Grosbeak first aid (pics included)

[Steve Foss]

My spouse, Lisa, will leave no sick bird unturned. This is a female evening grosbeak the seemed weak and let us approach it very closely. Lisa noticed there appeared to be a chunk of something wedged in its throat, and it was able to pick up seeds but not swallow them.

I was willing to let nature take its course, but not Lisa. She added this grosbeak (potentially, prognosis uncertain) to her list of saved animals after a feeder-side ER operation.

Here's what happened:

The patient. Note the seeds and seed refuse.

The exam

The operation

Post-op recovery

Good to go

[buzzsaw]

Great story! I like the water drop during the recovery period.

[fishingmike0770]

what was lodged in her throat that didnt allow her to swallow?

[Steve Foss]

It looked like a balled up insect. She died a couple hours ago and we put her on the shed roof so the ravens can do their business. It's all part of the circle.