That’s NOT a cat causing the commotion! I’m not surprised if a feral cat jumps over the fence. I’ve been feeding one! However, I looked to my right to see a bird caught in the wooden fence. Incidentally, he was face down with his right leg badly wedged between two of the boards. Needless to say, he was terrified!
I glanced around quickly as if I expected Super Man to appear. However, I figured he was either busy or really far away. Therefore, since I like to think I’m Wonder Woman, I spun around in the midst of my walker and approached the site! Suddenly, there I was in my red, white and blue outfit! Well, not really. For some reason, I didn’t look like Lynda Carter! Probably should have spun around faster!
The Rescue Begins!
I grabbed the bird and tried to keep its wings close to the body. He took a gentle peck at my hand but never did try to bite me. His leg was stuck just above his “knee” and there was already some skin rubbed off. By the way, it was his right leg and he was frantic, to say the least. In addition, he head was down, so he was miserable. I knew he would die if I didn’t get him out; either from the Texas heat or fright. Incidentally, this happened during that long spell of triple-digit temperatures in San Antonio, Texas!
Meanwhile, I pushed from under his leg to get it out. However, in trying to free himself, he’d actually made it worse. Moreover, the only way to go was up! Eventually, I had his leg moved up enough to wiggle one of the boards. Fortunately, that freed his poor leg! I gently manipulated the leg a little. However, he had raw spot around his knee joint. I was so ill-prepared for this! Had he called/texted me about needing to be rescued, I’d have had gloves and a carrier for him. However, all I could do was pray his little leg would heal. I doubt any grackle ever had so much prayer sent up for him! I placed him on the ground and he flapped his wings to move away a little.
Free at Last! Shock & Relief!
After he moved in-between some concrete blocks, I gave him some birdseed and a few kibbles of the beloved cat food. He was in the safest location around. I spun around again and was back to myself! Then I felt relief and began to laugh. I kept saying, “I can’t believe I just did that!” I felt so blessed that I was even there. There are miles of that fencing in that complex and he choose those two boards. I was definitely in “the right place at the right time!”
That’s NOT a Cat!
In the meantime, I named him Grady, even if he’s a girl! Don’t know! However, he’s one of God’s precious creatures and he needed me. The minute my hand touched his feathers, I was in love with him and had to help him. Moreover, I’m so grateful to have been there for him. I’ve looked for him every day since and he knows just when I put the cat food out for the feral cat. More than anything, I thank God, Grady is doing ok and has a home! He has a feathered friend now too. A more mature Grackle, named Grendel. How do we know their names, you ask? They whisper their names to us; just kidding. They don’t tell just anybody! But don’t you agree that life is easier if you have a name?
By the way, if you want more information about any birds you see, here’s the “go-to” folks. The National Audubon Society is constantly working to keep folks educated as to what our birds need and how to protect them. Incidentally, you can learn to identify all of them. They are wonderful creatures to observe. Moreover, I had a friend who could understand what their songs meant. Fascinating!
Thanks for stopping by my website; I figured a few people might enjoy reading this. I’m not promoting any products; just promoting kindness to animals. I’m a professional cat-sitter and Grady became part of my clientele that day. Please register for updates because I have other fascinating stories to share, as well as important information. Thanks. Incidentally, if you have questions about this adventure or any other of my pages, please don’t hesitate to CONTACT ME.
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