cuisidal chimney sweep; juv. starling that is

[Falk]

This morning our children didn't let us sleep as long as desired, because they had heard a strange noise from the chimney - and correctly assumed, there is a bird trapped inside!

The 'real' chimney sweep was here the other week; but I have not yet done the cleaning. All the ashes of our pellets oven were still in the stainless pipe ...
After getting the vacuum cleaner ready and all, I found a juv. Starling inside the tube, which lines our chimney. Caught it and gave it a good rinse with clear water, to remove the ashes from eyes, throat and all. After that I took the following pics:






Very soon I noticed a strange crawling feeling on my hand and had to discover hundreds of Lice running about my hand


This bird maybe wanted to commit suicide, but was unfortunately rescued by myself!? I really feel sorry for it, because the pure numbers of Lice would certainly be a good reason to do, as intended. I discovered later on the photos, there were thousands of nits in his ear regions. Ahrrgh!

[Guest]

Re: cuisidal chimney sweep; juv. starling that is

Nice story, and of course you were lucky as what often causes noices in chimneys are rats.

Like the shots and the trouble you took to get them.

Nick

[Wee man]

Re: cuisidal chimney sweep; juv. starling that is

It has been suggested that crows etc open their wings and roost on chimneys to clear bugs could thid little guy have been trying that? Why am I sitting scratching whilst looking at your hand?

[Falk]

[Cowanjma]

Re: cuisidal chimney sweep; juv. starling that is

Very good story telling.

[Guest]

Re: cuisidal chimney sweep; juv. starling that is

A very touching tale ... but Falk, you haven't said what became of the juvenile - did it survive?

[Falk]

Re: cuisidal chimney sweep; juv. starling that is

A very touching tale ... but Falk, you haven't said what became of the juvenile - did it survive?

... sure Mark, it flew off when I let go - after the army of lice did get pass the band of my wrist watch!

[Greytop]

Re: cuisidal chimney sweep; juv. starling that is

Falk, another interesting set, I feel sorry for the bird although Starlings do not generally get a good press, perhaps because the tend to operate in groups and bully other birds away from feeding stations (in my experience).
Good to hear you rescued this one though