Hubertus Sparrow

by lia Evanson-Willems
(Merkelbeek Netherlands)

Every year sparrows build a nest over my back door.

I counted 5 little fuzzy heads about 4 weeks ago. Yesterday I found a baby bird in my yard in the grass.

How this little one fell out and got as far as he did without a major injury and not being gobbled up by one of the many cats I feel is a mystery.

My husband said to leave it alone and let nature take its course, but I could not abandon Junior to his fate.

Helping My Baby Sparrow

I put it in a box with some old towels and since my husband would not help I called his dad.

My father-in-law has been breeding finches and canaries for years. Bread dipped in water and good luck was his advice.

I named Junior after my father-in-law, but I think Junior just might be a Juniorette.

I have been feeding Hubert(ina) every 15-45 minutes.

What goes in comes out in a huge squirt at the other end so I guess everything is working inside.

Also, I read online how to care for the sparrow and do the best for it. I am glad school just let out for the summer so I have plenty of time.

Hubert has feathers that seem to be encased in long tubes, and I don't think this sparrow is at the fledgling stage yet.

He has a voracious appetite and is always cheeping softly unless hungry, then he gets very loud.

I will put him outside in his box tomorrow to see if his mom and dad will continue feeding him.