Today was my turn to work the bird room at the rescue! There were probably 25-30 in there, but these are the only pics I took since the work was non-stop and I was by myself. I knew bird parents were busy, but now I have a personal appreciation!
Some of these tiny guys eat a ton for how small they are! I keep thinking they’re full and they come at me with open beaks and wings flapping, asking for more!
A cowbird was the most voracious. He would try charging right out of his enclosure and was screeching and beating its wings so fast!
The bluejay was my favorite. It is so pudgy and cute and I love my jays at home, so it was nice to work with one. Five more came in near the end of my shift, so I guess I should be careful what I ask for!
The baby crow was already so huge! It felt like a little dinosaur grabbing me for food, lest it take a bite of me!
There were grackles, robins, and Carolina wrens, and probably some other stuff I’m not remembering. The grackles and crow and another mysterious black bird (who was by far the most unhappy bird) were so loud the entire time, and with the concrete walls, it was quite loud, which seems the top complaint of people on bird duty.
The big walk in enclosure had 7 big robins who could at least partially fly. One eventually landed on me, which was fun. They mostly just parked themselves all in a row in their one tree and I fed them up and down the line until they were full. Then they would all lay down and nap for a little. Quite adorable!
But as soon as they were all fed, the first guys were ready for more, so just rinse and repeat all morning! Momma birds have crazy busy jobs!
I was admiring the adult grackles out the window at breakfast yesterday, but being trapped indoors with them makes one reconsider! 😇
After my first go round and having some confidence, I kinda like birds more than squirrels, as the birds seem to actually want to sit at least a little still and get fed instead of making it a battle of wills!
They still have lots of personality, you could tell some were much pickier eaters, and the volume some tiny birds can eat was mind blowing! Also with how deep the syringe tip can go without gagging then is a bit shocking at first also. With the little birds I was cautious, but the big ones were just all “jam it back there and feed me already!”
I might grab some foam earplugs from work or bring my earbuds and listen to a podcast or something. I think that would help make it more relaxing.