The past month has been event after event after event after event. It’s good for Fallen Feathers – lots of opportunity to educate people. As birds, we get our pictures taken and see all the ooohhhhs and aaahhhh and what is that?
Tres RIos Nature Festival is an event we have been going to for years. If you have never been, It’s out by Phoenix International Raceway – south of I-10 on Avondale. The festival has AZ Game and Fish and several of the local Audubon Societies and other vendors for people to find out more information. There is fishing and bird walks to participate in. This year it was lovely weather with just a little bit of breeze. But first we have to get there…..
Our volunteers get up early to get us ready – jesses on and put in our carriers. Any last minute items are packed and also any babies that need cared for on a hourly basis – this year we have eight hummingbirds, a sparrow and three pigeons.
Once we arrive – the tables are prepared and we are put on our perches or held, depending on the bird and the volunteer. Voldemort, the Turkey Vulture and Alice, the Coopers Hawk, were both very happy with our space.
I cry out to the people walking by (literally – I haven’t learned to stop using my baby cry). I was brought to the rescue as a juvenile Red Tailed Hawk with a broken wing. The break was high up into my shoulder and had already started to set. It couldn’t be fixed, so I am one of the lucky Education birds.
As part of this event, volunteers also help children make birdy bagels. While most of us birds of prey are not interesting in this seed stuff, we know the songbirds and pigeons/doves love it.
Don’t forget to see other great pictures from the event here at AZCentral.
What made this event different was that people brought us several birds to rehab at the event. Saturday we received a dove, two hummingbirds and a call to get a harris hawk. The hawk had been in a person’s yard for two days. When he was picked up by volunteers, the main injury was to the right eye. Treatment began immediately and so far the hawk is doing well.
Sunday, we were back out at Tres Rios. This time we were brought a pigeon. But when we got home, that’ when things really got strange. A Pelican had been dropped off. White pelicans are not all that unusual in Arizona, but Brown Pelicans are less common. It had stepped on a cholla cactus. It took about 45 minutes to get all the thorns out of the feet and mouth.
This is not Fallen Feather’s first Pelican. The timing of it’s arrival was interesting. Jody and her volunteers will take care of the injured, the orphaned, the hungry and us, the residents. Here’s to speedy recovery to my fellow feathered friends. I cry for you.
Red, The Red Tailed Hawk
P.S. Nigel, the Pelican has asked for lots of fish. It’s not the normal diet kept here, so if you know of any fishermen with some, it would be greatly appreciated.