Mama bird

Baby robins have a demanding schedule

Sometime last week, my good-hearted sister (the artist who painted much of the dog art seen on our mantle) noticed that the nest of baby robins that had been built in one of her flower pots seemed to have lost their mother. When they had been alone for a full day, she went online to find out how to care for them. During the Pennsylvania heat wave she misted them with water every few hours and fed them baby beef mixed with egg from a tiny squeeze bottle. This has been going on for five days.

Now their eyes are open, their feathers are coming in, and they are growing like weeds. The problem of how to care for them once they reach adolescence is obvious. Adolescent birds out of the nest follow their moms to be fed, and probably require instruction in the bird arts. My sister felt this was somewhat beyond her purview. She has been unable to find a wildlife rehabber who would take them, however, and was beginning to ponder whether she’d have to bring them along to the funeral she is attending on Thursday.

Baby robins have to be fed every two hours during daylight.

Much as I would have been willing to fly to Pennsylvania just to witness the robins at the service, I was pleased to hear that she has since found a rehabber ninety-seven miles away who will take them. So, she is packing up the babies, pot and all, putting Oscar, the wire-haired dachshund, in the front seat of the car, and setting off on a little impromptu day trip.

After we had chatted for ten minutes or so, she mentioned that she had things to do, the dog to walk, and some calls to make. Also, I pointed out, robins to rescue.

Our family ethos is fairly clear. I’m glad she’s my sister.

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You can purchase my books—and pre-order the new novel—at your favorite bookseller. Some of my favorite shops are Honest Dog Books, Boswell Book Company, Mystery to Me Books, Books and Company, Barbara’s Bookstores, Barnes & Noble, Target, and, of course, here. My illustrated children’s book, My Dog Pete is available only here.

Today’s Guest Gratuitous Dog Photo is my sister’s wire-haired dachsund, Oscar.

Oscar is a four year old standard dachshund, not a mini. He weighs about 30 pounds and is very sweet-natured.