tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post2953004646408683543..comments2024-03-29T05:29:47.363-05:00Comments on Farmgirl Fare: Book Review - Flyaway: How a Wild Bird Rehabber Sought Adventure and Found Her Wings by Suzie GilbertFarmgirl Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04851855517852917202noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-84656567270893164772010-04-25T17:38:53.267-05:002010-04-25T17:38:53.267-05:00The past few years I've become a backyard bird...The past few years I've become a backyard birder. I'm now a regular at the local "bird store." I love watching the birds and I adore hearing them sing and chirp all day long while I'm puttering around the house.<br /><br />My favorite bird visitor is a handsome flicker.<br /><br />I live in Colorado Springs, and I found out yesterday - the hummers have arrived!DeDehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08861192469700782627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-68455331931873610012010-04-25T10:53:10.455-05:002010-04-25T10:53:10.455-05:00A couple summers ago, a red-bellied woodpecker hit...A couple summers ago, a red-bellied woodpecker hit our backdoor and seemed to be injured. My daughter and I got him into a shoe box and set it in the shade. Then I spent the afternoon trying to find a place to take him for rehab. He did finally come to and flew away on his own. <br />quiltlady59 at fuse dot netAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-27617888423623172572010-04-25T00:42:19.105-05:002010-04-25T00:42:19.105-05:00my quick story is not of a bird but of a squirrel....my quick story is not of a bird but of a squirrel. My son found one at the bottom of a tree after a storm. so he brought it home, called around and got information on how to feed it, and he grew up and lived in our backyard. I was nice he would come up to the door to say hi.<br /> I guess if i don't win the book I'll have to go out and find one to read.lej619https://www.blogger.com/profile/12657550598436666883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-30073064849416294952010-04-23T18:52:41.826-05:002010-04-23T18:52:41.826-05:00My life is punctuated by birds. My parents loved t...My life is punctuated by birds. My parents loved them and so we always "watched" for them. We lived in a suburb of a big city (Toronto)but the beauty of the city is that it's surrounded by ravines. And because my parents loved to garden our yard became a haven. Growing up I saw warblers and thrushes, finches and orioles. And once we had an endangered loggerhead shrike who impaled his prey on our hawthorne bush. To this day, I'm always amazed when people can't identify birds. Then I remember that not everyone had parents as wonderful as mine. <br /><br />I'm lshin116 (at) hotmail (dot) comLaura A.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-58281435804591975052010-04-23T16:19:54.366-05:002010-04-23T16:19:54.366-05:00When i volunteered at a Nature Museum, the local b...When i volunteered at a Nature Museum, the local bird rehab place would come by every month. I loved looking at the vultures as they spread out their wings and sunned.kristinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18217641141450029183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-23743018115208061142010-04-23T15:19:32.186-05:002010-04-23T15:19:32.186-05:00This book sounds fantastic. I grew up in a home w...This book sounds fantastic. I grew up in a home with a father who was a science teacher and avid bird watcher. He did every bird count, nest count, etc. We occasionally housed injured birds until he could get them to a rehabber. He had a large collection of dead birds and other things in the freezer to pass along to others interested or for taxidermy purposes I suppose. The rats in the freezer story cracked me up AND reminded me of my childhood somewhat.Kirstinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09706135307007258968noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-2077556862677963132010-04-23T13:42:52.926-05:002010-04-23T13:42:52.926-05:00I would love to win the book!
I'm not a rehab...I would love to win the book!<br /><br />I'm not a rehabber, but my most precious bird experience was the year i "tamed" a wild turkey who frequented my yard. I had him eating sunflower seed out of my hand, at at my feet. It was really very special.<br /><br />I've also had chickadees grab seed from my outstretched hand and of course i love to watch the hummers at the feeder.Connecticut Bloggerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04645853009504991168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-43640521757808063832010-04-23T13:40:58.614-05:002010-04-23T13:40:58.614-05:00once when i was a little girl i found a baby duck ...once when i was a little girl i found a baby duck (possibly goose) in the front yard of out house. being that we are not near a body of water and there was not an adult duck in sight, this was quite a mystery. i cherished that duckling as if it were my child, I had always been dreaming of a basket of puppies or kittens being anonymously left on our doorstep by some unfortunate soul who couldnt care for such a brood. but this wandering little duck would suffice my pet need. I lined a cat carrier with towels and created a home. we had no idea what a baby duck ate so we did some reasearch. we went to a pet store and they gave us some suggestion, which we bought, and the duck hated. what i do remember it eating was canned cat food. i brought this bird everywhere with me, including church services, where its peeping sounds of worship joined with out own. Unfortunately, that bird did die, i awoke one morning and it was gone. I wish i had known of a bird sactuary like suzies.Lily Fausthttp://lfaust@eastern.edunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-67788754201212293472010-04-23T11:44:36.927-05:002010-04-23T11:44:36.927-05:00I'm sitting in my suburban bungalow watching a...I'm sitting in my suburban bungalow watching a new crop of birds flock to the new feeders in my Dogwood tree. Our EarthScouts made feeders the other day out of recycled materials and apparently the birds heartily approve of them. My favorite are the sweet, shy tufted titmouse, but I'm also excited to see the flagrant colors of the cardinals and goldfinches!<br />I think this is a book I would love, although my family may get worried ;). At 800 sq feet, I'm not sure that our house can handle the wildlife!Mama JuJuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17423702343847751825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-41286073898815465102010-04-23T10:27:50.573-05:002010-04-23T10:27:50.573-05:00I said - with such confidence - that I WILL love r...I said - with such confidence - that I WILL love reading this book because I intended to buy it. And I just did, for my Kindle through your link to Amazon. Thanks for the "Heads Up."Jan Blawathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06697621979002856884noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-28220129276424028222010-04-22T15:19:19.949-05:002010-04-22T15:19:19.949-05:00I am a sucker for all animals and have always come...I am a sucker for all animals and have always come home with a very needy *fill in the blanks* that needs attention/care/rehab. I learned soooo much doing research trying to figure out how to care for the various creatures (pre-internet), and although I can't remember much about my childhood - I can remember everything about that!<br />Thanks<br />Tammy<br />tlstickland (at) comcast (dot) netAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-84575079285803319072010-04-21T22:04:38.861-05:002010-04-21T22:04:38.861-05:00We have 2 parrots (1 is a rescue) and a dog (also ...We have 2 parrots (1 is a rescue) and a dog (also a rescue), and over the years I've brought home more stray animals than I can count. Most got a vet check, a bit of training, and went on to a new home. Some stayed around until they met their maker, but all of them were loved and cared for. People mostly make their own misery, but animals have no choice about what happens to them. Those who do good works for animals are very special people.Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13290074875245955998noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-75965638183393733782010-04-21T21:47:20.598-05:002010-04-21T21:47:20.598-05:00When I was about 9, we moved to a few acres in Cal...When I was about 9, we moved to a few acres in California's Central valley. Every spring clouds of birds would nest in the pine trees that my grandparents had planted in the backyard, mostly Brewer's blackbirds, scrub jays, the ocassional mocking bird. And every time we had a strong wind I would race our beloved calico cat, Spicy, to reach the baby birds that would fall to the ground. Sometimes I even made it in time, and my dad would help me mix up a little peanut butter watered down enough to go through a dropper. They were so incredibly fragile, sometimes they were so young you could actually see through their skin, pretty gross. But I couldn't stop scooping up those poor little things, no matter how many times I faced the inevitable failures. Yes, I'm afraid most of them died. BUT...one time we actually suceeded. And seeing that scruffy little scrub jay fly off made all the other times pale in comparison!Nicolitahttp://nicole.lachapelle@sbcglobal.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-60435946861642542492010-04-21T21:07:54.688-05:002010-04-21T21:07:54.688-05:00Throught the years I've had my share of experi...Throught the years I've had my share of experiences with birds. I owned two budgies of my own and have always enjoyed watching them. Some years ago, I got to rush a gull to the local zoo. After hearing a VERY loud thud, running outside the office building to see what I was, we realized the gull had flown into the mirrored windows and possibly broken a wing. I scooped him into a paper ream box and wisked him the 3 miles to the zoo for them to take care of. <br />Then, last Mother's Day (maybe Easter), I noticed the blue bird house leaning horribly. Knowing that there were babies in there, and seeing the parents all in an uproar, I decided to go out a "right" it. When I got there, I realized the house was full of snake. I opened the hatch and began pulling it out, not even knowing then whether or not it was poisonous (turned out it wasn't). After a long struggle, I finally got it to leave the house (although it was sporting large lumps which I knew to be babies). It left one baby behind, tired and breathless. I don't believe the parents returned, and sadly the baby didn't make it.<br /><br />I love birds. I love rescuing animals (did I ever tell you about saving the baby possums?). Pick me! Pick me!Anne in SChttp://undertheredtinroof.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-55720897435902795282010-04-21T19:00:17.413-05:002010-04-21T19:00:17.413-05:00Wonderful book review ~ Being a huge animal/bird l...Wonderful book review ~ Being a huge animal/bird lover, Suzie Gilberts book sounds like something I would love. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. As a child I always had a budgie but none of them spoke. When I had children, their first pet was a budgie too & over the years we had a few. Jacob was the exception when it came to speaking with an amazing vocabulary who had quite a fan club :-)There is nothing like birdsong INSIDE as well as outside a home ♥Debhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13874781381364710459noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-88661861212859772632010-04-21T17:44:33.367-05:002010-04-21T17:44:33.367-05:00OMG This review is a RIOT! And that rat scene!! I ...OMG This review is a RIOT! And that rat scene!! I live in a city and used to feed the finches that came by, but once I got a cat I stopped that. The only birds I feed now are hummingbirds. But I could totally see how Suzie went from rescuing songbirds to rescuing just about all birds. :) She must be a wonderful person to know! <br /><br />Thanks for being on this tour and for your great review!trishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10688001590373132381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-38120366587696924842010-04-21T16:07:23.730-05:002010-04-21T16:07:23.730-05:00We put an owl box high up in one of the eucalyptus...We put an owl box high up in one of the eucalyptus trees, hoping one would take up residence and help us out with our gopher problem. We never did get any owls but this year a young American kestrel was hanging about. Then we saw two of them and after reading up on them realized they may have moved into the box. Sadly, I found the female in one of the watering troughs. She had drowned. I had my son climb back up to check the box and sure enough, there were three kestrel eggs. My husband sent me right away to get an incubator. Unfortunately the eggs didn't make it. Fortunately the remaining kestrel found another mate and they are back in the nest box. I'm looking forward to seeing the youngsters fledge.tina f.https://www.blogger.com/profile/10813986790663678450noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-79411737822166388652010-04-21T14:21:55.639-05:002010-04-21T14:21:55.639-05:00Several years ago a blue jay with most of the top ...Several years ago a blue jay with most of the top half of her beak broken off showed up at my bird feeder. After watching her try unsuccessfully to eat from the feeder, I put some birdseed in a deep cup and set it near the bird feeder. It allowed her to plunge her beak far enough into the seeds to be able to pick some up. She ate this way for several weeks, then somehow lost most of her bottom beak as well. After that, she was once again able to eat normally.<br /><br />She seemed to understand that I had helped because she stayed near our house for the next several years, always nesting in a shrub near my garden and was not bothered by my interest in her babies. She gave me a new appreciation of blue jays.Karihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16006495651241822267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-70452516414462556052010-04-21T13:56:28.513-05:002010-04-21T13:56:28.513-05:00I would love to read this book I have a sun conure...I would love to read this book I have a sun conure (small parrot) myself and she is 2 years old now and very much spoiled. When the phone rings she yells hello and she calls us mama and papa and say's papa work when My hubby isn't here. We also have a 6# pomerainan And if you tell them to turn around Tolo my dog and Shasta my bird will turn around at the same time it is so cute. My children are all raised now so I have time to spend pampering my animals. Would love to read this book!!! Your baby lambs are adorable I love your blog.If I win the book my e-mail address is mabear22001@yahoo.comTammynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-30551539798267197802010-04-21T12:52:57.997-05:002010-04-21T12:52:57.997-05:00Every spring for the last five or so years, a bird...Every spring for the last five or so years, a bird has been trying to set up housekeeping in our mailbox, which is made of brass and is right next to our front door.<br /><br />And every year, until this one, something has foiled the plans: Someone missed the sign directing people to the side door and disturbed the nest, or a substitute mail carrier swept out the nest's foundation twigs--several days running--and frustrated the bird. Once a carrier dumped a full mail delivery <i>right on top</i> of the nest.<br /><br />So this year, Mama or Papa Bird got smart and--<br />(A) Built the whole nest in one morning instead of over the course of several days, and<br />(B) Did it on a Sunday, so there was no mail carrier to contend with!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-13821797430443575892010-04-21T12:29:22.741-05:002010-04-21T12:29:22.741-05:00I love to bird watch and so does my (almost) 2 yea...I love to bird watch and so does my (almost) 2 year old daughter. I'm currently teaching her the names of some of the local visitors to our garden and yard. <br /><br />Thank you for the giveaway! I, too, love books...The Nowotny Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13403213769280748697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-67457008315468169532010-04-21T08:42:21.953-05:002010-04-21T08:42:21.953-05:00This book makes me think of my mom. From the time ...This book makes me think of my mom. From the time she was a little girl she was bringing home all kinds of injured animals for her doctor father to heal. Luckily, a vet lived just down the street, and would help out. She had such a deep passionate love for all animals. She was always rescuing an animal. The most interesting was the great horned owl when I was just a little girl. She always forged a deep attachment with her pets, who always had a story. When my mom died of cancer, her beloved horse died later the same day, and we thought her cat would die too. The cat pulled all of her fur off her chest, and was obviously grieving for the loss of her person. Suzie Gilbert sounds like a kindred spirit to my mother. People with a that kind of deep passion for animals are so special. Thanks for sharing such a great looking book.Melliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02573392657703807098noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-73055619543788704992010-04-21T08:08:12.167-05:002010-04-21T08:08:12.167-05:00Both my husband and I love birds. We have provided...Both my husband and I love birds. We have provided feeders, planted bushes and trees for food and cover and provided plenty of water in winter and summer with an eye to the welfare of wild birds. Over the years we have enjoyed watching their lives unfold in our garden. My favorite baby bird story involves a pair of Carolina wrens who built thier nest in a plastic grocery bag that my husband left hanging on our back deck. He had used the bag to carry some tools to a repair on the deck. He is famous for leaving things behind when distracted. We usually find the abandoned items pretty quickly, but in this case the bag and tools were "lost" long enough for the broody wren to decide that we no longer needed them and would not be back. She built her towering hive of twigs inside the bag on top of tools and settled in. We did not have the heart to move her although we worried about the safety of her choice of locations. It looked more like an Oriole nest dangling from the deck inside its plastic casing. Anyway, it worked! She produced five youngsters who spent several hours hopping about our deck one morning before their parents dragged them off to more wild climes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-89736864830277929822010-04-21T07:46:33.293-05:002010-04-21T07:46:33.293-05:00Great excerpt! I was pleased to realize that I re...Great excerpt! I was pleased to realize that I recognized the name of the veterinarian. Wendy Westrom is currently working at Cortlandt Animal Hospital in Cortlandt, NY. I've been bringing my dogs to see her for the past 10 years and she's still got a great sense of humor. Right now she's helping to heal my 10 yr old husky mix from surgery to repair a torn tendon. She's a great doctor even if my dogs aren't always pleased to see her!Lorinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12997259.post-42111688356505190862010-04-21T07:37:47.119-05:002010-04-21T07:37:47.119-05:00I was taking a walk and heard a pileated woodpecke...I was taking a walk and heard a pileated woodpecker call, so I started to follow the calls to find him. Finally he flew across the road and started to drum on a dead tree within view of the road. I watched him for half an hour. One of my favorite birding experiences ever.Sarah Taylornoreply@blogger.com