Surrogate Parents of a Feathered Friend

This is Robin. Robin isn't suppose to be with us today. After falling out of his nest onto a grounding prowling with cats, hawks and fishers, Robin's fate was sealed. But, during a walk, along came Jen and Tori to save the struggling baby bird.

I'm in Manhattan this week surrounded NOT by car horns and sirens but a little bird chirping up a storm every morning.

Jen and Tori have taken upon themselves to feed and shelter their feathered friend until they can find a safe place to release him. Central Park, Riverside, Battery Park? Few places are ideal after being nurtured by humans but Jen and Tori are trying.

Even in captivity, Robin gets fed juicy mealworms, crickets, fruits and veggies. He lives on a homemade perch learning to fly from branch to branch. Jen twists up her furry slipper into a small make-shift nest that sits on the windowsill at night.

Internet sites recommend that Robin be left outside during the fledgling days. Those days are now but both parents are really busy.

I'm afraid to tell Jen that despite how cute and affectionate Robin is he'll obviously need a licensed rehabilitation wildlife clinic to save his future.

To be continued...