Raptor House
The American Kestrel looked feistier this morning. She still rears her talons at me like a warrior willing to go down fighting, but I find myself hoping we can be friends. The ice which covered the prairie hills yesterday warmed into cold rain over night. GD and I decided to brave the drizzly conditions and drive toward the metroplex after a "Raptor House." Within minutes of their opening, we carried away an "M" sized bird cage from one of the super pet stores and one can each of gormet crickets and grasshoppers. I quietly chided myself for paying five dollars for a one ounce can of either one. Alas, both are out of season here on the farm and it never occurred to me to lay in a winter supply. The internet offered many opinions that non-gourmet grasshoppers and crickets are high on the kestrel food chain.
Raptor is still too frightened to eat or drink, but she seems a bit less frightened with a perch to hang on to and a full view of the strange noises around her. She still hasnae discovered the crickets or water.
Her human captors are enjoying the clearer view of her, as well. The dog, too.
Replies
Big Brother had a bird adopt him, I think it was a parrot. It flew into his house and made itself at home for a few years. the last year or so of the bird's life it went just about everywhere on BB's shoulder. Very shortly after that bird died a dove came and moved into their living room and now keeps BB's widow company.
I would not even think about letting Raptor ride on my shoulder but bird friendship can be cool to see.
Are Guardian Angels winged beings of many sorts? What do birds call human beings that are helping them out? Hope Raptor gets well soon.
I suspect you would let Raptor ride on your shoulder. I guarantee you have worn heavier sweaters. I have seen parrots which are considerable bigger than Raptor. Kestrels are the smallest of the raptor family. She is a pretty girl.