Ruffled Feathers Parrot Sanctuary Inc.

Where Hope Takes Flight

Tuesday’s Animal Adventures: From Doves to Goslings 04/15/2025

Tuesday Wildlife Rescues at Ruffled Feathers: Dove, Opossum, and Gosling Saved

Tuesday wildlife rescues at Ruffled Feathers don’t mess around, and last week was no exception. This Tuesday wildlife rescue day rolled in like a freight train full of feathers, fluff, and questionable life choices. First up, a mourning dove fighting for its life. Next, a baby opossum, way too young to be out here playing the single life. And just when it seemed like the parade of rescues might slow down, along came the first abandoned gosling of the season, peeping its little lungs out and looking for backup.

Tuesday Wildlife Rescue: The Dove with the 50/50 Chance

That mourning dove, bless its little heart, made it through the night. The odds? About 50/50 – but we’re rooting hard for this one. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering why these birds are so delicate or what you should do if you come across one in need, Wild Bird Fund offers a great guide on mourning dove care. Definitely worth the read if you’re a fellow softie for wildlife. This kind of Tuesday wildlife rescue reminds us just how fragile some of these little lives can be.

Tuesday Wildlife Rescue: One Tiny Trash Monkey and a Whole Lot of Hiss

The second rescue of the day came in the form of one tiny, hissy baby opossum, a true trash monkey in training. Likely, this little one tumbled off mom during some late-night marsupial mosh pit in the bushes (we’ve all been there). Thankfully, he’s healthy, plump, and already perfecting his dramatic hissing skills. If you’re unsure whether a lone opossum actually needs help or is just out there doing possum things, the folks at the Opossum Society of the United States have a fantastic resource to clear up the mystery. Every Tuesday wildlife rescue brings a different kind of personality, and this one came with extra attitude.

First Gosling of the Season: Abandoned but Not Alone

But the real heartbreaker? That lone gosling, found standing roadside, hollering its little head off like it had just been ditched at Walmart. Goose parenting can be hit or miss, some are rock stars, while others are just too busy honking at strangers to notice their kid wandered off. This baby didn’t stand a chance of catching up, barely 12 hours old and already expected to keep pace with NASCAR-level waddlers. Should you ever stumble across a situation like this, here’s a helpful gosling care guide from the Wildlife Rehabilitation Directory to walk you through the dos and don’ts. This Tuesday wildlife rescue might’ve been the toughest emotionally, but it’s exactly why we do what we do.

The Honk Heard Across the Neighborhood

Oh, and because the day wouldn’t be complete without a little neighborhood drama, the goose gang here at Ruffled Feathers, including a few special-needs and disabled flock members, has officially developed a fan club. Neighbor geese now gather on rooftops like feathered gargoyles, honking down words of encouragement. Back and forth it goes, the entire block alive with the sound of honk-based gossip. Honestly, we might need T-shirts. Not every Tuesday wildlife rescue is quiet, sometimes it turns into a full neighborhood event.

What to Do If You Find Injured Wildlife

By the way, if you’re ever unsure what to do when you find injured or abandoned wildlife, the Humane Society has a great general guide. Sometimes the best rescue is knowing when not to interfere, and sometimes it’s knowing when to roll up your sleeves and step in.

That’s Your Tuesday Wildlife Rescue Recap

Gossip feathered edition
One determined dove, one spicy little opossum, one abandoned gosling, and a whole honking squad of neighborhood geese keeping the energy high. All safe. All accounted for. All right where they belong.