Frog and Dunnock

No, not the name of an 'Irish' pub, but the two stars of this clip. 'Frog' is explained in the other clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7XONM4MOEU).

This one co-stars a dunnock (prunella modularis) who is one of the UK's least recognised birds. Often mistaken for a sparrow, they spend most of their time being furtive under hedges and keeping themselves to themselves. However, they have a lovely song, which is similar to a robin, but more repetitive. The little baby dunnock here had a hedge cut down around him, so we've ben raising him from a small chick, and he will be soft-released soon when he's a bit more used to getting seeds and food for himself, which he shows good progress in during this clip.

Little Frog is seeen darting around, pecking my feet and pulling my shoe laces. Then a rare moment at the end where he stays still for more than a few seconds!

Music is 'A Song For You' by Static.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• blackbird
• turdus
• merula
• baby
• dunnock
• prunella
• modularis
• eating
• playing

[OrangeFuzz123]

Thanks for the advice...what were you feeding him incidentally?

[piratesahoy]

We were feeding him on puppy food (Pedigree puppy food, original flavour), every couple of pieces dipped in water, and also Kaytee Exact (Shown on this page: [w w w] [dot] robharvey [dot] com/parrot-food.html - described as "KAYTEE EXACT HAND FEEDING FOR PARROTS" but it's for all baby birds, irrespective of species. )

[OrangeFuzz123]

Where did you release him? I have also been rearing a chick who is almost ready to go, he's still yellow around the beak, but I've had him almost two weeks. he's in fine form although not quite a s big as yours yet.

[piratesahoy]

He was released at Lower Moss Wood wildlife hospital, near Knutsford in Cheshire. We waited until he had a tail, was a proficient flyer, and could feed himself and was not relying on humans - then we simply opened the door of the flight and he was released.

If yours still has a bit of a yellow beak, it could be at least 2 to 3 more weeks before he's ready to go. Try to ensure he has enough space to fly around in, and don't let him go until he's completely independent of you.

[Scallyanglo]

oops sorry clicked dislike by mistake!! Like! Like!

[berdang]

he is adorable.xx