Twelve hours after I posted the story on Lilly the Loon I obtained a fecal sample to check on the progress of our therapy to rid her of her parasite burden. It had been just one week since she and I had met under difficult circumstances for her. As I positioned the slide on the microscope I thought about the myriad of organisms I had observed the previous week on this same bird. A bird that was too weak to fly.
A big smile wiped it’s way across my face as I could hardly believe my eyes. She was nearly completely free of the incredible burden of parasites that she carried just one week before. I was surprised because we had intentionally selected a small dose of Fenbendazole, the dewormer, because it can be harmful to the liver of some birds at higher doses. I was skeptical that we would clear her at that dose but I also knew we would hold her until we safely removed the parasites.
Because the time frame of her stay at the rehab facility had now been reduced to just a week, we made the decision to put her back in the marsh. I felt the less time she spent away from her world the better. If she was going to get strong enough to migrate, her best chance was to do so, without the parasites, in the water world she called home.
That afternoon, when we closed the clinic, Melody and I took Lilly down to a remote beach in the marsh to, once again, be free.
I took along my video camera to record the event for those who couldn’t be there. As things unfolded I was sure glad I had the camera. I must apologize for the shaky camera, next time I will be better prepared.
Many people don’t believe that animals have emotions. I don’t even want to try to persuade those folks how wrong they are. But for those readers who care to enjoy the incredible happiness of a bird, this video is for you.
I could not just leave it as raw video. My son taught me how to compile it with music. This is my best way of sharing with you what I felt that day. The bird, on the other hand, had no problem depicting her emotions. I hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think.
Be patient, it takes about 10 seconds to start.
She certainly looked happy to be back to freedom. God bless you and Melody and all the others that have helped to save and give them another chance.
Lilly must have splashed a drop of water on my cheek. Really cool!
Norm & Melody
Chris “FWMA”,
Thank you for being truly remarkable and dedicated people to spend your life to the rehabilation of animals and the release of them back to the wild. It is very clear that this loon was saying “thank you and this is where I am suppose to be”. We oftened wondered what capture animals really feel and it is apparent that our speculation of what they feel is sadness. We are glad to be a very small part of the release of this beautiful bird back to where she belongs. We believe Lilly splashed some water on us as well.
Oh my gosh, how incredible. That is one beautiful and ecstatic bird. And what a sweet loon, too…..so gentle, so happy. Without a doubt, she KNOWS she has been given a second chance, and I believe she wanted you to know how grateful she was. Thank you SOOOO much for recording this overwhelmingly emotional release. Bless you, bless you, bless you.
Melissa
That was fantastic. So glad she was able to get back into the wild where she belongs.
Goosebumps, man…goosebumps!!!!!
If you can watch/listen to this presentation without being overwhelmed with emotion, you have a heart of stone. An outstanding documentary of yet another “small” miracle (it’s not small to the loon). I never tire of seeing the results of the acts of kindness going on about us. Thank you for sharing.
wonderful!!!!!!!!! brought tears to my eyes…..great job!!!!
Ok, no beating around the bush, that one made me bawl, fantastic!
If you can’t feel your heart beating thru your chest watching that, then you do not have one. Thanks.
this was wonderful to see! i just love the john denver background music. perfect!
I’m writing with tears running down my cheeks – what a beautiful ending (or should I say “2nd beginning”) to an incredible story. God bless you all!