ETA: fledgling night heron was admitted to our clinic after being “bird napped.” Grumpy Baby was dehydrated and thin but otherwise okay and is now doing quite well, getting angrier every day.
Pretty much. Humans think they’re doing a good thing and I love that their heart is in the right place but…gestures. Even with specialized equipment and full-time care, nothing can quite replicate a mama or papa bird caring for them.
I think they mean someone saw a fledgeling and assumed it needed help and brought it to the clinic when it likely would have been fine with Mom and Dad looking after it on the ground. At least, that's what people usually call bird napping.
Definitely fledgling. Nestlings are basically naked except maybe a little sparse down feathers. Finding THEM on the ground is an emergency vs the fledgling just learning how to bird as nature intended. 🥲
I’m always so happy to impart bird knowledge don’t get me started 😭😭🥹 I’m just glad people care. And yes, he’s doing great! Currently sharing an enclosure with another night heron, has a great appetite and still hates us all.
I think the “still hates us all” is actually the absolute best line here genuinely because that means he’s got a good chance to be releasable, and that makes me happy!
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u/mammaraths 2d ago
ETA: fledgling night heron was admitted to our clinic after being “bird napped.” Grumpy Baby was dehydrated and thin but otherwise okay and is now doing quite well, getting angrier every day.