Re: [Freeflight] 2 topics. Shooting and training wild birds

[jd021357@a...]

In a message dated 11/2/03 2:53:46 PM US Mountain Standard Time, 
Bart.Van.Hoyweghen@v... writes:

> But what if they went just a little too deep. I think experienced
> flyers can recover.
> 
> Bart
> 

Bart -- Wild birds often drown in water if their wings get wet enough to stop 
creating enough lift to haul themselves out. Sometimes they can "row" to the 
edge using their wings as oars and, if a gradual rise is present, can walk out 
and dry off none the worse for wear. In the unnatural water sources created 
by us there are no natural banks and sides are often steep and smooth, like 
pools and metal stock tanks. Water logged birds in such a situation are 
history. I often find hawks and owls drowned in metal water tanks and even in 
swimming pools. We put ramps in tanks to help birds get out. Even a wooden plank 
floating in the tank seems to help some of them survive. 

A clipped bird is already in the state of flightlessness. There's an 
opportunity for yet another pet product -- the floating safety island that goes in the 
pool and provides a refuge if the "unthinkable" happens to the beloved bird. 
Could put little palm trees on it and such....... Isn't this list just a 
fount of good ideas!!!

Jim Dawson