John Kellerman, Montana
Saved a Drowning Baby Bird
Last July I was out with my classmates on the Bighorn River in Montana. Two of us were in a drift boat with our guide when we noticed a small bird struggling in the water about 50 yards from our boat. While the others wanted to leave it, I convinced the guide to row toward the bird. It was a struggle, but I managed to pick it up out of the water. The baby bird lay lifeless in the palm of my hand. Rather than throw it back in the water, I began to breathe into its mouth and give it gentle chest compressions. Shortly, the baby bird opened its eyes and began to respond. I kept it warm in my hands while our guide rowed to the river bank where I was able to get the bird to a wildlife rehabilitator.