Our newest rescue, a woodpecker

[Mare]

Yes, a red-headed woodpecker, the cat drug in. Poor buddy, it has a puncture below it's left eye. I cleaned it up, called our local wildlife rescue and was told to hang on to him and keep doing what I'm doing. I have some of Amigo's meds from when he was hurt and will get some down this bird. Woodpeckers are communal and would not be able to survive in a different area away from their family. Anyways, these guys are my nemesis but I will do what it takes to keep him alive. They happen to be an endangered species. The rescue guy tells me that here, where we live, has the highest concentration of red-headed woodpeckers,,ANYWHERE! Here is a pic of Amigo coming down for a closer look :). I put the wild bird in the outdoor aviary.[Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]

[2birds]

Wow! I hope he makes it. Parrots are so nosy, aren't they?

[spiritbird]

Good for you Mare. Woodpeckers are very interesting birds. Please keep us updated and more photos if you have the time.

[Mare]

In that pic, the wood pecker hanging on the side of the cage, I was worried that Amigo might want to take some toes off but he actually seemed concerned about the little guy :). At the moment, Amigo is hanging out on top of the cage, non-aggressively,, good to see. We have a family of these birds that LOVE our house and garage and Amigo's tree. I think Amigo feels they are family! I'll get some more pics up, soon.

[kendrafitz]

Love that Amigo!

[Mare]

This morning. Come to discover, he has issues with both eyes, I found a puncture on the other side, too. Both eyes are closed so, he's basically blind. I brought him in, (OMG..these guys are LOUD!) and have him in a box till I can get a cage together for him. My husband wants to humanely put him down but I want to give him a chance. The eyes aren't punctured, just closed.[Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]

[kendrafitz]

Poor baby!

[froggij]

Oh poor darling! Kudos to you for bringing him in, I hope the medicine helps him and maybe it's just swelling? I hope he gets better, poor little guy

[Lady]

Oh Mare, best of luck tending to this little guy. Sure hope he gets better.

[jtbirds]

Your are the angel mare! He is in good hands, goodluck:).

[PlaxMacaws]

I also think you're a wonderful person, Mare. You frequently help injured animals... which is such a selfless thing to do! I really hope your little woodpecker makes it. One of my main concerns would be the likelihood of a presence of infectious bacteria from the cat that grabbed the poor little guy. Do you have him on an antibiotic of some type?

[Mare]

Thanks, all, for the kind thoughts. Well, I got him set up in a smallish cage with seed, pellets and water. I've not seen him eat or drink but he's alert and moves around on the bottom of the cage, he "pecks" around, I should say :). If he doesn't get infection, I think he might make it. I still have little Lou, the dove, she is getting pin feathers in her bald areas. I put her out in the aviary the other day, let her get some sunshine and exercise, mostly running but she tries to fly, too.

Thanks, Tony, unfortunately, all I have is the Metacam.

[Mare]

Sorry to say, the little buddy died overnight :(. We tried, God love you little one.

[Lady]

Aww Mare, so sorry to hear that. You did what you could and made his last few days comfortable.

[spiritbird]

He may have had a disease or virus. I love little woodies. Sad he did not make it but you tried.

[plax]

My condolences to you, Mare. I'm truly sorry :'(

[kendrafitz]

Oh no, I'm sorry. He was lucky you were there to help him.

[Mare]

I feel so bad for him/her, it always breaks my heart. Trying is always a necessity, no matter what..we try.

[froggij]

oh Mare! Bless you for trying, the world needs more people who will try. I'm sorry you lost him, I'm sure you did the best you could, and if woodpeckers can feel grateful I'm sure he did.

[2birds]

I'm really sorry to hear this Mare. It doesn't surprise me though. I've been bitten by a cat before and ended up in the hospital for a few days for IV antibiotics. Their mouths are filled with crazy bacteria. Sorry for the late post.

[Macaw Lover]

Sorry the little one died but at least you did what you could do.

[Maddy]

Aw, poor baby! RIP little one! Thank you for trying to help him, Mare!