Evening star., 1946-09-27
This and That
By Charles E. TraceUeU

Dear Sir:
L picked up young cardinal on
Labor Day. I found him exhausted at
the base OF tree. At that time and
Tor three or four days after he was only
able to push himself along for a few
feet and then would fall over on his side.
His appetite, however, from the very
beginning has been healthy one, so
I assume that there are no internal
injuries. He has now progressed to the
point where he can fly up on a perch
in his cage, but the left wing feathers
droop, and although he seems to be
able to use both legs while standing on
the perch, when he finally settles down
the left leg comes out to the side.
From this meager information, have
you any idea what might have hap
pened to him and how long will it take
for him to get well enough to take care
OF himself on the outside? The latter
concerns me considerably as will soon
leave the city for a while and if he
isn't well by that time haven't the
vaguest notion what to do with him
except that do know I cannot abandon
him.
Can you give me any idea as to how
old the bird is? Outside Of a red tail,
he was mostly brown when 1 first picked
him up, but now his breast Is becoming
reddish and red feathers are growing
back from the forehead over the crown
Of the head
l would appreciate few words about
his diet. In the beginning when I had
to iced and water him by hand he took
egg yolk. ralslns, raw hamburger and
mixed seeds, but now that he can help
himself he ignores the raisins and meat.
Are mixed seed including sunf1ower
seeds and peanut hearts, sufficient?
What has become of Lilly Belle, the
robin?
And I want to thank you for your
interesting column Without This and
That, The Star just would not be
complete.
Very truly yours, H. C. r."
* X
This male cardinal, probably about
three months old, may have broken
leg.
1t should be put in a splint made of
strong, old-fashioned kitchen match
or similar piece of wood
Birds are subject to many such in
juries, sometimes caused by dog or cat,
and sometimes through one of variety
Of natural causes.
The wonder is that there are not
more cripples among the birds.
Mixed seeds and peanut hearts make
good food for such a bird and with
offerings from the great outdoors will
do very we'll. Bits Of raw liver, if it can
be had, are very good, since they pro-
vide vitamins, etc. Small worms and
beetles are always relished.
The birdhouse at the Zoo will some
times take a bird.
1t is possible for such a bird to get
well without any aid from humans.
That is what they have to do in nature.
Unless their injury makes them easy
prey, nature takes over and heals a
crippled leg and sometimes a wing
We had a crippled blue jay at our
feeder for several years, also a dove with
one bad leg. Both birds managed to
feed when others were not around.
The pet robin, Lilly Belle, is still very
much alive, but was intimidated by
some other robins, so could not return
to her favorite roosting place in the
maple tree by the garage.
She came once, but Immediately was
chased out by other robins, who had
decided to make the yard their home
THIS year.
Lilly occasionally comes back, in
timid sort Of way, but never stays long
enough for any one to be sure of her.
Her characteristic grumbling chatter is
initiated by other robins, so that we are
never quite sure any longer who is call
| ing. Maybe we have seen Lilly many
times and have not recognized her. She
is strong, capable bird, given her full
share Of liver, and ought to live for
several years more. She is now years
| old. -.