Baby bird rescue.

 
Right around 7 this morning I walked out to get the newspaper, and on the front walk next to the paper was this bird. At the time it's wings were not out like in the picture. It wasn't moving so I thought it was dead; especially since a train of ants had started to surround it. But when I went in for a closer look, the bird leaped up at me and let out a menacing hiss! It then proceeded to chase me around, for what had to be pure comedy if anybody was watching... as I was momentarily terrified of the little hissing creature.

Well, something had to be wrong with the bird. It couldn't fly, and wouldn't normally make itself so vulnerable. I couldn't identify it, but knew it was more unique than a Robin or Sparrow, or some such common bird around here. I kind of hoped it was a baby eagle, owl, or something.

I took it to the Wild Bird Rehabilitation center on north Midland, up past Overland. At first they thought I had removed a baby from its home and asked me to put it back where I found it. I told them the story, and they decided to keep it for "observation". They identified it as a Nighthawk, or Lesser Nighthawk, and said it was in good health apart from being a little dehydrated. Cool bird, I hope it goes on to have a nice life.

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