Stuck in the Middle by Rick Chaboudy A volunteer called and said there was an injured Sandhill Crane sitting in a narrow median on Busch Blvd. in Tampa, just inches away from west bound traffic. No one in the immediate area would help. So............................... When I arrived, the bird was still sitting in the same position although it did stand up twice. With traffic buzzing by on both sides of the bird, it was too dangerous for us or the bird to approach. The Temple Terrace Police Department was called and asked to assist and a short time later, two cruisers pulled up with lights flashing and blocked the traffic to insure our safety. With traffic blocked, I hurried my approach and the Sandhill Crane stood up and made an attempt to escape. When it stood, I could see that it had a missing right foot. With the net extended, I made one attempt from about 15-20 feet away and the net landed squarely on top of the good looking red-head. I scooped it up and carried it to safety as the officers opened up the traffic and gave us a congratulatory blast from their sirens. With the help of Jeannie our volunteer, the bird was freed from the net and placed in the carrier. It was apparent that the missing foot was an old injury, probably from something being wrapped around the lower ankle area and cutting off circulation to the foot. I drove the crane to the Audubon Society where they will take it to a Busch Gardens vet and have it examined there. When all is said and done, a bunch of people will have flocked to the Sandhill Cranes side. Thanks Jeannie, the Temple Terrace Police Officers, the Audubon Society and the vet at Busch Gardens.
Posted on: Mon, 05 Jan 2015 14:52:41 +0000