I've created a monster
Meet Ludwig. One rescued starling:
(He likes to be NEAR. He also likes perching on us whilst we use the computer.)
Because Ludwig (renamed 'wild bird' in preparation for his release yesterday) looked and behaved like he was ready to go back to the large open spaces, I decided to take him to work and release him where there were other startlings. The hope is that he will attach to a wild bird 'pack' and live out a happy wel- adjusted life.
I let him go in the morning. He stayed near for a few minutes, but then flew away. I continued about my busy work day at Bear Country.
About 5:20pm I got a radio call to meet Vanessa near the chicken house, and when I got there she informed me that people had been complaining of an aggressive bird that had been 'flying at them'. She knew about Ludwig and had a thought that this might be the same bird I had been raising. Ludwig jumped right into her hand, and kept opening his mouth at her, expecting to be fed. She put him in the chicken house so I could come and get him and so he would stop harassing people.
I have a bird that will not leave. I think he imprinted on me, and so he now sees all humans as a food source. What have I done?!? Hopefully in time he will be ready for release, but we will take him to a place that is not a tourist attraction and with luck instinct will take over. I guess Ludwig just wasn't ready to leave the nest yet.
(He likes to be NEAR. He also likes perching on us whilst we use the computer.)
Because Ludwig (renamed 'wild bird' in preparation for his release yesterday) looked and behaved like he was ready to go back to the large open spaces, I decided to take him to work and release him where there were other startlings. The hope is that he will attach to a wild bird 'pack' and live out a happy wel- adjusted life.
I let him go in the morning. He stayed near for a few minutes, but then flew away. I continued about my busy work day at Bear Country.
About 5:20pm I got a radio call to meet Vanessa near the chicken house, and when I got there she informed me that people had been complaining of an aggressive bird that had been 'flying at them'. She knew about Ludwig and had a thought that this might be the same bird I had been raising. Ludwig jumped right into her hand, and kept opening his mouth at her, expecting to be fed. She put him in the chicken house so I could come and get him and so he would stop harassing people.
I have a bird that will not leave. I think he imprinted on me, and so he now sees all humans as a food source. What have I done?!? Hopefully in time he will be ready for release, but we will take him to a place that is not a tourist attraction and with luck instinct will take over. I guess Ludwig just wasn't ready to leave the nest yet.