Recently, while riding along the shoulder of a busy Arizona highway, a man made a surprising discovery. Glancing down, he noticed a tiny creature clinging to a weed sprouting from the cracks in the pavement. Curious, he stopped his bike to investigate further.
An Unexpected Encounter
As he stooped down, he realized the delicate creature was a thumb-sized baby hummingbird. The little bird appeared injured, unable to fly, and in a vulnerable state. The man, thrilled to see such a beautiful bird up close, quickly grew concerned for its well-being. Unsure of what to do, he reached out to AZ Wildlife Resource for assistance.
Seeking Professional Help
Valerie Motyka, the founder of AZ Wildlife Resource, responded to the call. Typically, wildlife rescuers aim to reunite baby birds with their mothers. However, upon evaluating the situation, Motyka determined that this fledgling hummingbird needed more specialized care.
“With the way he was hunched over and not flying, we decided it was best to get him properly evaluated at the rehab,” Motyka shared.
A Careful Examination
Back at the rehabilitation center, Motyka conducted a thorough examination to determine the bird’s condition. She looked for clear eyes, symmetrical wings, and overall health indicators.
“This fledgling hummingbird appeared to have a bit of a spinal injury, which was probably why he was found in the road,” Motyka explained.
A New Home for Recovery
Given the severity of the spinal injury, Motyka sought help from East Valley Wildlife, a facility equipped to handle such cases. The staff at East Valley Wildlife welcomed the baby hummingbird and began the delicate process of his recovery.
On the Road to Recovery
The resilient little bird is now under the care of East Valley Wildlife, where he continues to grow stronger each day. With dedicated attention and care, his spine is healing, and he is gradually regaining his strength. The team is optimistic that he will soon be ready to return to the skies, where he belongs.
Conclusion
This heartwarming story highlights the unexpected encounters we can have with wildlife and the importance of compassionate intervention. Thanks to the quick thinking of the biker and the dedicated efforts of AZ Wildlife Resource and East Valley Wildlife, this tiny hummingbird has a chance to soar again. It serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and the impact we can have by taking a moment to care for the vulnerable creatures we encounter.
