#id:manco

[rainyflock]

My beloved old boy, Manco. He's been with me for three years now, and was an older guy as far as wild starlings go when he got here.

Plus bonus Iris making sure I don't pester him. She's a lil overprotective of him lol.

[rainyflock]

It's fucking dinner time, baby!

[rainyflock]

my dear friends have come a long way with acclimating to me! most of the birds in these gifs are wild adult birds who became non-releasable due to life altering injuries. some were even harmed directly by humans, so they really have no reason to think positively of me at all. on top of that, i provided medical care for all of these birds, which definitely starts us off on the wrong foot! i am incredibly honored that despite all of this, i am slowly but surely starting to gain their trust ❤️ every last one of my birds will now eat in front of me, sing in front of me (!!!!), and is unbothered by the sound of my voice or my movements. INCREDIBLY exciting :]

[rainyflock]

Grandpa Manco showing off his pretty yellow beak coming in 💛

[rainyflock]

New development......? Looks like Manco and Milo might have paired up???? He has been singing to her all fucking day and they have been inseparable for close to a week now. Milo seemed interested in Prince last year, but I bet Shrimp scared her off lol. Will be interesting to see what the pair dynamics are this coming spring.

[rainyflock]

I've been housebound while recovering from a major surgery that I had at the end of August, but my husband has been caring for all of my babies for me 🥹 He got some photos for me today, I'm so excited to see that everyone has finished their molts and looks wonderful! I can't wait til I can walk again.....I've been hearing them sing from my bedroom window but it's not the same as seeing them 💔

[rainyflock]

Manco showing off for Iris and Milo! And Iris showing off a bit too 💜

Manco is my oldest male, likely around 7, and has a pretty extensive vocal repertoire. In this video alone, you can hear a killdeer, Canadian goose, gulls, and part of his mallard quack lol. He can also mimic red-shouldered hawks, robins, crows, blue jays, and grackles. A very talented boy! 🧡

[rainyflock]

-> About -

My name is Rain (he/they), and I am based in North America. I am a biologist, wildlife rehabilitator, and bird enthusiast.

I use this blog for chatting about my personal birds, rescue & rehab patients, and other birds I work with.

I run a local rescue aviary, where I intake orphaned or injured non-protected (invasive & feral) birds, pet surrenders, and the occasional humane case.

I assist with the rehabilitation, ongoing care, and training of native birds. I currently specialize in corvids & have a fondness for jays.

I am a behavioral researcher, and specialize in developing practices for keeping & caring for non-releasable birds in the most ethical & low-stress way possible.

I am a small-scale hobbyist keeper & breeder of some companion pigeons & doves.

-> Answered questions: #rain answers

I am always open to questions or messages about any of my birds, or myself and what I do! I may not get to them right away, but will respond whenever I am able.

[Some additional disclaimers/information/notes below the cut]

-> Disclaimers -

I am an adamant believer that wild birds always thrive best in nature, and the vast majority of people are not suited to care for wild birds.

It is true that human care increases the lifespan of a wild animal, as well as lessens health risks.

However, without extreme amounts of work, things like diet, enrichment, activity levels, sociality, and natural behaviors in captivity pale in comparison to what they would experience in their native habitats.

A large percentage of wild birds in captive environments suffer from depression, malnutrition, lack of appropriate stimulation, forced human interaction, high stress, or other physical & mental health issues.

I do not promote the kidnapping of wildlife, human habituation of wild animals, or wild bird ownership - as a general rule, but ESPECIALLY in cases where the bird is a candidate for release.

Any bird in my care is either a) domesticated or captive bred, b) a rehabilitation patient, or c) professionally deemed non-releasable and receiving monthly quality of life evaluations.

If you find a native bird in need of help, please take it to a professional immediately.

Notes:

-> I follow from @cyanocoracinae (main but mostly reblogs)

-> PSA about starlings

-> More info on starlings

-> More info on pigeons