Friday, August 2, 2013

Not Dying Today

I've been in awe of the survival instinct in some creatures since I was young.  I admire it and often wish mine was as strong, although hope not to have to test my resolve too much.

About a week ago I was waiting for Holly on Germain Street in our car and spotted a haggard, young, grey seagull with its wing hanging limply at its side cross the street at King and walk hurriedly up the street.  It tugged at my heart and I wished him well, but knew there wasn't much, if anything, I could do for a wild, scared gull.



Yesterday, I rounded the corner of Horsfield onto Germain and there, beside Trinity Dental's brick wall, was the same bird.  He didn't run from me this time.  I carefully passed him, trying not to look at all threatening, fearing he may bolt away into the street or try and fly, injuring the wing more, reversing any possible healing that may have occurred.

After passing, I realized I had a giant bag of dried fruit and nuts I had just purchased in the excursion to Costco the night before, so I pulled some out and tossed him some large pieces of fruit and nuts hoping it was okay for seagulls.



Leaving the studio that evening, he was in the same spot, breaking bread with some pigeons and a crow.  And on my way in this morning, he was there again and I was prepared with a bit of cheap dog food with which we normally feed our raccoons.

I thought the outlook for this little guy (okay, I have no clue how to differentiate sex in gulls) was bleak when I first saw him, but I now have hope that perhaps, with the community's effort for sustenance, kindness and respect, he may have a bit of a chance.

I would hate some dog - leashed or not - to scare him into danger.  Cats in the area, already sentenced to the perils of a life outdoors, seem to be giving this large bird space.  He must have found somewhere safe to await the morning when night falls. He's clearly resourceful and has found a way to survive.

Gulls are a part of our Fundy heritage and give the uptown area a whole lot of character.  I routinely hear the frantic alarm from his kin even from the confines of the studio and who hasn't admired the grace with which they glide between the office buildings upon a current we can't see?  This youngster deserves a chance.

I sent messages to two Maritime wildlife rescues asking for their advice, but haven't heard back from either as of this posting.  It's a shame the nearest wildlife refuge seems to be in Sackville, NB.

6 comments:

  1. see? the Costco trip was serendipitous!

    i think it's wonderful that you took the time to care for him...so many people consider gulls (and around here - squirrels and pigeons) to be vermin and care nothing for them. i figure they all have as much right to be here and to thrive as the rest of us...

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  2. Sounds like something I would and Have done. My Husband of 20 years keeps telling me I cant save them all, That does not stop me from trying... I cant bear to see anything struggle. I am Glad there are others Helping the stragglers and misfits. I saw a Canadian Goose last year with only one leg, and he seemed like he was doing pretty good, it gave me hope that help from us does work, at least sometimes. Here's To Big Hearts!

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  3. I really feel your empathy shining bright in this. xo

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  4. Nature is amazing.
    So resilient … without judgement, without fretting … it just Does.
    We can learn so much from Nature, as this charming seagull demonstrates. Not the least, the value of an open and compassionate heart ~ like yours.

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  5. Love the way that you offered sanctuary.
    Beautiful.

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  6. How amazing it is t care for someone or something so much, hope he or she, as we don't know, does well and recuperates.
    You are a beautiful person.
    Hugs,
    Julia

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