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It is going to be very difficult to get over what happened today. I went to check the box at 4pm, to be certain mama had laid her 3rd egg. I had not seen either parent in 2 1/2 hours. I tapped 3 times, as I always do, with her, and neither heard nor saw any activity in the box. As I opened the box, she flew up from deep in the nest, hit the door but not the exit hole. It startled me, and I inadvertently dropped the door closed. It pinned mama blue between the nest and the door. I immediately opened it, and she flew gingerly down onto the driveway. I was mortified, and I froze. After watching her sit on the driveway for a minute, she was in no apparent distress, but I could tell she was injured in some way. I backed up the driveway towards the garage, trying to keep an I on her at all times. My plan was to grab a towel and one of our small wicker baskets, and head to the Audubon Society 25 minutes away. Instead, she hopped twice, turned away from me, and flew away. She was injured. Probably not a wing, as she flew at about 75%, and traveled a distance beyond where I could see her. But she was definitely injured. I have not seen her since. Papa blue called for her over the next hour, and then went off to find her. The reality is that she was incubating, despite only having laid three eggs. It is unforgivable for me not to have considered that as a possibility. I should not have been startled by her presence. I am hoping for her safe return, but I am all but certain that she is not coming home. Sometimes, you just know. I have made an inexcusable mistake, and I am miserable because of it.
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireOh Randy. I am so sad for you. You’re human and that’s it. We just do the best we can.
Let’s not give up hope. Maybe she had to recover a little and she’ll be back.
Gin
Atlanta, GAHi Randy: I am so sorry about this horrible accident. It is clear that you are beating yourself up, but it’s just what I said. . . a very unfortunate accident. If she comes back, you can rejoice. If she doesn’t, you can only hope that healed and moved on. Even though you are feeling miserable now, try to focus on the many blues you have protected and helped into the world. Once again, I am very sorry.
Susan
PennsylvaniaOh Randy, I am so sorry about what happened to your Mama blue. We all know it was a human mistake, we all make them, and you have to know we all feel for you.
Perhaps she will return yet, but if not you did the best you could. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.
Connie (PA)Thank you Carol and Connie. I appreciate your support and understanding.
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireMama blue has returned home. I believe she is okay. At 10:30am she sat briefly on a branch near the box, and then flew off. She looked a little shaky, but better than yesterday. At 3:10pm she returned. She looked MUCH better, and went right into the box for over and hour. When she emerged, I watched her hunt and eat for 40 minutes or so, and she then returned to nest. Papa has been on-guard all day. I am going to give them their space for a few days. I am just thankful that she is recovering. Thank you all, again, for your support.
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireHooray! That is wonderful news! I was hoping all day that you would let us know Mama was back and doing better. Terrific!
Susan
PennsylvaniaThank you, Susan. Just got a real good look at her, up close. She landed next to me to drink from a sprinkler head puddle, and she was moving very well. When she flew back to the box she entered it with that smooth, all-in-one motion, that makes me think she is basically back to normal. She is amazing.
Randy
Bedford, New HampshireSo happy that you were right, Gin.
Carol, mama blue will do great… despite me.Randy
Bedford, New Hampshire
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