Taka was fishing with a friend, under the Lift Bridge, when they found this baby bird swimming (actually, more like crawling) on the surface of the water toward them. Taka called Copper Country Veterinarian Clinic for advice, and they referred Bill Alwin, a Houghton teacher known in some circles as the "bird man".

Is it my imagination, or sitting in the pan, does it appear to be smiling?

Yes, sure looks as though he is smiling. The baby seems to be in good hands now.

I think he looks nervous! Chicken soup maybe?

what kinda bird is that?

Who was it said, "A bird in the hand is better than two in the bush?" But, yeah, what kinda bird is it? A hawk?

Looks like a plain ole pidgeon who got real lucky.
Keep up the good work. How does the quote go "As you do unto the least of mine, so you do unto me."?

Yes, it is a pigeon. I used to raise them so I can spot a baby one right away. :-) Lucky lil bird! Glad it is in good hands now!!
Best wishes,
Renee in IL

Mr. Alwin is a great guy! We brought him a pigeon ourselves a couple of winters ago, and we got to know him a lot better this last year, as our son's Assistant Principal at Houghton-Portage elementary. That bird is in wonderful hands.....literally!

Rat with feathers and wings....that's all pigeons are ...But, the bird man does have a heart...

Way to go, Dad! It's amazing how many birds he's raised on canned dog food (I'm serious - they love it!) and released back into the wild.
You're the best . . .
Mary

Many years ago I raised a baby crow. It totally loved canned dog food and seemed to do quite well on it.

I like my pigeon with a little butter in the pan though.

Yes, Like 5 Wings Fan said: Mr. Alwin. He's Mr. Alwin to me. He was our school teacher and at 40 years old, I can't call him anything else! He's Mr. Alwin. Thanks for giving us departed yoopers a rare look at the guy! My memories are of a great teacher and friend to everyone, man or beast! Looks like he still lives up by the bluff too!

The guy holding this bird was my fifth grade teacher back in.....1979 or 1980?? Mr. Alwin. Best teacher I ever had.

That's my Uncle Bill. And this is it!

I saved a pidgeon from the jaws of one of my cats. He looks okay except one of his wings doesn't function properly and he can't fly. I've had him in my shed with water and bread and milk for three days. What should I do with him? If I release him the cats will surely kill him. Any idea of alternatives?

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

Mary Beth Fielder

Mary Beth, go to http://members.aol.com/duiven/recovery/recovery.htm for information on helping injured pigeons, and http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactA.htm#ca to find a local wildlife rehabilitator.

To put 'im in a pot, wouldn't you pluck the feathers off first? ;>)