Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: gemini2327 on April 30, 2009, 11:42:00 AM

Title: Looks like a kiwi in Southern Ontario????
Post by: gemini2327 on April 30, 2009, 11:42:00 AM
I witnessed a family of these little critters hit by a car, when I went to rescue the two little ones that were left on highway, I couldn't identity them.  The mother was a non-flying beige/brown/white (very soft downy not stiff feathers)with the three little ones behind, she and one of last babies was wiped out by a car.  Sorry but I hope the car driver, who had time plenty of time to divert, get's what's coming to him soon.
  Mother was about size of cornish hen, head size of small golf ball with a long uniform straw like beak about 5 inches long all. I am still heart broken that had I known the mother had been hit as well I would have taken in the two chick to seek help from some organization but, as it was I let them run off the side of the road.  When I discovered the mother about 500 feet later, I tried to catch the chick but they were running in the long brush and chirping away loudly.  I hope they will survive but I am now regretting my mistake.
Are these things rare, or what are they?
Title: Kiwi in Ontario
Post by: Jimbo on April 30, 2009, 11:58:16 AM
gemini: Sounds like a family of American Woodcock. To bad the driver was in such a rush that he/she could not slow for a moment to let them clear the roadway.

Jim Dunn
Title: Woodcock.
Post by: Ron Luft on April 30, 2009, 12:12:12 PM
Probably correct with Am.Woodcock. Last year at Pelee we were watching a female (just as you discribed) with a fluid trickle of 4-6 chicks trailing her. Suddenly a streak of black in the gaining darkness of twilight attacked! Mother flew off drunkenly and distracted the predator. The chicks disappeared in a lawn no more than 3-4 " deep. Little was seen of either mother or predator for several minutes. The mother A.W. then calmly reappeared and stood watch over the lawn but the chicks did as told and remained hidden. I don't think the pred. got anything for his attempt.

If I read correctly in your mother was killed? If so chicks will be in trouble. Let's hope...
Title:
Post by: Axeman on April 30, 2009, 12:47:03 PM
The gaining darkness of twilight...nice....I like that...I usually kick at the darkness till it bleeds daylight....what was the predator btw?
Title: Thanks to all....yes that was it
Post by: gemini2327 on April 30, 2009, 01:22:37 PM
The chicks are identical to what I had in my hand.  I am so sorry I didn't save them now, wish I had seen the fate of momma sooner.  They were squawking a lot so I hope they at least followed each other to safety.  From what I have read so far the chicks leave the nest early to fend for themselves....I pray anyways.
Little angel prayers for the little guys... :roll:
Again thanks to y'all
Gemini
Title:
Post by: cocosally on May 01, 2009, 11:26:02 PM
I am really sad to hear this....I just don't understand why! some people are so ignorant and impatient, I once saw a driver keep horning on those Geese and were going to run over them...there were mother , father and about 6-7 little one!  
 :x and of course I tried to hurry them to cross the road as I happened to be the pedestrian.