This little song sparrow was injured and brought to me by a neighbor who didn't know what to do with him. I kept him quiet for several hours, first in a paper sack and then more comfortable quarters in a paper towel lined box. He was still unable to fly or stand after resting and when I tried to extend his legs and feet, they would just curl back up. I finally decided to take him to the Portland Audubon Society Care Center where they discovered he had broken wrist. They couldn't find any puncture wounds though he was pounced upon by a neighbor's cat. I have his patient number so I can check on him in a few days, if he makes a full recovery, they will bring him back to our neighborhood to release him. I didn't think about it at the time but I was already fully involved in painting the portrait below, Vera with a northern pygmy owl. Usually art imitates life but for once, it was reversed!
The Portland Audubon Society is amazing, they treat over 2500 injured animals a year and permanently house quite a few birds who can never be released into the wild due to physical handicaps. Please support your local Audubon society!
Update 5/6/2010 Thank you all for your nice comments! Unfortunately all stories do not end happily. I just called to check on our little song sparrow and he did not make it, apparently he also suffered internal injuries.
8 comments:
An uncanny resemblance!
I hope your little guy recovers!
wow. agreed about an uncanny resemblance! lovely painting too.
What a great illustrated story!
this is so amazing. i love your painting!
That's so sweet that he has a "patient number." :-)
What a great story & clever coincidence. Will keep good thoughts about your feathered friend.
PS: Vera's eyes are awesome!
Katherine
poor birdy...i'm glad he's safe...
Thank you all for your nice comments! Unfortunately all stories do not end happily. I just called to check on our little song sparrow and he did not make it, apparently he also suffered internal injuries.
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