Not sure if many saw it, but I mentioned in Kitty's finch post that we had an attack on our dove nest in the palm tree in our back yard last night sometime. I've been watching these doves build their nest, have their babies, and feed them for the past few weeks. The babies were just about old enough to leave the nest (losing their down for real feathers) when the attack happened. Anyway, I mentioned there was a dead baby next to the tree when we found it, and Tommy was going to take care of it when we got home from the store. When we got home, however, we found out he was still alive. I'm crying while I write this, as I have been for awhile now. My poor little baby's leg flesh had been torn away by whatever had attacked it, and while I was out shopping the poor little baby had been laying on the ground defenseless in the wind and rain. We found him alive and so sore he couldn't put his wing down and he was covered in ants. We tried calling all the nearby vet clinics that were open on a Sunday night and no one would take him. So finally we made the decision, and Tommy put him out of his misery. I'm glad now he's out of pain, but I'm so upset with myself that I didn't look at him more closely this morning and find out he was alive then when I probably could have found an open vet office to take him.
I know its all a part of nature, but when its in your own backyard I don't think you can help but feel responsible. My sweet little baby dove is back with its mother now at least.
Jenny, bless you and Tommy. You did all you could and the what if's and the but's always come about at times of grief. The main thing to always remember, is that you cared
You cared so much that now you grieve....such is nature, and this was mean't to be. I hope you feel better soon darln'
Hugs to you, Kim
Oh Jenny, that is so sad. The poor baby probably wouldn't have survived even if you had got it to a vets in the morning, don't beat yourself up about it. Baby birds are really hard to care for and usually die of shock anyway, it's better off now with it's mum.
Please don't let this upset you too much, it's really not good for you or your baby and that's what's important now.
Oh Jenny, this is such a heart-breaker, I have had so many birdies die before I could get them to help. Ever since I was little I would find them, some made it, others didn't. We even had a vet in the neighborhood that helped me tape up a bird's broken wing. She was so sweet when I just turned up at her door.
You and Tommy did the right thing, from the sound of it the baby was probably in shock and would not have made it regardless. Big hugs to you both.. these things are so darned difficult!
Thanks guys! I was really not looking forward to walking Koa this morning and seeing an empty nest, but guess what! I walked over there and there were two adults up there, and as I watched one of them bent down to feed a baby! A minute later I saw a little baby head sticking out to look at me
At least one of them is still alive, and I think I might have heard two (there were three babies total I think)! I was so excited! I can still see a dead adult up there and I'm wondering what to do now. Should Tommy go try to get it down and risk disturbing the remaining adults/baby(ies) (and possibly have another baby fall out of the nest) or should we leave it and risk it drawing another predator or spreading disease/bugs to the remaining doves??
Jenny, Thank you for being so caring about your doves. That baby probably wouldn't have survived no matter what you could have done. As for the dead adult, the other adults will do what's best for the flock.
For future reference, you might investigate local wildlife rehabbers. Many rehabbers will gladly take injured wildlife, use vets who are familiar with wildlife injuries, and get the injured animals back to nature if at all possible.
I tried finding a wildlife friendly vet, but we're very limited as far as options go here on Oahu. Its such a small island and other than sea life we really don't have a huge abundance of wildlife here. I still can't figure out what could have gotten to the birds in the first place. We don't have snakes, raccoons, possums, or much of anything that can climb trees. I think it must have been a stray cat, though I haven't seen many and never in the backyard. Hopefully whatever it was will stay away and let the rest of the babies continue in peace now.
Jenny, you say you have seen 2 adults today so it may have been them that killed the other one. It is quite possible, I watched a wildlife programme last night where 2 female kingfishers were fighting over one male and the male eventually killed one of the females. It's sad I know but all a part of nature.
I'm so sorry about the baby - but hopefully the other(s) will make it. I just hate to see anything happen to innocent wildlife (except for snakes!)
You know, I bet you're right Jane! All of my doves are pure white, but there's one out there now that has a brown spot on his wing that I've never seen before. I wonder if he's just staking territory. The dead bird is still hanging up there, I keep hoping it will fall so we can bag it up.