I was able to talk with the
Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley (WCSV) today about Biff, the wild baby
bird we found by our back door on Friday. After looking at the photos
I posted in my
3 June 2007 blog entry, WCSV said they thought Biff was a House Finch, not a
European Starling. European Starlings are not federally protected in the U.S.
(some states require a special permit to keep one). House Finches are protected
by U.S. law and cannot be kept as pets.
Biff’s eyes were not opening properly so John and I just drove him to WCSV. They will care
for him and give him antibiotics for what they diagnosed as a contagious eye infection.
If Biff survives, he will be raised with other House Finches who will teach him his
proper behavior and songs. (WCSV calls this rehabilitation.) Eventually, if he grows
up and can care for himself, Biff will be released to the wild. WCSV gave us a
tracking number so that we can check up on Biff and see what happens. Biff was
ugly and demanding but I miss him already.
KatysBlog 