Fluffball – in danger

I was out trying to find a reported squished tortoise when I came across exhibit A in a dangerous position, obviously having left the nest, after consulting the Nat Con people I dropped it out of harms way into the reserve where it did a spectacular face plant, flight not yet being its strong suit. This was on the 4th of November 2011. Skilled Nat Cons people returned it to the nest that evening, however the 2nd bigger chick obviously wanted its own room and the fluff ball has visited the ground often since then only to be rescued by those in the know. Mum bird is keeping a careful eye on the goings on and apparently it is perfectly normal for the chicks to be cared for on the ground. So should the weasels from 100 acre wood try anything – beware, you will be dinner for owlets…

Mum keeping a watchful eye

At one point the chicks were moved or moved themselves much higher in the tree as they were probably getting to much attention, however Exhibit A still attempted flight and on 9-November I found it on the ground near the road again so after further consultation with the pros and to much hooting encouragement from mummy bird, I unceremoniously dropped it back into the reserve, this time it glided rather than the undignified face plant of the previous dumping. The chick clicked away at me as I picked it up and the beak is already looking scary and feathers growing fast –

Safe in the reserve

If you know where these wonderful gifts are – keep the secret safe – IF YOU MESS WITH THEM – BEWARE! It is an honour to live here and have such beauty around us.

The sad part of the story is I did find the tortoise – crushed under the wheel of a car, please drive carefully, you may kill an owl or an otter, a tortoise, turtle or snake…