Poor Little Francolin Chick

Grey Francolin chick

Grey Francolin chick (Francolinus pondicerianus)
Location: Kohala Coast, Big Island, Hawaii

This tiny little bird is a Grey Francolin chick.  We found it in our garden, abandoned.  We examined it and could find no obvious injuries, but it was so weak it could hardly hold up its head.  We tried to give it some water, but the chick would not cooperate.  Finally, we put it in a cool, shady area where groups of adult Francolins pass through on their daily rounds, in the hope that its parents might find it.  When we checked on the chick an hour or so later, it had died.  My husband buried the poor little chick's remains in one of our flower beds.

9 comments:

Celeste said...

So sad when something so small and beautiful doesn't make it but nature usually has a reason for these things. At least by burying it you are putting its nutrients into the earth and continuing lifes cycle.

BNS said...

Hi Celeste - I tend to agree. It is sad, but it is nature. We have a hunch that the little chick was not lost, but abandoned when its parents sensed that it was not going to make it.

Bobbie

Becky said...

Such a cute little guy. Baby birds are so fragile. How good of you to bury it in your flower garden.

BNS said...

Hi B & G - They do indeed seem fragile sometimes. Fortunately enough make it through each season to maintain the population.

Bobbie

Barbara Martin said...

So sad when this happens. Chicks fall out of their nests.

If this seems to be happening regularly you might want to have some Peak Health Formual that Sun Seed puts out for tropical birds. I use this with my African senegals and lovebirds when they have chicks. You make a gruel and feed with an eye dropper, a drop at a time.

It's nice you buried the wee thing.

2sweetnsaxy said...

Oh, how sad. It was so cute.
:-(

kml said...

Hi Bobbie - It was always so sad when the kids would bring these little guys to us. We all try, but nature has her ways. This little one was beautiful.

BNS said...

@ Barbara - I didn't realize there was such a formula available for little birds. I'll have to check that out. Thanks for the tip.

@ 2Sweet & Kathy - Yes, it's sad, but we have to trust Mother Nature's wisdom, I guess.

Bobbie

Anonymous said...

Hi nice post here is local bird in Pakistan
Baby Grey Francolin Partridges, Achho Titer

http://www.photo.rohri.net/?p=94