Texas Family Saves Helpless Baby Bird by Wrapping It In Warm Tortilla
Matthew Russell
On a typical weekend in Amarillo, Texas, a family found themselves at the heart of an unusual wildlife rescue.
Amidst the laughter and splashes of a backyard pool party, they discovered a tiny, helpless baby bird on the ground. With no nest or parents in sight, they quickly improvised to save its life using what they had on hand — a warm tortilla.
A Backyard Surprise
The family was enjoying a summer day grilling and swimming when they noticed the small bird lying on the ground. As NBC DFW reports, they initially thought it might be a barn owl but soon realized it was too young to even call for help.
With the sun setting and the evening chill setting in, they grew concerned about the bird's well-being and temperature.
Ingenious Warmth
Lacking proper materials to keep the bird warm, the mother spotted the tortillas they had ready for dinner, People reports.
She asked for one to be warmed on the grill, an idea that seemed both practical and unconventional. They carefully wrapped the bird in the tortilla to maintain its body heat until help could arrive.
Calling in the Experts
After securing the bird in its makeshift blanket, the family contacted the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (WWWRC) for assistance. The call was managed by Christy, one of the rehabbers at WWWRC, reports KIRO 7.
When she asked if the bird was in a box, she was met with the surprising response, “We wrapped him in a warm tortilla.”
There was a moment of stunned silence before Christy arranged for a transporter to retrieve the bird.
From Tortilla to Sanctuary
When Amee, another rehabber from WWWRC, arrived at the family's home, she found them holding the baby bird wrapped snugly in the tortilla. As The Dodo reports, the unique solution had worked perfectly to keep the bird warm. Amee identified the bird as a Mississippi kite, a small raptor often mistaken for other species due to its appearance.Taquito's New Home
Back at the WWWRC, the baby bird was affectionately named Taquito, in honor of the tortilla that kept it warm. The staff was impressed by the family’s quick thinking and the bird's resilience. Taquito is now thriving under their care, enjoying a steady diet of insects and frozen mice to help her grow strong enough for release back into the wild, People reports.
A Lesson in Wildlife Rescue
The story of Taquito serves as a heartwarming reminder of the creativity and compassion people can show in unexpected situations. The family’s inventive use of a tortilla not only saved Taquito's life but also highlighted the importance of quick thinking in wildlife rescue scenarios.
The Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center continues to care for about 3,000 animals annually, relying on donations and community support to keep their operations running smoothly, according to KIRO 7.
Taquito’s journey from a backyard in Amarillo to the rehabilitation center is a testament to the extraordinary efforts ordinary people can make to protect wildlife. The family’s swift actions and the WWWRC’s dedicated care exemplify the profound impact of community involvement in animal rescue efforts.
This unique rescue story, involving a warm tortilla, a quick-thinking family, and dedicated wildlife rehabilitators, shows how simple acts of kindness can make a significant difference.
As Taquito continues to grow and prepare for her eventual release, she remains a symbol of hope and ingenuity. The efforts of the Amarillo family and the WWWRC remind us all of the vital role we play in protecting and preserving wildlife.
