While out on the deck yesterday photographing Woodpeckers, I heard what sounded like a snowball hitting the window beside me. Unfortunately, it wasn't a snowball... it was a White-breasted Nuthatch. When I got the poor thing into my hand, it's head was already drooping and it's eyes were closing. It looked like it was a goner.
I really didn't think I was going to be able to help it but decided to cradle it in my hand to keep it warm and perhaps prevent it from going into shock. When I talked softly to it, it's eyes would open a bit. I continued to keep it warm and speak to it whenever it started to shut it's eyes. I didn't time this but am pretty sure over all that I spent at least 30 - 40 minutes with the bird.
After what I think was about 20 minutes, it seemed to be a bit more alert and I was able to get it perched on my finger. It sat there as I continued to speak to it for probably another 10 - 15 minutes. I actually tried to continue shooting with my one free hand. However, my bare hand became so cold that I lost feeling in the finger upon which the bird was perched.
I managed to set it on the table beside me where it sat upright as I continued to speak to it and photograph other birds. This lasted probably another 10 minutes during which time the bird began to become more alert and started to look around. At that point it flew from the table and latched onto the support post to my deck roof where it remained for another few minutes. I was able to grab a couple of shots of it before it flew off into the trees.
I don't know if what I did made a difference in the bird's survival, but I'd like to think it did. Either way, this was a story with a happy ending.
Here is a shot of the lucky bird...
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Thanks for sharing the experience with me.
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