A Mr. Cardinal Update (1 Viewer)

[Chickadeedeedee]

This is actually more along the lines of highlight of the year but here is the news.

The Cardinal has been doing well since he came to stay with us. He was to have a recheck around this time to see if his injured eye had signs of glaucoma, or an increased pressure in his eye. Today we went to the avian specialist. The Cardinal has put on good weight and has very good muscle mass and seems in excellent condition.

Best news is he can see! There was a partially detached retina and lots of fibrin strands and clots in his eye about 3 months ago when the ophthalmologist had said he is "blind in his left eye and the retina is shredded." Today his left eye looks and reacts identical to the right eye! Both the avian vet and ophthalmologist said they have never seen such a complete recovery from so severe trauma. They believe his vision is perfect in both eyes ... but how does one tell? There is no eye chart for him to read.

He is releasable with their blessings. I need to check our weather forecast to make sure he's got at least 3 days of nice weather after he's out on his own. I believe he might leave us tomorrow morning. I'll make sure there is plenty of seeds in all the feeders as well as scattered on the patio.

Oooooooooooooooooo! This is such unexpected great news! It is nice to have him inside and safe but he is a wild bird and he was born to be wild and wild and free he shall be. He was been through quite the adventure but has recovered. He, like Bebe the baby Blackie, will go on to pass their strength to the next generation.

WoooooooooHooooooooo! :t:

Lydia

 

[Kezza]

That's wonderful news Lydia!! I thought there was no chance of a full recovery for him, you really must be over the moon.

You've obviously done a brilliant job in aiding his recovery (forgetting the little feather incident!! LOL!) and gave him chances when some may have taken the easier option and given up. Well done you!

It'll be quite something to watch him fly away to be free once more! Great news Lydia.

 

[RKell1]

Great News Lydia, give him a kiss from all on ExBeeb before he goes , by the way do you ring your birds before releasing?

 

[Chickadeedeedee]

Hi Kezza. We too thought there was no hope. How could there be with a "shredded" retina? Hmmmmm. Trust BUT verify, eh? I phoned another ophthalmologist and he took a look and also proclaimed both eyes are normal!:t:

I won't question how his eye healed but I am so thankful that a Higher Power took over and soon Mr. Cardinal will be on his way. I was soooo hoping to release him tomorrow but we are to have thunderstorms tonight and for the next three days. B We'll be patient and release him on Friday morning then.

I will worry enough for him with several nice days but I want him to get comfortable in his surroundings and know where there is shelter and such before he needs to get doused with thunderstorms. I'll ask Mike to be ready with a camera to get Mr. Cardinal's flight to freedom.

Hi Ray. I'll give him a kiss on his red pointy head from all the ex Beebs. Thanks! No, I don't ring my birds. But I do try to let them keep their tail feathers. LOL!

WooooooooHooooooo!

L.

 

[Cathy H]

Well done Lydia,

I'm so pleased that you've managed to get Mr Cardinal ready for release. Who would've thought the outcome would be so great when he first arrived. I must say, I thought you had another lodger for life!

Give him a fond farewell and a wave from all of us this side of the pond. I know you'll keep us updated on his progress.B B B Have one (or three) on me!

 

[Pam_m]

Wonderful news Lydia...he was so lucky to have found you! Well done all who were involved.:clap: :clap:

Enjoy your freedom little Cardinal and stay safe:t:

 

[bill moss]

Hi Lydia,

Great news for both you and the Cardinal. Well done you for looking after him so well.

Won't you keep even ONE tail feather as a souvenir?

Bill.

 

[Chickadeedeedee]

LOL! Hi everyone! :-O

We too thought he was here for good. Although we think we provide for our birdy visitors as well as we can, in spite of the dangers of the real world, it truly is better for him to be free and happy as Nature will allow.

Imagine being able to fly at will over a house or a pond and over the tree tops! Just once! Wouldn't you chance the meeting with a hawk? I would.

Mike and I will be shopping for a digital camera tomorrow. We will try to catch Mr. Cardinal at the moment of release. We are to have storms again today and through Thursday. We have him scheduled for an early Friday morning release. Hope the weather forecasters know what they are talking about.

I have saved ALL the tail feathers I pulled from his poor little butt several months ago. They are in the china cabinet with Bill the Egg.

I will post how the release goes. Thank you all from us and Mr. Cardinal for your support and joy over this happiest of news!

Lydia, Mike and Mr. Giovanni Cardinal :t:

 

[Mabel]

Well done Lydia! What a great story!