Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!uwm.edu!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!usc!snorkelwacker!apple!voder!pyramid!sandra
From: sandra@pyrtech (Sandra Macika)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Injured Hummer
Keywords: Rufous Hummingbird
Message-ID: <122063@pyramid.pyramid.com>
Date: 2 Aug 90 21:26:20 GMT
Sender: daemon@pyramid.pyramid.com
Reply-To: sandra@pyrtech.pyramid.com (Sandra Macika)
Distribution: na
Organization: Pyramid Technology Corp., Mountain View, CA
Lines: 36

In article <58946@lanl.gov> weintrau@mpx0.lampf.lanl.gov writes:
>They're trying
>_not_ to tame the bird, but it seems almost inevitable:  he's beginning to
>recognize them, and respond to their presence.  He seems to be getting 
>stronger, and hopefully will be well enough to migrate by fall.  In the 
>meantime, they'll be building him a cage, so that he will be able to fly 
>when he's ready.
>
>Comments or suggestions?
>
>- Barbara
>Los Alamos National Lab
>- all disclaimers apply -

At the San Diego Wild Animal Park, they raise California Condors in 
captivity. It is very important that the birds do not "bond" to the
humans because they are hoping to someday return the species to the 
wild. 

I spoke with Don Sterner, Lead Bird Keeper at San Diego Wild Animal Park, on
7/23/90 about the Condors. (I wrote a speech) The condors are fed with 
hand puppets, that look like a condor head. The birds never see the humans. 
Don told me that the bird know exactly which puppet is their "mother". 
If another puppet is used, even though it looks exactly the same to the
human eye, the bird will hiss and get very upset.

I don't know if anything could be done with hummingbirds because of the
size difference. (Sounds like it is too late anyway) I know they have a 
hummingbird house at the San Diego Zoo. Maybe someone there could help you.
I thought the people were VERY helpful. My call was returned the same day,
and two different people spent a couple of hours with me, giving me 
information.

Good luck!!

Sandra