Elizabeth emailed yesterday to say that our little flicker died. She had been recovering well and was flying across her aviary (15 feet), so this came as a shock to everyone. A sad ending, and further impetus to find something that really keeps birds from flying into our windows.
On a related note (because we suspect that she's removed at least one injured bird from our deck -- big bang, no body) , I have not seen our little feral cat in a few days. She has been stalking our garage and living under our neighbor's shed for the past few months and I have been intending to trap her (or him, I guess) to have her spayed (or neutered, I guess). Most mornings I see her surreptitiously licking Raven's feed tub clean, and I often catch a glimpse of her eyes at night. I really hope that she is OK.
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Oh, I'm so sorry about your little flicker, but also so appreciative of your care and concern for her. You gave her the best chance you possibly could. I'm not sure what to do about the window problem. I've sadly seen this happen in the past, but no problems so far where I live now, I suspect because I haven't cleaned the windows as I should. (Maybe that's the answer:)
Also appreciate your concern for the feral cat. We used to have a teacher here who spent hours trapping, arranging for spay/neuters, and then setting ferals she found near her apartment building in North Van free. She eventually left teaching and began veterinary studies, with wolves, I believe, being her specialty. I haven't heard from her for a long time, but your post brings her to mind. People like her (and you) have a special place in my heart. Good luck with the little feral.
Thanks Carol. Our windows are filthy (I'm allergic to Windex -- too bad, so sad) because we haven't had them cleaned since all the drywalling was finished. Still not good enough for the big south-facing ones. There are some new decals that are practically invisible to humans, but they reflect UV so that birds can see them. I think we will load up on those, especially near our big dogwood tree where they like to congregate.
Will keep you posted on the cat. She is a sly little thing, but has obviously been getting braver in recent weeks. I just hope the coyotes didn't get her.
I'm so sorry the flicker didn't make it. Perhaps she had some internal injuries or was ill before...
You can use vinegar and water on you windows, it's AWESOME!
Maybe one of those owl decoys on your railing might at least slow the birds down or prevent them from flying so near your railing.... I'd never heard of these decals, they sound pretty cool!
Hmm, maybe your humane society or even pet supply store can rent you a Hav-a-hart trap for the kitty... Spike it with a stinky can of tuna and a bowl of water, you might have something! It can be hard to catch them, but it IS so necessary! And thanks for trying, you are one of the good ones!
Hmmm, Brandy -- I think you're missing the point. I have an excuse not to wash windows.
We do have an owl, but I wouldn't take it seriously if I was a bird. He's kind of comical looking. And I did order 25 of those UV reflecting decals today, so hopefully that will cover the big southern windows and the two eastern ones.
And yes, I keep meaning to drop by the Humane Society to check if they will lend me a trap, but I just haven't got around to it yet. I think I might have seen her dart by tonight, but it is hard to be sure in the dark. I will put out some food in the garage tomorrow to see if it disappears.
We're all good ones, aren't we?
I wish you the best of luck trapping your feral!
Thanks, Ronnie! Or should I say Veronica?
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