Feeding a Baby Mockingbird, Making Formula

Hand Feeding a Baby Bird, Making Formula for a Baby Bird!
© 2009-2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles
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Handfeeding a Baby Mockingbird and

Making Baby Bird Formula

Where is my supper!!!

About a week ago, Mom and Blake showed up after a long neighborhood bike ride with a little half fledged mockingbird.

I'm lost and confused! Where's my Mommy?

Both Blake and Mom know better than to immediately disturb, rescue, or otherwise interfere with any seemingly lost or abandoned animal. They had waited forty-five minutes observing the fledgling before deciding to intervene. So the long and the short of it is that I am now charged with the well being and care of this little fellow.


Make a Nest for the Baby Bird, and Keep it Warm!
I lined a small box with paper towels, added some tissue paper for fluff, and filled up a Crown Royal bag with rice for a heater. You can use a sock if that's convenient. Microwave the sock for a couple of minutes, and wrap it up in a dishtowel. Put that on one side of the box and the bird on the other. The warmth will seep from the rice, and keep the chick comfortable for a few hours at a time. Just use your judgment as to how much ventilation the box needs.

I'm not full yet!

Making Baby Bird Formula:
Mocking birds are probably one of the easiest birds to hand feed and raise. They are quick to learn and figure out within a day or two, that you are there to actually feed them, and not just pry their beaks open and stuff food down their crops.

The handfeeding formula for mocking birds is easy. One hard-boiled egg, the same amount of dried cat food, and half of the egg shell ground up. A stone mortar and pestle is great, but two spoons are good enough. Crunch the shell up to about sand grain size or smaller.

Soak the cat food into mush and mix it thoroughly with the egg. It should be crumbly not too mushy. Now, for variety you can add a little apple sauce, grated carrots, finely chopped cooked chicken, cooked ground beef, mashed grasshopper, wax worms, mealworms and anything else you think of to each serving. I would skip any dairy products even though some folks use it.

About time! Do you know what time it is?

Keep it refrigerated, and take out a little at a time. You need to warm it. You will kill the bird if you feed it cold! I use the microwave for about five seconds, and I stir it up with the tip of my finger very thoroughly. I make sure there are no hot spots that might burn the little fellow.

You may have to pry his little beak apart the first few times. Be gentle, be patient, and get help if you need it! After a few feedings, he'll get the idea and eagerly await your finger feeding. Invent a little three note whistle or sound that you use for feeding time. It lets him know you are going to feed him, and in the future he will respond to it, and if you are lucky, he will imitate it and respond to you, sometimes even calling to you!

Hold still, will ya!

Notice that my thumb and forefinger are sideways, and I place the food on his lower beak. When he closes his beak he gets the food.

Hurry up, will you!!!

We are fortunate that we have a screened in porch were he can stay.

Getting a little sun.

Feed him every two hours or so. He'll let you know if you let it slip and he's hungry. Make sure he has a bowl of clean fresh water at all times.

A baking dish with some garden soil is a lot of fun for them, they scratch and poke around in it.

It takes a few weeks to bring him to maturity. I've always waited until their tails were good and long before I released them. At least this way I was certain that they could maneuver well, and avoid a small hawk or cat . They will usually stick around until late summer, usually coming down for a treat at the sound of your whistle.

Yeah right... We'll see about that... Don't you mean barring any "unforeseen" incidents?

Please email me with any questions you may have! I am in Afghanistan, and I can't get to Blogger too often!
theraschoutdoorchronicles(at)msn(dot)com

Update: He has grown all up, and now spends most of is leisure time chasing bugs in the lawn areas. We are pretty sure it's him, because every time I whistle that three note tune, he stops and turns his head first one way then the other as if listening to the tune.


Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch™
Member: Kandahar Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...

Scott Croner Albert A Rasch Albert “Afghanus” Rasch Albert A Rasch Scott Croner Nebraska Hunting Scott Croner, Merriam's Turkey Hunting Albert A Rasch Scott Croner Albert A Rasch Albert “Afghanus” Rasch Albert A Rasch Scott Croner Nebraska Hunting Scott Croner Merriam's Turkey Hunting Albert A Rasch

The Range Reviews: Squishy Bowls by Guyot Designs

© 2009 Albert A Rasch
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Squishy Bowls by Guyot Designs

Squishy Bowls and The Utensils by Guyot Designs

The first thing I thought when I opened the packaging of the Squishy Bowls, was how in the world am I supposed to pick these up when full? They're soft and flexible. But we will get back to that later.

Squishy Bowls are food grade silicon based containers that are flexible, compact, and convenient. They'll fit just about anywhere, making them a natural addition to your go bag. Also very convenient for those car or camping trips, where space is at a premium.

I have used these bowls frequently here at home, and I am pleased to report that they are very easy to clean. The bowls clean up with the smallest amount of soap, basically running my hand over the soap dispenser nozzle. A quick inside out rinse with cold water and they come out clean.

Ramen noodles and boiling water.

I was a little concerned about how they would handle hot liquids. I know that food grade silicon can be baked, but as I figured very hot meals and liquids would make the containers too hot to hold. I was right, they get hotter than the devil's own furnace. No problem, I always carry my do-rag, and there is another one in my go-bag. I wrapped it around the bowl and I held it without a fuss.

Wrap a bandanna around the bowl or cup.

They hold their shape well when full of liquid, and conveniently, you can squeeze the cup to funnel every last bit of whatever you are having!

The spork works well!

I also picked up a set of their Utensils™. They're rather longish to allow you to effectively eat out of those tall narrow cook pots, and they are really good at scraping the last bits out of freeze dried food bags. Great for MREs. The spork works well as a fork, and it is adequate as a spoon. It's tough to get alot of thin soup in it, but stew like material scoops up easy. The spatula/knife combo works pretty good too. I wouldn't try to use it to skin and quarter a rabbit, but it will cut cooked meats well. By the way, you can resharpen it with a Sterling Sharpener. The spatula will flip eggs and small pancakes. If you like pretty eggs it will take a bit a of practice to get it right. It is a bit narrow out of necessity. The spatula and spork snap together, and they also have a carabiner loop that allows you to clip it and secure them.

It slices cooked meat with ease.

Overall, I think that the designs are excellent. Easily packed and easily cleaned, they are a great addition to your kit; great for anyone that camps, travels, and for those that like to be prepared. Anyone that has loved ones in the military overseas, these might be one of those things that they will appreciate every day of their deployment. Get them the slate colored ones, unless the team at Guyot Designs comes out with a desert or coyote tan one. If enough folks ask I bet Guyot Designs will make a batch of The Utensils and their Squishy Bowls in tactical colors for our men and women serving overseas!

Guyot Designs Inc.

Squishy Bowls
MSRP: $11.95

The Utensils™
MSRP: $7.95

Available at:
REI $14.95
The Hiking Spot $12.49

The Homemade Pirogue: It's on the Water!

© 2009-2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
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Building a Homemade Pirogue
It's on the Water!

When I set out to build a pirogue from scratch, I had never built any type of water craft. With only a vague idea of what was involved, and no plans, this homemade pirogue has been an interesting and worthwhile project.

Blake and I off load it from the top of the car.

Umm, Dad... is that a leak?

Blake gives it a quick, shore bound once over.

Mom double checks Blake's inspection.

Dad checks if he's far enough that he can't be stopped.

Cutting across Lake Uihlein !

I'm close to the other side!

Smooth sailing!

I've had a ball putting this little pirogue project together. And we really had a lot of fun paddling it around the lake. So much so, that we want to build another one so that we have two. That way we can head out to the inter-coastals and paddle around together. We could also do a little fishing, island hopping chasing the jacks, and prowl around the oyster bars looking for redfish.

When I get to the second pirogue we will add all the lessons learned and any new modifications that occur to me while using this one.

If you have the wherewithal to get at least the plywood, I highly recommend that you give this pirogue project a try. It's not difficult, and even if you make a variety of mistakes, you will still have a very serviceable watercraft. The lessons you learn on the first one will make the second that much better.

Image Credit: Jamie Anderson

The next project...

Follow the rest of the Pirogue building series!

Building a Pirogue Part I: Getting Started
Building a Pirogue Part II: Butt the Plywood
Building a Pirogue Part III: Measuring Up
Building a Pirogue Part IV: Cutting and Building the Ribs
Building a Pirogue Part V: Attaching the Ribs
Building a Pirogue Part VI: Attaching the Internal Chines
Building a Pirogue Part VII: Attaching the Bottom and Finishing Up

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Shindand Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...

Project "X": Building Blakes Pirogue Pt VII

© 2009-2011 Albert A Rasch and
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles™
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Building a Homemade Pirogue
Part VII: Attaching the Bottom and Finishing Up

Making a pirogue without plans isn't very difficult at all, so there's no need for free plans. Not knowing exactly what you are doing though, makes it more interesting. I have been plugging away diligently when time allows to finish this project up. I've learned a whole lot, figured out things that I should have done differently, and decided on some things that should be done to make it easier and better for the next go around.

We were muscling the chines into place last time (Part VI), so now it is time to get the bottom on.

After leveling the chines, we tacked the bottom in place with a few well placed brads. I happen to have a router which we put to good use cutting around the hull with a laminate trimming bit. A Jig saw and a scrap of plywood would do just as well, protecting the hull from any scratches or cuts.

Trimming the excess off.

Now that the bottom is pretty close to shape, pre-drill and countersink your screw holes.

Screw it down every three inches or so.

Time for the glue-up. I have a half dozen tubes of construction epoxy that I figured would do the job. The only problem is that construction epoxy has about a ten minute set up time, which barely gives you time to mix it properly. Work with what you got.

I had to glue down about twelve inches, drive screws for six and go back and glue another foot. I tried to stay about six inches ahead of the screwed down part.

Lessons Learned: Don't use construction grade epoxy. Use anything but, construction grade epoxy. It sets up too quickly, it is as hard as a rock, and it is ugly colored. Use a standard 1 or 2 hour set up epoxy. I've ended up having to use a rasp to knock down the excess epoxy after chipping the blade on my plane and a chisel.

With the bottom secured, the block plane makes short work of trimming the overhang flush. Just leave the transom overhang alone for now.

Touch it up with some sandpaper on a block if you feel the need to do so.

Since the boat has a flat transom, I needed to make a cover. Find a left over piece of plywood and trace out the shape. Cut it oversize, and glue and screw or nail it in place. Make sure that it fits tight and square to the overhang that we left from the bottom.

Transom piece beveled and butted up tight to the bottom.

Break out the block plane and shave the transom down to size. Don't forget to trim what was left of the bottom also.

I added a skeg for a couple of reasons. A skeg will help the pirogue track straighter, and when it is being dragged out of the water, it will protect the bottom somewhat. I made it from a piece of left over 1X4.

You can use a table saw to cut it or do as I did, and rip it with a handsaw.

Touch it up with the block plane...

My Stanley block plane on the left and the Stanley jointer.

and finish it with a jointers plane is you really want to. The only reason I did it was so I could show the jointer off. I refurbished it from a rusty piece of junk I got at a flea market.

Draw a line from the tip of the bow to the middle of the transom.

Chalkline on the centerline.

Tack the skeg on and predrill and countersink the screw holes from the inside. Remove the skeg, coated it with plenty of glue, position it properly and draw it up tight and into place with the screws.

Skeg in position on centerline of boat.

Lesson Learned: I may add two more shorter and not as tall skegs adjacent to the middle one. This will keep the corners from dragging as bad when you are single handed and lifting it by yourself. Next time I'll go with two an inch from the sides of the transom.

All that is left to do now is to add on the gunwales, plug up all the holes, fill the screwholes, sand them flush and paint the pirogue. Any screws that aren't completely countersunk, have to be removed re-countersunk, and replaced. That of course, would be in a perfect world.

But, being that I am about out of patience, I plugged the holes with wood putty, and gave it a quick coat of exterior grade paint on the outside. I'll cover and sand the screw holes as time permits, and making and installing the gunwales can wait until I can scrounge up more materials!

Off to Lake Uihlein !

I have lots of photos of the initial field test, that I will post for everyone tomorrow. The darn thing worked better than I expected! I'll have the full report for y'all tomorrow.


Making a homemade pirogue is well within the capabilities of anyone with a modest set of tools. I would recommend it as a great family project, or an older kid's project. The materials don't need to be top of the line, and a good bit of it can be scrounged up.

Follow the rest of the Pirogue building series!

Building a Pirogue Part I: Getting Started
Building a Pirogue Part II: Butt the Plywood
Building a Pirogue Part III: Measuring Up
Building a Pirogue Part IV: Cutting and Building the Ribs
Building a Pirogue Part V: Attaching the Ribs
Building a Pirogue Part VI: Attaching the Internal Chines
Building a Pirogue Part VII: Attaching the Bottom and Finishing Up

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
Member: Shindand Tent Club
Member: Hunting Sportsmen of the United States HSUS (Let 'em sue me.)
The Hunt Continues...

Dennis Carroll on: Outfitters, Hunters, and Guides

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Selecting an Outfitter Part II
Outfitters, Hunters and Guides

Dennis Carroll follows up Selecting an Outfitter Part I, with Part II, Outfitters Hunters, and Guides.

After you have chosen what kind of elk or big game hunt you want, that is whether you wanted outfitted and guided or you're going solo,and you have narrowed down your selection of possible outfitters and guides, you have to take into account the personal dimension of the guide-hunter relationship.

Dennis wades through this area and helps us navigate what could make or break a hunting experience. With over 40 years of experience Dennis can really give it to you straight and with good authority.

Again, it is a great follow up and well worth the time to read and digest!

Part II: Outfitters Hunters, and Guides.

Dennis has also created a Montana Elk Hunting FAQ, to which he is adding each installment of this series. The FAQ is probably the best place to start and a great point to regularly check back on as it grows.

Image Credit: Dennis Carroll
Montana Elk Hunting with Dennis Carroll, Outfitter and Elk Guide








Regards,
Albert
The Rasch Outdoor Chronicles.
The Range Reviews: Tactical.
Proud Member of Outdoor Bloggers Summit.