Tawny Frogmouth help

[Wapiti]

just back from a fence run, and I spotted this poor bird caught in the top of our high exclusion fence. It's a Tawney Frogmouth.
Being that I spotted it at 1pm, it could've been there for 20 hours or less, seeing as they are nocturnal. So it'd be pretty dehydrated, hanging in the sun.
I cut it out, and brought it back and it's in a cat cage with a bowl of water, some mince and a stick, which it likes to grab onto.

I called a googled number and was redirected to Toowoomba, and explained the situation to this lady who from the onset, sounded very crabby.
I asked what I could do, if there were any tips, to making sure it's OK until I can get better advice or find it's actually OK.

The woman interrupted me and said, "do you have a license for native animals", not her exact words but I don't remember actually what she called it. When I said no, then she said "well then it's illegal you have it, you have to bring it to a licensed carer". I tried to explain that I'm an 8-hour round trip from her and that I can't just drop everything and tried to ask for some tips. No, no tips because I'm obviously not to be trusted with native animal saving.

Until that occurs this end, any tips on the bird, apart from giving it what I did and waiting for it to settle down?
It's in the air-cond house out here, so the red-hot day's temps won't bother it for now.
No wonder people just belt things over the head, these self-opinionated people do not understand anything away from the concrete gutters they live behind.

I've got 20 years of breeding behind that fence, so I have to get back out and reinstate the wire I cut out.

Tawny.jpg (449.68 KiB) Viewed 3625 times

[No1Mk3]

Frogmouths very rarely drink water directly, getting hydration mainly from food sources but they will drink if they have to, Eating whilst captive can be problematic, mince (preferably low fat) is good, chopped up mice or day old chicks is common in zoological abd vet facilities, insects are a large part of their diet but in captivity often require hand feeding by holding the insect above the head and when the mouth opens dropping in. GOOD LEATHER GLOVES are recommended as the beggars can bite! (I'm not saying how I know this) Use recently dead insects as they are easier to handle. Warm and quiet spaces are best, a cardboard box works. Whay you have done is fantastic, and I'm sorry to hear of the reaction from the so-called wildlife carer, take the bird to a Vet when you can and thanks for trying, you've done more than many.

[Finniss]

Usually helps to lower stress by covering cage with a towel or sheet. I can't see where the stick is, but if possible set it high enough so it can perch with tail off the ground..assuming there's enough head room.

If it does take a feed, dunk the food in water first to get a few drops into it if it's not drinking.

A trick that sometimes gets birds eating is just put your gloved hand close and they'll open their mouth in attack/defence. Then you push some food in. Sometimes they work it out and will start taking it from you.

Not sure what the talons are like on tawnys. Falcons and similar will whip that leg up and grab you or the feed pretty quick.

[Die Judicii]

Well done Mate. Such common sense is way above that stupid bitch. If it eats (or drinks) any of the tucker you’ve provided, your more than half way to success which only leaves any possible injury to then be dealt with. Barring that i’d only worry about possible infection from wire cuts.

[perentie]

My late wife was a Wild Life Carer and we had a Tawney for years. It lived in the house and did not want to leave, We fed it dried catfood soaked in water into a thick paste and fed it with a spoon. It used to sit on our shoulder and we took it outside when having our PM drinks and come back inside again.
After my wife died I had it outside and a male Tawney appeared. They looked at each other a bit and the next afternoon our Tawney few over next to the male. I came in and next day they were gone. Hopefully all happy

[bigrich]

i used to see tawney frogmouths in the she-oak trees in my backyard when i was a kid growing up in slacks creek in QLD when i was a kid . as well as bearded dragons that were also around . i have a fondness for these native animals . i hope the frogmouth works in with you wapiti. sorry i can't offer any advice on their care . as a side story i'[ve been feeding my local magpies where i live in loganholme for the last 20 years . i can relate some wonderful stories of their trust and interactions with me that amaze people i know . the same people can't understand my dislike for feral pigs , dogs, cats and foxes . i try to explain , most get it , but until they see first hand they won't truly understand why morally i advocate for hunting/pest control . i love our native species, and i've had some great encounters with roos, wallabies, echidnas , and emus , out bush , but to eradicate feral introduced species is something that's not understood by non hunters and shooters . education to bridge this gap would help to get public opinion on the side of firearm owners . sorry for the digress off topic, i've had a few beers cause it's friday night

[Wapiti]

Thanks heaps for all tht guys and the encouragement, I'm real concerned about Tawney, as I called him too. Her? You've all been great.

It did bite me, understandably, but first thing I did is put on some riggers gloves I keep in the buggy. I couldn't free it until I cut the wire out, and took my time as it turned out it was a spike in the barb wire that it must've hit and twisted over. I think it's only a spike type penetrating wound, no broken wing bone. I think. I didn't want to stress him too much after that ordeal hanging in the sun for 8 hrs.
When I stare at him his eyes open wide up and he makes this strange deep sound at me. Little tough-nut.

I did try with a 3cc syringe and blunt drip needle to drop in some rainwater when he opened his mouth to try and look scary, but he just held it in, the bugger, and tipped it out when I backed off.
For now he's in a dark bedroom in the cat cage on the bed, there is some mince in there and a little pet bowl of rainwater in the corner, don't know if I'm imagining it but I'm sure he's dropped the level down and I don't think he's spilled it, there's a clean towel on the bottom and a length of 3-inch diameter log in there which he's perched on, I'll let him settle for the night.
If he's ok in the morning I'll take him out and try again, I will see if I can get some pics to show you guys. Again, thanks.

[Die Judicii]

Hey Mate, Just a thought,,,,
How far is it back to where you found him ?

Maybe if it's a great distance, give him a ride back to the same spot when it's time to release.
But not alongside the barb fence. LOL

[Wapiti]

Morning all, here's a pic this morning of Tawney, I checked him out and he's quite feisty, and he's eaten his mince overnight.
I dropped some water into his beak slowly and he accepted it, and dropped some lean mince strands into his gob each time he went to strike me and that went down.
And he immediately crapped on me and it was reasonably hydrated poo, so I think he's reasonably hydrated.

So for now he's back in his cage with fresh water and a glob of mince, I don't have any mice in my live traps at the moment. We try not to use Ratsack in case animals eat the dead mice.

Thanks DJ, about the release suggestion where I found him... I was wondering that because there are a few around here at night and they might be territorial? And he would be familiar with his original area for less stress when I release him?
And would I need to go down there after dark, if they are disorientated during the day?
Because he was only about a Km or so down the road boundary fence from the cottage, it's no trouble if it's best for him.
Might get me a bit more enthusiastic about going out at night with the thermal 243 and monocular after a big day in the heat lately.

I can tell these guys are pretty good in the dark, we feed the red-rump parrots and noisy jacks and plum-headed finches out the back, started doing it during the drought in 18-19 when there was no feed for them, no grass seed. And mince for the blue wrens, we get heaps. Because of the small seed, we get mice at night and these Tawney Frogmouths are stalking the yard here at night for them. They must have great night eyes to see small mice from their perches on the roofs around the place.
So I'm concerned that he might be disorientated during the day when I release him.

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[Wapiti]

My late wife was a Wild Life Carer and we had a Tawney for years. It lived in the house and did not want to leave, We fed it dried catfood soaked in water into a thick paste and fed it with a spoon. It used to sit on our shoulder and we took it outside when having our PM drinks and come back inside again.
After my wife died I had it outside and a male Tawney appeared. They looked at each other a bit and the next afternoon our Tawney few over next to the male. I came in and next day they were gone. Hopefully all happy

I'm very sorry to hear about your wife, Perentie.
Thanks for the catfood hint, I'll file that in my head.
Do you hunt deer for meat? There's one here with your name on it if you do still, no hiking required if you don't want to.

[Finniss]

I reckon you're onto it with releasing in the same spot, 15-20min before total darkness. Maybe take a head torch. If it has any obvious trouble you may need to catch it again.

Great sign its eating.

[Die Judicii]

Hi Wapiti,
Being nocturnal they have phenominal night vision, and as for them seeing mice from a distance at night time,,,,,,,,
Just go out one dark night with your thermal and look for mice in a shed or around the chook house.
They positively "glow" in the thermal, and I'd liken that to a Frogmouths vision.

Eyesight in birds is fasinating,, Just look at eagles and hawks during day time, they can pick a mouse in the grass from huge altitudes.

And Crows actually have the ability to "zoom" in on objects from afar, very similar to a telescope. And they are color blind to a particular shade of yellow.

But when it comes to releasing Tawney, I would definately do it after dark, and give him time to look around and gain his bearings after his "experience"

[Die Judicii]

I also meant to say,,, What magnificent camo the Tawney's have, they blend so well.

[bigrich]

I also meant to say,,, What magnificent camo the Tawney's have, they blend so well.

deer camo sh!ts me . if they don't move when the got scrub behind them you can't see them . i took a shot at a pig about a year ago , after i pulled the trigger i saw a deer through my scope bolt from about 100 meters behind the pig. woulda rather shot the deer

[Wapiti]

I also meant to say,,, What magnificent camo the Tawney's have, they blend so well.

deer camo sh!ts me . if they don't move when the got scrub behind them you can't see them . i took a shot at a pig about a year ago , after i pulled the trigger i saw a deer through my scope bolt from about 100 meters behind the pig. woulda rather shot the deer

Wrong answer mate!
And wild pigs are the best BBQ chops, especially with a bit of fat not trimmed off, dripping into the flames and flaring off.
Will be the best pork you'll eat!

Edit: that was an attempt at humour mate.

[Wapiti]

Hi Wapiti,
Being nocturnal they have phenominal night vision, and as for them seeing mice from a distance at night time,,,,,,,,
Just go out one dark night with your thermal and look for mice in a shed or around the chook house.
They positively "glow" in the thermal, and I'd liken that to a Frogmouths vision.

Eyesight in birds is fasinating,, Just look at eagles and hawks during day time, they can pick a mouse in the grass from huge altitudes.

And Crows actually have the ability to "zoom" in on objects from afar, very similar to a telescope. And they are color blind to a particular shade of yellow.

But when it comes to releasing Tawney, I would definately do it after dark, and give him time to look around and gain his bearings after his "experience"

Thanks for that too mate, I'm expecting to do that this evening.
I'm glad I kept Tawney and he came out OK, I'dve been kicking myself had I driven the poor thing in a vehicle all the way to a carer for hours, only to have him released somewhere he doesn't know or belong in, and get picked on.
At least where I found him, there are no cars and no people.
He's a lucky little bugger that I found him in time, but he hit my fence so it's basically my fault and I should try and make amends. Plus I've never had one so close before and seen how truly amazing they are.
I really have more of a soft spot for innocent animals over whiny humans.
Our natives are under enough pressure from our carelessness and thoughtlessness as it is.
Hopefully it goes well.

[bigrich]

I also meant to say,,, What magnificent camo the Tawney's have, they blend so well.

deer camo sh!ts me . if they don't move when the got scrub behind them you can't see them . i took a shot at a pig about a year ago , after i pulled the trigger i saw a deer through my scope bolt from about 100 meters behind the pig. woulda rather shot the deer

Wrong answer mate!
And wild pigs are the best BBQ chops, especially with a bit of fat not trimmed off, dripping into the flames and flaring off.
Will be the best pork you'll eat!,

Edit: that was an attempt at humour mate.

after seeing pigs chowing down on rotten carcases i'll defiantly leave them for fertiliser mate . best bait for pigs is suckling's , every time i've knocked a few little suckers down they've been devoured overnight . nothing but scattered bones the next morning

[Die Judicii]

after seeing pigs chowing down on rotten carcases i'll defiantly leave them for fertiliser mate . best bait for pigs is suckling's , every time i've knocked a few little suckers down they've been devoured overnight . nothing but scattered bones the next morning

Aha,, I can see what your problem is there Mate,,,,,,,
You've got old age pensioner pigs.
Tell em to put their dentures in before the meal.
That way you won't even have scattered bones left over.

[perentie]

My late wife was a Wild Life Carer and we had a Tawney for years. It lived in the house and did not want to leave, We fed it dried catfood soaked in water into a thick paste and fed it with a spoon. It used to sit on our shoulder and we took it outside when having our PM drinks and come back inside again.
After my wife died I had it outside and a male Tawney appeared. They looked at each other a bit and the next afternoon our Tawney few over next to the male. I came in and next day they were gone. Hopefully all happy

I'm very sorry to hear about your wife, Perentie.
Thanks for the catfood hint, I'll file that in my head.
Do you hunt deer for meat? There's one here with your name on it if you do still, no hiking required if you don't want to.

Thank you, We had a good 47 years together.
Thanks for the offer of a hunt too, much appreciated as I imagine its not something you would offer anyone especially someone you have never met.
But my hunting days are over. I was diagnosed with CMML three years ago and despite being 80 I am still going but much slower now. Pulling up submersable solar bore pumps ATM.
Found a pic of our Tawney sitting on the verandah rail with the male looking on. Not long after that she joined him .

IMG_1759 by Keith Cree, on Flickr

[Die Judicii]

Perentie,
That is a beautiful pic Mate.
Something that Tar & Cement people simply couldn't envisage,,,, let alone have in their neck of the woods.

[Wapiti]

I also meant to say,,, What magnificent camo the Tawney's have, they blend so well.

deer camo sh!ts me . if they don't move when the got scrub behind them you can't see them . i took a shot at a pig about a year ago , after i pulled the trigger i saw a deer through my scope bolt from about 100 meters behind the pig. woulda rather shot the deer

Wrong answer mate!
And wild pigs are the best BBQ chops, especially with a bit of fat not trimmed off, dripping into the flames and flaring off.
Will be the best pork you'll eat!,

Edit: that was an attempt at humour mate.

after seeing pigs chowing down on rotten carcases i'll defiantly leave them for fertiliser mate . best bait for pigs is suckling's , every time i've knocked a few little suckers down they've been devoured overnight . nothing but scattered bones the next morning

What you do if you're concerned about all that... catch them in the pig-trap then take them back to the pen. Worm them with the special wormer, which doesn't change anything in the meat you're eating anyway, and feed them pig-grower and corn for a few weeks.
I've tried this with and without doing it, and could tell no difference.
You don't need to follow that "suckling pig" thing that keeps going around, if an adult pig with any disease is lactating her piglets then they have whatever she has. And, you'd take a young half-grown animal, like any other species the old boars, sows, stinking billies, bull cattle, rutting stags etc are going to give a compromised eating experience, just quietly. Another reason rut hunting is a dumb idea.
Pigs are omnivorous, and need protein. After their stomach's digested whatever it is that it ate, dead skips or processed force-feed crap, the nutrients it needs to grow are extracted and the rest comes out the back, and unless you're putting that rear-end ejection on the barbie, it makes no difference.
Like all animals, when you gut them, which is why all hunters really should and not just slice off the bits they need on the outside (which I forgot to mention to old-mate in the newbie deer hunting thread) you should check the organs for any abnormality or worm infestation.

[Wapiti]

My late wife was a Wild Life Carer and we had a Tawney for years. It lived in the house and did not want to leave, We fed it dried catfood soaked in water into a thick paste and fed it with a spoon. It used to sit on our shoulder and we took it outside when having our PM drinks and come back inside again.
After my wife died I had it outside and a male Tawney appeared. They looked at each other a bit and the next afternoon our Tawney few over next to the male. I came in and next day they were gone. Hopefully all happy

I'm very sorry to hear about your wife, Perentie.
Thanks for the catfood hint, I'll file that in my head.
Do you hunt deer for meat? There's one here with your name on it if you do still, no hiking required if you don't want to.

Thank you, We had a good 47 years together.
Thanks for the offer of a hunt too, much appreciated as I imagine its not something you would offer anyone especially someone you have never met.
But my hunting days are over. I was diagnosed with CMML three years ago and despite being 80 I am still going but much slower now. Pulling up submersable solar bore pumps ATM.
Found a pic of our Tawney sitting on the verandah rail with the male looking on. Not long after that she joined him .
IMG_1759 by Keith Cree, on Flickr

Mate thanks for your contribution here and the pics.
The offer still stands if you ever want to come out west of Stanthorpe towards Texas, maybe you have sons, daughters that could drive you out if they like a bit of venison.
No, I don't offer that to just anyone, only good people, from time to time.

[Wapiti]

So, sort of bad news. Took tawney out to where he was found, but 100yds or so off the fence, within his original area.
I did it just before sunset so I could keep an eye on him in case he flew off and had a crash, and was going to hang around till after dark. I put him on a box tree about 2m off the ground, and he jumped off and crashed. Tried again, and he jumped into thin air again and crashed.

His wing where he was caught in the wire is ok and there's no breaks, but I'm now concerned about the ligaments/muscles in his shoulder itself, I hadn't thought of that.
He was hanging by that wing for many hours, and could've thrashed around and twisted something in his shoulder.
So we went back, I fed him some mince which he swallowed along with about 12cc of water. After biting me quite a few times to show his thanks.
Tomorrow, he's going to graduate into a dog cage meant for the back of a ute, which I'll put a few perches in and a sleeping box. But for now, he's inside on the spare bed.

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This pic of him shows how well their camo works. If it wasn't for his eyes, you wouldn't notice him.

T4.jpg (695.72 KiB) Viewed 3287 times

[Die Judicii]

Hmmmmm, not the best result Mate,,
So progress may take a couple of weeks (optimistically) or quite some months.
Or worst case scenario maybe you have a permanent lodger.

Any idea as to age, from what little I can see, it appears to be a fairly youngish bird.

[Wapiti]

I've got no idea, so he just might be.
I don't mind having him around, but it's going to be a pain when I have to come to the other joint at Warwick.
Might eventually warm to me and sit on my shoulder. Or bite my ear off.

[Die Judicii]

You might have to ring up "old luv" and get yourself a LICENSE cos afterall,, we can't be having some-one caring for any wildlife without a license now can we ?

LOL

[bigrich]

You might have to ring up "old luv" and get yourself a LICENSE cos afterall,, we can't be having some-one caring for any wildlife without a license now can we ?

LOL

i agree DJ . if it's not too much drama to get a license , as wapiti definitely loves native animals , and will probably encounter more in need of help

[Wapiti]

A license will not make me a more caring individual though, will it Rich?
Yes, I understand that laws are there for the lowest common denominator.

A gun license won't stop me from being one of the neanderthal poachers that shoots off the roads over our fences at animals just because these animals are breathing, yet they have enough IQ to tick the boxes to get gun licenses. Gee, that works.

In fact, google and asking the great folks on here gave me more useful help and tips than the up-herself "carer" I rang up initially for some immediate help.
Basically, by her response, without the license I wasn't even going to be trusted with ANY initial help.
And as such, an animal would/could suffer more, because of the self-important pig-headedness of the supposed "legal carer". At least, in her case.

And taking the bird to a vet?
Last time I did that, they told me because the bird would never fly again, they wouldn't give it back to me and put it down.

But I also don't want to break the law, especially in the eyes of some of the people who could be reading this, that just attack anyone for their views instead of accepting that the circumstances of a bloke like me are not the same as the city dweller that lives in the same suburb of an animal shelter. Someone that grinds axes perhaps. So when I next can get into town, I will take the bird with me and get help in a legal fashion.
Until then, I will make sure it is fed, watered and safe, unlike it was.

[Die Judicii]

Hey Mate, in the event it can’t ever fly again,, the laws don’t apply to the bird itself. If the bird makes its own decision to,,,,,, “I think i’ll stay here cos there’s always food and water,,,” there’s nothing u can do about it.

[Blr243]

Great work wap. Keep us posted