Monday, 24 September 2007

RSPCA to the rescue!

Over the past week, my youngest son and I have been observing a pair of Plovers with two baby chicks. Our street is near a creek and, daily, the adult pair take their chicks for a walk around our street as if on a scenic tour of the neighbourhood. Unfortunately, I had to warn a few young boys away on more than one occasion this past week as they seemed to think it fun to menace the birds with sticks. Sadly, the boys must have waited for the birds back at the creek yesterday as, today, I noticed that one of the adults had a broken wing. I was very upset and concerned that it would now be vulnerable to cats, dogs and more cruel boys so I called the RSPCA and, within an hour, they came to the rescue. They have taken the injured bird away and, hopefully, the wing will be healed so that it can be returned to the area. In the meantime, the other adult bird must now protect the chicks and fend off predators alone. It's so sad to watch her waiting on her mate to come back and I can only hope she and the chicks will survive. I will be sure to keep a watchful eye over them as best I can though. Here is a pic I snapped of one of their chicks today.....it's a little blurry as I had to use my zoom because the adults don't let you get too close to their chicks without swooping at you.
Plover chick - © Serena Lewis
Click on image to enlarge
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8 comments:

  1. Anonymous24 September 2007 at 22:26

    Serena, I really appreciate your warm, kind note on my blog. Thank you for this and know that even though I've never met you, this kind of kindness matters and made me feel better.
    I also want to say on a completely separate note that I love your blog and just subscribed. Your work is beautiful and even more enhanced by your support of animals, a huge love of mine as well. Your writing is very compelling, and easy to connect with. Thank you again.

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  2. Serena Lewis25 September 2007 at 07:26

    Thank you for taking the time to pop in for a visit during your time of great loss. I'm so happy you like my blog and it's always great to find a kindred spirit in our love of animals. Thanks for subscribing :)

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  3. Anonymous26 September 2007 at 13:12

    Very kind of you to look out for the chicks.

    I love this chicks long legs.

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  4. Serena Lewis26 September 2007 at 13:50

    Thanks, Boyd....only today I had to talk to more kids about leaving the plover and her chicks alone. I only hope I got through to them.

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  5. Maria Catalina Wiley26 September 2007 at 19:48

    I hope they survive, Serena. You must be their 'guardian angel' :)

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  6. Serena Lewis27 September 2007 at 08:16

    Me too, Maria....and thanks for the kind thoughts ~ :)

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  7. Northbrook Designs2 October 2007 at 23:47

    What is the latest on the baby chicks Serena? They are so tiny and helpless, lets hope they weather their rough start and flourish like the ugly duckling story....Ro

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  8. Serena Lewis3 October 2007 at 08:00

    Sadly, she only has one chick left now....it could have fallen victim to a cat or more cruel kids but, at least, she still has one to care for and it is growing fast! I will try to get a pic to share if I can get close enough. :)

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