Over a year ago I found a baby barn swallow in the middle of the road, and it’s sibling was next to it dead. There were no trees or anything that could have been a nest nearby, so I took him in. I was so scared he would get run over, and I don’t remember seeing any sign of a mama bird.
Advice from here and everywhere else was to keep him warm until I could get him to a bird rehabber. My best bet was two hours away and already closed, so I couldn’t get him there until the next morning. I set out early to get there as soon as the place would open.
When I first got him he would keep cheeping and he would open his mouth for food. He must have been so hungry but everywhere advised against feeding him. I remember his cheeping slowed, and during the drive there he was silent. I checked him a few times and he was alive but lethargic.
I was the first one in and they took him right away. I called a week later and learned that he had passed shortly after getting there.
I feel so horrible for having failed him. This was so far back but I wonder if I doomed him by taking him in. Maybe I could have just moved him to the grass , and his mama was out there somewhere and could have brought food to him. Or I should have tried to get him food. Or I didn’t make him warm enough.
I don’t know if this is a rant or me looking for reassurance. I’m just feeling very sad about this right now and this seemed like the best spot to reach people who may be able to relate.
