The recovered roadrunner was released on Aug. 8.
Cathy Countryman Cook
On the evening of July 21, a resident from Eagle’s Nest contacted Pet Companions Club member Cathy Countryman Cook with concerns of a larger bird floating in their pool. The bird seemed to be stuck partially in the pool skimmer.
Cathy arrived to find a very exhausted juvenile Greater Roadrunner holding on to the pool skimmer basket trying to stay afloat. The roadrunner was rescued and transported to Fallen Feathers Bird Rescue and Rehabilitation. Jody, the bird rehabber, explained that the roadrunner was still considered a nestling and needed a couple of weeks to recover and learn to hunt.
The bird flourished at Fallen Feathers and became stronger. When it was considered a fledgling, it was healthy, and it knew how to hunt mice. Jody contacted Cathy and explained that the roadrunner was ready for release. Cathy contacted the homeowner in Eagle’s Nest and arranged a time to release the roadrunner back at her home. The homeowner explained how the roadrunner’s parents had come to her yard several times looking for their chick. Roadrunners are thought to mate for life, and they take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young.
In the homeowner’s backyard with the roadrunner in a pet crate on Aug. 8, Cathy opened the crate door and the roadrunner shot out and realized he was home.
Thank you to the homeowner for saving this bird’s life. He would have drowned if she had not called for help.
Roadrunners are a vital predator. Their prey consists of insects, scorpions, spiders, lizards, small rodents, and snakes, including rattlesnakes. They are capable of running at speeds up to 20 mph!
You can send a tax deductible donation to the Pet Companions Club through Zelle at pcpetcompanions@gmail.com, or send us a check by mail to The Pet Companions Club of PebbleCreek, PO Box 6106, Goodyear, AZ, 85338-0619.