Birding/Morning Dove

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Expert: Bluebird Bob Walshaw - 6/4/2010


Question

Morning Dove Lump
Good Morning,
I have a small morning dove that I found in my yard yesterday morning.  He is quite a curious little fellow as he has been following me and my son around the patio and yard.  His wings do not seem to be broken, just ruffled on the left side.  This morning I noticed a large lump on his left breast, the same side as the ruffled feathers.  I have left water for him and some seeds and last night we placed him in a box with some grass and a blanket to keep him warm and away from the neighborhod cat.  I am not sure what to do with him?

Answer
If you wish to help it you need to call your local Audubon or other wildlife associations in your area to find a bird rehabilitator. It is illegal for you to keep a wild native bird. Otherwise put it back where you found it and let nature take its course. Remember that predators get the sick, weak,slow and the dumb, and help to keep species strong.  
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you for your quick response... I don't want to keep the bird, only help him.


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Bluebird Bob Walshaw

Expertise

I can answer almost any question on Eastern Bluebirds and small cavity nesters such as Chickadees, Titmice, Wrens, etc. Also general questions on other songbirds. No pet bird questions please.

Experience

I have had a 100+ nestbox trail for more than 20 years, I do a lot of writing, public speaking and educational work in this field. My hands-on Bluebird talks include more than 1000 people each year.

Organizations
Oklahoma Bluebird Society, North American Bluebird Society, National Audubon Society, Oklahoma Audubon Society, Oklahoma Fur Bearers Alliance

Publications
Bluebird Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Fur-Fish-Game, Birds & Blooms, Nature Society News,Back Woodsman Magazine, Tulsa World, Broken Arrow ledger, Teaching Tolerance magazine,Trappers World, OK Hole Story, Birders World

Education/Credentials
Degree in Mechanical Engineering, an MBA, Graduate of the Home Study Course in Bird Biology from the Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology, Oklahoma Master Naturalist. I am also a pofessional speaker and writer.

Awards and Honors
Chosen as a public speaker for the North American Bluebird Society, Bluebird trail accepted as part of the Transcontinental Bluebird Trail, Chosen as a panel speaker at the 2006 NABS Convention.

Past/Present Clients
Many

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