Do Birds have memories??

[mandyballantyne]

HI All,

A few of you may remember that we rescued a buzzard back in April. He was one of two pairs that used to fly above us most days.

While he was recovering we were down to 3 buzzards. He was released 4weeks ago about 50 miles from here and we are now back to 4 buzzards as of last week, one of which is flying very low above our garden (about 20')

First question is how likely is it that he has returned? and does he recognise where we brought him for a few days? It would be nice to think he was back with his partner....

Thanks in advance, Mandy

[yoanbob]

proberbly, if chickens can distiguish humans from voice i dont see why he couldnt remember where he lived before, 50 miles isnt that far for birds

[Headfry]

Take the swallow...... they remember their way back! I am sure it is your rescued buzzard!
nice to think so whatever.
I would be very interested to know

[SueA]

I bet it is him Mandy, come back to say thank you. It probably is if he was one of a breeding pair, they do tend to stick together don't they?

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks everyone,

I have got the bonoculars at the ready this time, maybe he will have a ring on with having being treated. That way I should know.

Just great to think he is back with his friends now, Mandy

[scared55]

Mandy, I am assuming that the bird was taken to a suitably qualified and licensed raptor rescue place (or similar). They would/should have ascertained where the bird was found and would/should make every effort to return it in that area, unless the location in which it was found was dangerous/unsuitable. One of the concerns is that it will have a territory and might have a mate and possibly a brood.

In some regards, birds tend to be quite stoical and live for the moment. A raptor taken into captivity tends to settle in about three days; moving it from one aviary to another also frequently results in it not eating for three days. Very often, when carried to the release site in a suitably modified pet carrier they aren't too keen to leave - it has become a safe place.

On that basis I should say it is highly likely that "your" buzzard has rejoined its flock. It is, however, most unlikely that it will know or care who rescued it, and it is nigh on impossible that it has come back to say Ta. If the rehabbers have done their job properly - as the vast majority do - it will not have lost its wildness and the brief episode of captive treatment will not be retained as a memory.

That's what I reckon anyway.

[mandyballantyne]

Hi Scarred55,

Lots of helpfull info there, thank you.

The buzzard did go to a specialist centre and I would hate if the bird came to close to humans, way to dangerous! Just good to know he is back where he belongs.

Thanks, Mandy

[scared55]

That is why it is important it not lose its wildness. If a bird of prey starts to recognise humans as providers of food, one is likely to come down looking for a meal. This will often be misrecognised as an attack (although begging behaviour is totally different), which will likely result in the bird being destroyed. Much more dangerous for the bird than for people.

[seasprout]

I bet it is him Mandy, come back to say thank you.

I bet he's come back to s*** on your car.

[mandyballantyne]

I bet he's come back to s*** on your car.

Sounds like my kind of luck,

[nick the grief]

I hope not in case some of the Birds I went out with remember where I live

[Headfry]

oh NTG there is no hope!

Mandy, ask the care centre if they tagged your bird! and on which leg, what tag looks like etc.

Such great reading, thank you all....a story with a happy ending.

[moggssue]

Ohh, I do hope it's 'your' bird, then you know that it's well and happy again. And good on you for rescuing it in the first place.