Gym or saving a Bird?

Last Thursday morning I woke up and headed out of my apartment to walk my dog, Bella. As we were walking I saw this little bird struggling. It looked like his wing or leg was not working and he was trying so hard to fly to get to safety and he couldn’t.

I saw my neighbor and he said he would take care of it. He scooped him up and put him in a water bowl and the poor bird drank some water. He kept him in the hallway of his apartment in a clear plastic bowl.

I did some errands and was looking for bird food. Thankfully I was able to find something at Petco for wild birds. I brought the block and left it for the bird to munch on. His eyes were closed and he was breathing heavily with his beak wide open. He looked terrible but felt he just needed to rest.

Around 3:30 I peeked in to see him again and he just looked helpless. A lightbulb 💡 came and I decided to call Parsippany Animal Control. They are amazing by the way. They referred me to The Raptor Trust. Who are they? Where are they?

The Raptor Trust is located in Millington NJ, about 25 minutes down south from me. After speaking to them and sending them a photo of the bird they said I can transport him over.

My gym appointment was set for 4:15 pm and it was 3:30 pm. I missed my gym appointment to save this little guy.

I drove to the place and got there a little after 4. They checked him and he is a mourning dove about 1-2 weeks old and small for his age. The young lady said he looks malnourished. Poor guy probably couldn’t fly to get food. I’m so glad I was able to do something for him.

They gave me a sign-in sheet and a number I can check on him in 3 days to see how he’s doing or if he would be euthanized. I hope he makes it.

This place is amazing. They work off of donations only. They help with birds. Check out their website and go visit them at www.theraptortrust.org

8/2/22 I checked the website and poor bird didn’t make it. He had an old wing injury and he wouldn’t have survived.

Only thing I can say is he was loved and didn’t have to suffer any longer.