Post by Gord on Mar 21, 2008 19:58:55 GMT -8
A couple days ago I came across a Common Raven with an obviously injured wing. So I put on gloves and chased him down to see if I could get it help. During this time, another raven, probably its mate, made a big fuss and scold. They sure can move and it was not an easy catch. When he saw that I had him, he stopped to make fight and latched on to my finger. Those guys can bite, let me tell you. Not a peck but a very strong bite and some twisting as well. I tried to calm him down, especially since I did not want further damage to his hurt wing. I had an old towel which I wrapped him in to keep wings and legs together in a safe bundle. Not easy to do with one hand while the other is in the grasp of a big beak and once, trying to get my arm free from his talons that were disturbingly not much less than a raptor's talons. Good thing I had a coat on. I prevailed (I wish I had something for the beak!) and had to use some of that tensor bandage from the 1st aid kit to make sure he remained secure in his towel. I did not want a big raven loose in the vehicle! Once we were settled down, I had a chance to admire the bird more. To get my hand free I tried to open his beak to let my finger go. I put all I had into it but that beak would not budge. What a powerful beak. I had to wait him out and be calm. Those dark brown eyes study you closely with intelligence. Sure is heartbreaking to see them (or any animal) hurt and to see its mate watching from the trees. Soon, he let go. I took him to my car and wondered if he was hungry. I offered my cheese sandwich and that was immediately accepted. I gave him the rest of my lunch, dipped in water. I gave him some water from my water bottle as well. During this time, he had every chance to grab my fingers, minus gloves now, again. But he did not. The only time I was bit again was when moving him around and upsetting him. I made some calls and got in touch with an animal rescue in Abbotsford. Because of the injury I was to take him to a vet in Abbotsford who supports this animal rescue for a look over to see the extent of the injury. I had not a chance to see it closely myself as I had hard enough time securing the bird without hurting it more. Anyway, the people at the vet office (just off McCallum Rd) were excellent and very caring but sadly the break was pretty much clean through with no chance of repair. I guess a calm sleep is better than a week or two slowing starving. 
Sad ending but it never hurts to try to help. Im not sure how the raven was injured. It did not look like it was shot but rather that an animal had grabbed its wing. Not sure how an animal could get close enough to a Raven, who are pretty watchful, to do this unless the Raven was already sick.
Sad ending but it never hurts to try to help. Im not sure how the raven was injured. It did not look like it was shot but rather that an animal had grabbed its wing. Not sure how an animal could get close enough to a Raven, who are pretty watchful, to do this unless the Raven was already sick.
