One dead two Amputees

[willing to learn]

Went out boxing day amongst the droves, and the first thing I had to do was despatch a Blackheaded Gull which had a protruging fracture of its left wing which was seververly infected which had digressed into of what was left of its pectoral muscle as it was real thin and wasted. The placed was packed so I made my way home stopping at the local park and managed to take a few pics one a squirell minus a good part of its tail and a pigeon who had lost most of one foot. As the saying goes nature sometimes cruel.
Regards
Colin

[Dutchess]

Oh my, that was an unfortunate outing for you, Colin

The squirrel looks quite at ease with the bobbed tail! Maybe it was the result of an over-enthusiastic mum when it was still in the nest. I have rabbits that sometimes accidentally chew off bits of their newborns when they clean them up. It depends on which bits have been chewed as to whether the little one survives or not! Ears are commonly made shorter, but people seem to love earless rabbits! Never any problem finding pet homes for them.

I wonder if your woodpigeon has that club foot disease that we see on so many pigeons in towns? I can't think of the proper name off-hand, sorry. Your picture shows off the colourfulness of the bird, it's lovely

D.

[nightshade]

We used to get pigeons minus one or two feet at the local fruit market where
some distributers used a pallet load wrap of a very tough fine mesh that got wrapped around their feet

[gess]

Goodness Colin! what an outing, its not often you see a run like that is it! on a brighter note though both the pieon and the squirrel look healthy and happy enough

Gess

[demicav]

Poor Gull. As you say nature can be cruel sometimes. At least you were in a position to put an end to its suffering. Nice pics of the Squirrel and Pigeon but oh my, look at its foot. It amazes me how these animals just carry on right to the very end with painful conditions.

[willing to learn]

I was only out for a short space of time, to come across 3 injured animals quite suprised me. I reckon the Squirrel will be fine. The pigeon looks well enough till you see its stump. I think he will be lucky to make it, with all his wieght on his good foot he could develop bumble foot. I keep my eye open for him. I except things die in nature, suffering is not nice, the gull had no chance.
Regards
Colin

[tWITCH]

Oh Colin what an outing!

I bet that took courage.

Hope you next journey is a more pleasant event.

[willing to learn]

Originally Posted by tWITCH

Oh Colin what an outing!

I bet that took courage.

Hope you next journey is a more pleasant event.

I don't have a problem with ending the suffering. My thoughts seem to dwell on the suffering it indured since its accident, I real hope they are not so acute to pain as we are.I have seen birds of prey suffer horrible injury's and with there last dying moments still try and get to its quarry to secure its meal?. On a good note a Goldcrest dunnock song thrush and wood Pigeon,
(Why a neighbour should bring me a wood pigeon knowing I have several falcons resident, and ask me to do my best had me puzzled) All made a recovery and are back in the wild. I must be going soft.
Regards
Colin