In Memory of Hope.

I'd like to tell about a little bird that I found on July 3.

I was driving to my grandparents' house and saw something in the middle of the road. When I stopped the car to see it was a baby bird! I got out of the car and didn't see any mom birds around, but even if there was any I couldn't leave the baby in the road, so I picked it up and brought it home.

When we got home we went and got some worms and the baby just ate and ate until it was full, and then it went to sleep. I think she was a girl and named her Hope--giving her a strong name that seemed to fit her perfectly.

She was so small when I found her--naked in some spots.. her little feathers hadn't grown in every where yet. As time went by she grew and grew and her feathers filled out and she looked gorgeous. I went and held her every day and had really gotten close to her--I've found tons of baby birds/rabbits and I've cared for them all, but there was just something about little Hope. Maybe it was cause I have a little cockatiel and can kinda relate to her more--really, I don't know--I just know that I grew to really love and care about Hope.

We had her since the 3 of July and planed to raise her and set her free. But today wen my mom went to feed her she brought her to me and told me something was wrong with her. I got her and held her. She tried to raise her head up several times, but it kept falling over to the side. I sat and held her until she took her last breath. I really miss her. I loved Hope and had just kinda pictured what she would look like when she grew up and thought about the day we would have to let her go knowing I'd be sad, but at least I got to spend the time with her that I did, and then just like that she was gone. I really don't know what might could have happened. We were keeping her inside a room (not in the house, but a room right outside our house) and it is air conditioned, so I know she wasn't too hot/cold. I wondered if a wasp/bee/bug could have stung her? There are several times when bugs and stuff can get in by the door getting opened,etc...

I really dont know...just shocked and very saddened....
Hope was a sweet baby and she trusted me. She would sit on my finger like a pet bird and let me pet her, and she'd fall asleep perched on my finger at night. She was such a darling.

She was perfectly healthy when I found her--we've had her about 13 days. I can't believe she's gone. I feel terrible I couldn't prevent what ever happened from happening. I just don't know what happened to her--she was so precious and I wish she were still alive. She had such a pretty face.

I think she was a baby kildeer--that's what we call them here--I guess that's the real name for them.
This isn't her, but here's a picture of one I found on another web-site. It's what an adult kildeer looks like and it's what she would have looked like.

I remember I've always thought that baby birds looked scary/gross, but little Hope changed my mind completely about baby birds. She showed me that they're just different, but just as important as any other animal..

Thanks for listening to me guys :)


Little Hope, thanks for showing me how sweet and unscary looking a baby bird can be. You truly brought some happiness into my life, even though it was for a very short time. I'll never forget you because I love you very much.

The Web-Site

http://www.hardingcounty.org/Photos/...irt%20nest.jpg

I'm not sure if the link will work...maybe you can paste it if it doesn't?

I'm so sorry, Genny. But now Hope is free at the Rainbow Bridge, and will soon learn to fly like she never had the chance here on our Earth. :)
Thank you for caring for her.