Release or not to release?

[DCMuffin]

I volunteered at a rehab center for a while. When they were successful they would release the animals back to their original location as often as possible.

It will be nice if they fly off and live happily ever after.

@chickens really is probably correct about them arriving at new locations all the time.

They may need time to build their wing strength if they haven't been practicing. Many captive birds bred for release are in flight conditioning enclosures while ensuring they know how to find food and such. I might remove the swimming source if they have one at your house to encourage them to move on. Birds are amazing... even the tiny hummer (not all, some species) migrates across the US fattening up and preparing for their epic journey across the entire Gulf of Mexico with no source of feed or rest and one of the highest metabolisms and tiniest of bodies!

Very awesome when people recognize my sincerity!

Some of my birds are much slower to venture of into range, so they may also just be building up their courage. Give them time. Sounds like you did pretty good so far!

Thank you . Oh, their wings are good. They fly all around and have flown away for 10-15 minutes at a time, only to return to the back yard LOL. They are free to go at any time. As I said, my only concern was as they were roaming out into the woods. It's not a "normal" place for them to be, and though under cover, there are a number of things that could go horribly wrong. I agree, I wish that they would simply fly off and go about their lives. Instead, they fly off (or walk LOL), only to return 15 minutes later and well, the process begins all over again

. Yesterday afternoon, the males kept flying up and over the fence, then back, then over and back - I bet they did it 6 or 7 times while mama simply sat sunning herself on our lower patio

. You mentioned the water source. As much as I would love to not have it, I do have a Muscovy here (domestic) and although it's not absolutely necessary for her to have it, she loves it and I don't want to take it away.

Ahhhh, your mention of hummers is true to my heart. I have several feeders up throughout our yard, and we have planted native wildflowers, bee balm, echinacea, etc in two separate gardens that are for hummers only. They enjoy bathing in the fountains, coming in to nosh on their homemade nectar and I have a couple of little males who will eat from my hand feeder every year. They are amazing little animals, aren't they? Watching their migratory patterns and knowing that those tiny little bodies will fly over 18 hours straight. I simply cannot imagine. Animals are truly fascinating.

Again, I thank you so much for your concern and you caring posts here.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Ha, I should have known a BYCer had more fowl!

I also probably would not remove water if it were there for my own animals.

Interesting that I use hummers analogy and it connect to you. Animals are indeed fascinating!

Maybe they are just being cautious like young chicks staying close to the tractor when I first let them out to range... and keep getting a little farther out as they gain confidence.

It's nice that you are letting nature take its' course and getting to observe it.