probably thought... Godzilla!
Tina has a bigger box but she can hop out of it, and off the table, but she stays very close to the back door.
Going to get some bird seed today, maybe she will learn to peck it to eat. Still is being hand fed.
I am hoping she will be far enough along next week to make it out on her own.

Jun 30, 2010
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fireplace sparrows
by: lia

If you can leave them alone, mom will take care of them, if not try a nice open box close to where the original nest was located. If they have no tail feathers and the mom is still feeding them they are nestlings and not fleglings. Good luck.

Jun 29, 2010
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2 fallen sparrows
by: Anne

A mother sparrow built a nest in our fireplace chimney. Today the nest broke and half of the nest with two feathered sparrows fell into the fireplace.

The mom has come down but the babies can't fly yet although their wings appear pretty full. She went back up the chimney. Anyone out there in birdlovers land have any suggestions?
Thanks!!!

Jun 29, 2010
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Hubertina
by: Marianne

What a wonderful story. Hubertina found the perfect place and person to get her through. You are both very special. Thank you for the update of her adventures and travels.

Jun 29, 2010
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Hubertina Merel
by: lia

Day 3

After checking many sites about feeding I have come to the conclusion that plain white bread cut into tiny tidbits with a tiny bit of cat food, I use fancy feast, and a bit of water to moisten it, is the best to feed this tiny bird.

Anything else and she poops out non standard waste products. This mix gives me the classic picture perfect bird poop. Go figure.

Where, I go she goes, gym, friends birthday party, family, I play Buffett in the car and to my surprise she was actually peeping along to the beat of the song. Clever girl.

I let her run around in the yard to work out legs and so she could stretch her wings. For such a tiny thing... she is darn fast.

Jun 27, 2010
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Good Luck!!
by: CC

I hope this little one will fare well with all your help - you are a good person!

Jun 27, 2010
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Hubertina Merel
by: lia

Day two, not a sparrow but a merel or black bird
feathers are further developed, looks more brown than black, so I guess it's Hubertina after all.

Eating well, I took her outside today, but the parents didn't seem too interested. The nest mates were very active. Unfortunately too active as one fell out and my husband found him dead by my back door. So Tina will stay with me a bit longer.

I took Tina with me while I did errands. She travels well, eats well, not in any way showing stress. Likes to be held.

I am hoping within 2 weeks I will be able to set her free as her feathers are sprouting quickly.

Jun 27, 2010
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Baby Sparrow
by: Marianne

Thanks for sharing your story. I think you are wonderful for all your efforts and giving her a chance to make it. Sounds like things are going well. I wish you both the best. Let us know how she does.

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