Off-course oriole looking for one-way ticket to West Coast
Volunteer wanted to accompany wayward bird back to Vancouver
First, a few questions:
Are you flying from Ottawa to Vancouver soon?
Is it an Air Canada flight?
Do you like birds?
Would you be cool with taking a Bullock's oriole as your carry-on, and making sure the little songbird gets safely into the hands of a wildlife rescuer who will take it for acclimatization and eventual release?
If you answered yes to all of the above, the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre would like to hear from you.
Wayward bird rescued in January 2016
The organization is trying to get a Bullock's oriole that somehow made its way to the Ottawa area two winters ago back home.
- Bullock's oriole draws flock of birdwatchers to Pakenham, Ont.
- Bullock's oriole rescued from freezing temperatures
- Birders fooled by imposter Bullock's oriole
- DNA test restores besmirched birder's reputation after alleged misidentification
The extremely rare appearance drew hundreds of birders to Pakenham, Ont., eager to cross the little bird off their list.
But in January 2016 the oriole, in danger of freezing to death, needed to be rescued.
The bird has been recuperating at the Ottawa Valley Wild Bird Care Centre since its rescue, but now it's time to return to its normal range on the West Coast.
"This little girl made headlines when she became lost in Ontario, but she's ready to be released back in the wild again and we're so excited to send her home!" the organization said in a recent media release.
Are you interested in this special mission? Contact the centre.