Piper, our little female Starling, passed away last night.

[CitizenLeft]

23. I'm so sorry

Years ago, when we lived in a townhouse, birds nested in our dryer exhaust pipe (or whatever you call it). We heard chirping in the house one day and found 3 chicks had been sucked into the dryer. One was still barely alive, not a feather on him, they’d been sucked off of him. I took Oscar and wrapped him up, and fed him softened bird seed and hamburger. In 3 days, his feathers started growing back and he was loudly demanding food and hopping around as cocky as could be. I figured he was strong enough to take him to the wildlife preserve nearby, who agreed to take him and keep him until he could be set free. In 2 days, he was dead… the folks at the preserve think he thought I was his mama and had abandoned him. I still feel guilty thinking about it. But I could not keep him at home, it was not an option.

I know how you feel. Rest in peace, sweet little Piper.