05/28/2026
Cardinal update:
Little man is okay. Turns out all he really needed was someone to stop and help him. After getting him safe inside, I realized his beak had been sealed shut with some kind of hard debris. I slowly softened it with water until he let me gently open his beak and remove it. Once he could finally close his beak again, he immediately started drinking water. He definitely seemed stunned, probably from being hit or falling hard, and one wing was sitting in a really awkward position, but after some water, rest, and a little TLC, I’m so happy to report he flew off 💛 One of his little feet is still a bit messed up, but if he’s flying well and balancing like he was on our fence, I think it’ll heal over time. He even let me walk right up and touch his tiny feet before finally taking off. Honestly, it felt like he was saying thank you. All it took was an hour and a half of my morning to save a cardinal, and I’d do it again every single time. I’m cleaning up now and will be opening the shop shortly. Thank you all so much for your kindness and understanding today ❤️
Original post:
Well… today’s opening delay comes with feathers ❤️ On my walk up to the shop this morning, I found this injured little cardinal sitting right in the middle of Main Street. If you know me at all, you know there was absolutely no way I was leaving him there. Growing up, my family called me “Ellie Mae” because I was always bringing home injured animals and orphaned babies, and apparently some things never change 🐦 A life is a life, no matter how small, so I’m taking a little extra time this morning to make sure this sweet guy gets to someone who can help him. Calico Jack’s will be open today — just a bit later than usual. Thank you all so much for your understanding 💛
rescue