Hi, Recently retire Bronx Zoo herpetologist, just joined

[Zoo Nanny]

That is one brave young man! At 5'3" I do have to admit that I am intimidated by the big cranes. Luckily the 2 girls in Providence I worked with were very friendly, but still unnerving when they would "preen" my jacket. I like that you advocate allowing birds to fledge prior to clipping. Cassie a little corella hen fledged on the vets suggestion. After attempting to slow her down I clipped her again and then the vet did a severe clip, 10 flights per wing. That clip lasted three days before she realized that working a little harder got her lift and she was flying again. Nothing prevented that girl from flying once she learned. I am a moderator on a cockatoo board and we are always so amazed at the numbers of people who assume that once clipped the birds are unable to fly. I know of so many people who have lost their birds while outdoors. A good wind or startle and the bird is off and gone. I've read now a couple of your articles in your bird blog. All very good, thank you.

[bronxzoofrank]

"That is one brave young man! At 5'3" I do have to admit that I am intimidated by the big cranes..."

Thanks very much for kind words and feedback; the kid mentioned was especially surprising as the incident happened at a time when we were hiring lots of keepers who were well-meaning but with o hands-on experience. Clipping is tricky, I've heard the similar stories re pets. An injured "flightless" bald eagle I had at the prospect Park Zoo, whose open-topped exhibit was on a hill, eventually learned to open its wings and glide. Made it over the fence and into Prospect Park, quite a scene. Luckily FDNY was passing by and surrounded it (they were planning to take it to the house as a mascot, but still, saved the day....! Best, frank