Raising A Baby Grackle: part IV - by Mike Franzman

[@robertp.wainman4094]

This is wonderful - thank you!

[@Trupak786]

Tbh Mike, I wouldn’t want to fly away from you. You take great care in looking after these birds. Bless you

[@svanplaats393]

I had a Starling I raised it from a baby like you did, took it to work with me so I could feed him, I had him for 25 years, he could talk & whistle . Starlings are known to be one of the most talkative Bird there is, so I’ve heard. He sure could say a lot of words. He would take baths in my hands & I would let him outside too, thanks for sharing..

[@roundbaby4749]

Im wondering if this isn’t a blackbird instead of a starling. The older he has gotten, the more I think he is a blackbird with the long tail and he sounds like a blackbird, especially when he flies.

[@sonshineandsong]

​@@roundbaby4749 he's titled it a grackle and then talks about starlings being relatives. So confusing. I did some research to figure out what bird I found and learned that a grackle is related to blackbirds. So you are right.

[@BREWtaliTEA_]

This series has been super helpful in learning what to do with my own foundling. Thanks!

[@kellydukepoo2450]

I wish my little Robin responds the way your little guys do. He's not ready to fly yet but soon. I let him out but he runs from me when it's time to go inside. I hope soon it'll be ready to take flight and go on his adventures. I have a feeling that once he goes, I'll never see him again 😢 It will be bitter sweet 🥲

[@ondinehd6889]

You are doing absolutely the right thing! People who say things like leave the baby bird alone (therefore to die), or "kill him" (? some people are crazy... ) should be ignored! These are the kind of people who would destroy the planet if they could, and they are crazy! Your starling is amazing, beautiful, smart, and you raised him so well! It was great to watch his development, and how he learned, and how you took every precaution for him to feel safe, and finally confident.

[@ragnajonsdotter8333]

In these tough times it is nice to just watch a video of a good dude helping a bird. Thanks for these videos.

[@angelamolinagaffney383]

The World needs more people like you, Michael! 😎👍👏👏👏👏

[@sheena9114]

What a lovely man you are ..

[@sharonfauske8714]

Hi Mike. My 💜 is overflowing with warmth and joy at watching all episodes in Buddy’s first month +. Can’t thank you enough for capturing Buddy’s rescue and early life, but even more I thank you so deeply for demonstrating how a human male can be tender and caring. I do not see enough of that in our culture. I hope other men will follow your lead. 💜

[@kMeijer]

I love the calm, reassuring way you talk with him while sharing your experiences with the starling. Thank you for sharing these incredible journeys with us. You are a marvelous bird whisperer. May they all fly free as ever...or more!

[@teresaputnam7764]

What a wonderful relationship you have with this baby starling. Thank you for sharing your time with him and for taking such good care of him!!

[@BirdmanandPrincess]

It's people like you who could bring peace to this world!!! I am always moved when I see someone looking out for those that that can't look out for themselves. I may be bias because I love birds, but you are motivated by compassion, you can see it in the way you take care of a helpless animal (who surely would have died if not for you) the world needs more people like you

[@mikeyfranz]

thank you for saying so. I appreciate that, especially since some commenters say I should kill them, because they are invasive, or that they should have been left alone, they were "supposed to be out of the nest". Crazy talk, when a nest was destroyed by predators, or wind, or whatever the case was, and I know what my front yard turns into at night, predators galore. I dont always address the nay-sayers, especially since I know I saved the lives of these babies. But again, your comment was so nice, it keeps us animal lovers going! :-)

[@vijikrish4353]

Mike...you did a great job saving the life of the little birdie.God has given you a very compassionate heart.It was amazing watching all the videos!God bless you!🙌👼

[@mikeyfranz]

Thank you so much for your wornderful comments. :-)

[@irenabushong6494]

Heart warming story, thank you very much for shattering 😘 we need more people like you Who show us how to live and treat living creatures out feathered brothers ! You are amazing Man( 🤔Birdwhisperer )

[@irenabushong6494]

PS shattering=sharing 😉

[@wadehicks9270]

Much respect for you Sir for caring for Gods little creatures your a kind person God Bless you.

[@lorrainejeffers9699]

Absolutely loved this story! The world needs more people like you in it. Thanks for being you!

[@markLoveCrypto]

You great kindness human so I salute you for your job. God Bless you From United Kingdom

[@eelsoirdor3573]

I agree with you 100%. There are people that hate when humans are being nice to animals, because they think animals are safer when they fear us, because we are monsters. And although I know, that many people are disgusting, there are also nice people out there, and it is because of people like you that that little wonder is alive and well. If it was for nature, that bird would be dead long ago. Cheers dude, I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@Angelito_Valentino]

Amazing. Like that comment!

[@p.f.886]

as always, there is never a one sided truth. What you say might work fine with these birds, but it may be fatal if you do it to an eagle. If you imprint an eagle since birth, it will no longer be able to survive in the wild, unless you teach it how to hunt. Moreover, these birds are used to live in contact with humans, so it's no problem if they get used to us. But for an eagle, it would be disaster. They would get too close to roads, and get run over or get shot at (some people believe eagles are a threat and therefore shoot them with rifles). So yeah, it depends on what animal.

[@dalewright3667]

How can you not love this video?? From a tea spoon little naked bird to Daddy's little boy

[@johnnypacheco6526]

NOW SO MANY PEOPLE CAN HELP BIRDS....THANKS TO YOU MIKE...GOD BLESS YOU ..FOREVER..!!

[@darthbuzz1]

You have done a wonderful thing for that poor defenceless creature. Lovely video, made this 51 yr old geezer weep with happiness. Thank you.

[@kMeijer]

darthbuzz This 57-year-old geezer also wept with joy. My heart is full

[@joecool1797]

I applaud your dedication and commitment to rear a creature that some would say is insignificant.

[@conniepowell9391]

I really enjoy watching you take such good care for the wild birds. God is going to bless you greatly.

[@kimdam4209]

You're such an excellent man with a great warm heart !

[@se5442]

I've just enjoyed watching 1-4 videos. Such a nice diversion from all the garbage of 2020. Not only did you do a wonderful, life giving thing for this helpless creature; but very nice job recording same. Thanks for sharing.

[@godsjanis]

Does he ever talk? I’ve seen videos of talking starlings. This, plus the murmurations make them pretty amazing little birds ❤️

[@godsjanis]

Oh yes ... thank you for your patience and for these videos. 😍

[@karenstafford724]

What a brilliant story. Thank you so much for sharing. 💕

[@stamfordpawprints3246]

Hi Mike! What a beautiful story! I watched your 3 videos on this bird. He loves you and will keep coming back because you are his home. Thank you for all that you do and for sharing. God bless you abundantly in all areas of your life. 🙏🐦❤️😍❤️💚

[@coupesandroadsters]

This is so cool. I am taking care of a baby starling right now. Found him trapped in a fire pit with two dead siblings. After seeing your videos I'm wondering if I could keep him as an outdoor pet. I have a wooded property with plenty of other birds. I just learned that starlings stay in Canada during the winter, which was a concern of mine. Maybe I can build him an outdoor bird house and he might just end up staying, I don't know.

[@jeanniewinters847]

Hey Mike! Just want to say watching you and baby Starling was so fun! You were his Daddy and now, his friend. You did a great job of saving him from an ill fate. Congrats to you both!👍😊😊😊🐦 Back in the 80's I raised a Cockatiel from 2 weeks. I was his Mommy. We shared a strong bond. He never wanted to be in his cage when I was home. He would snuggle up under my hair and nibble my ear and neck. Developing a bond like that is truly special. 💖

[@fresiagutierrez6603]

I really enjoy watch in your videos feel so touched.. thanks for sharing.. it really nice seen people like you.🇨🇦

[@gaijeipouthaimei6392]

It's very Good of you to take time out...you are great👌👍👍👍🙏

[@judypinkston268]

Enjoyed your series about the abandoned starling so much!!!!

[@morrisp.5583]

Lovely little story. Thoroughly enjoyed that Mike. Caught part 1 and couldn't stop watching. We must not just love mankind, but allkind. You have a heart of gold my friend. Cheers.

[@theresaprice4122]

I agree not just mankind but allkind that’s beautiful 💕

[@grantlivingston5432]

Beautiful series on raising Buddy. Whether grackle or starling, I hope he's ok out in the wild somewhere. Thanks so much for saving him, Mike, and thanks for sharing. Loved it. Wish there were more!

[@jeanetteaa4742]

Thank you for the wonderful videos you made of the rescued starling. It was inspiring watching you bringing up this amazing bird. Your kindness and sensitivity towards this bird was beautiful to watch.

[@alliechampagne1404]

So many times during this series, he did things that genuinely made me smile; when he took his first bath, catching that fly mid-air, returning to your shoulder after that long, high flight. I'd just spontaneously grin. How wonderful! Beautifully done.🐦🌼🌷❤️

[@Arsenic71]

What a beautiful story, thank you so much for documenting and sharing it with us. It warms my heart to see people helping other animals out of pure kindness. Thank you, Mike!

[@meenha1976]

First complete series I've seen. I've learnt a lot thank you. I'm hoping within the month, my starlings leg is stable enough that he can live a happy healthy life outdoors.

[@rubeniamalone3810]

Thank you for sharing. Lovely little bird he loves you and you are wonderful to him. God bless both of you and family!

[@romyhernandez7811]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SAVING THOSE INNOCENT CREATURES ! GOD BLESS YOUR LIFE

[@2to-tango]

Thoroughly enjoyed your time together. I hope to see more. 💕

[@s.e.fernandez4002]

Hurrah! You have done so well in saving and raising him. Thanks to you, he is now well prepared to survive as an adult Starline. You are such a wonderful person!

[@prometheuspredator7971]

You are a beautiful man. So very kind of you to take the time and care of this little bird. You are the bird whisper. Thank you so much for your videos.

[@azomiss]

Good job Mike! I admire your dedication and thank you for sharing!

[@i_CARLYYYYY]

My sister rescued one that was on a busy street in a heat wave back in the early 2000s. We never had birds but this little guy MozenBeak didn’t want to fly away! He would into trees and come back! We had him for 5 years & he would fly on our hands, would sit on our cats, take showers, everything! I miss him so much.. such smart birds ❤️

[@RoSario-vb8ge]

And the cats didn't do anything to him?

[@Robot007]

Great job Mike. You are an Angel.

[@pattyvoakes1053]

Mike you are so Wonderful Human been !! So Caring !! No wonder Little ONE prefers stay with You !! If I was a Birdie!... I will stay with DAD !! Hey .. is Ge changing colors ?? Now I can see Yellow color and Grey ! Ohhh No !! Don’t tell me He left ?... ohhh ! Wow ! What a Relief !! He’s Back !!! What Adorable Sweetie !!! Mike .. you are doing such fantastic parenting !! I Love your little Sweetheart!!! 💖💕👼🙏❤️🥰💖

[@amywelsh8225]

Thank you! I learned so much valuable information.

[@iuliancosman637]

Hi from Romania,i like your birds,baby birds and your work,thank you man.

[@darleneblackwell5846]

Mike you have a natural born nurturing talent to care for these little creatures. You did an amazing job keeping your little baby bird alive and giving it so much loving care. I enjoyed all 4 of your videos and watched them non stop. Just wondering if you have see your bird anymore since that last day. You are so patient and caring Mike and may you have God's Blesssings for caring for his creatures as for sure the little baby Grackle would have surely died without you ❤👍🙂Hugs for a good hearted and kind man❤

[@yeshuas_follower]

Watching from Scotland and the full series of this wee starling his been so captivating! Wow you are a phenomenal carer for birds and truly know your stuff. Thank you so much for all you do. You have such a kindly nature for them and very easy for us viewers to learn from you incase we ever need to help them out too. God Blessed you with a gift! Love from the Douglases in Scotland 💌🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Khamomil]

This was a great rescue story. He was so cute as a baby, with his hair standing on end on his head! And thanks to you he became a beautiful, healthy bird. Thanks and congrats.

[@starflower4544]

wow this was so great! you are such a sweet patient and loving bird dad! he loves you too! how beautiful!💖

[@ASKnASK]

Such a nice series. I raised a baby Red-Vented Bulbul and it was such a dear. It would respond to my voice, my whistle, my car's horn (yes!). Whenever I came home it would get all excited and then fly to me. Once it was old enough, I let it fly outside too. For 8 or so days, it came back every evening but then one day she didn't return. I spoke to someone and they said she probably found a mate since at that age, they pair off (6 months). I haven't seen her since. Really miss that bird. Thank you for being a nice and kind human being.

[@marybyars9642]

I really enjoy your videos Mike. I have two pet birds, a Cockatiel and a Caique. I love birds, and I’d love to rescue one like you have 😊 Thank you for saving him!

[@ElzevereBlock]

09/06/2020 England. Followed this Mike and thoroughly enjoyed it. So nice to watch someone who cares and a little bird with a personality who knew which side his bread was buttered for a good few days. A happy ending too so once again many thanks to you my friend for putting this together....Steve ..Portsmouth..England.

[@jamesmurdock582]

That bird is amazing! Thank you for the video. He really picked a good human.

[@sandranicholson2145]

Mike, you saved this bird and taught us a lot about bird behavior and how to save them. I love this happy ending story. You have a good heart, a lot of patience, and really know about bird rescue. God bless you!!!

[@truth4766]

Heart touching video series! Mike's work is simply unbelievable.

[@DC-ef8op]

That is awesome that you raised him. What a job!

[@brendaw8904]

Thank you for the videos. I never rescued a starling. But I have a nest every year by my office. I like listening to the babies and especially enjoy the fledglings when they start to come out of the nest. It's nice to see one close up so I know what I am looking at. Thanks for saving the littles!!♡

[@marylebarbe7555]

That was very enjoyable and glad you rescued the Starling!

[@alikat1053]

I adore this series.

[@kevinfoster2308]

Your videos are a lifesaver, I have 4 starling nestlings that I removed from an exhaust duct on a new home construction I'm working on.

[@alexandrapatricio2727]

Maybe one of most honest, altruist, tender life saving stories. I loved Mike Franzman and his starling. Hope they are still best buddies. Congratulations for your amazing gesture and your patience. Congratulation to your spouse for filming all.

[@karinengelbrecht62]

Thank you for These wonderful videos💖🇩🇪🇸🇪 Good job🌷

[@diegoarivera35]

you can really tell this man is a good person

[@Ultima771]

I really enjoyed watching your Starling Story. As other commenters have said you have a Grackle. The inside of a Starling's mouth is yellow the Grackle's is red Also the new feathers of a baby Starling is like the Grackle's but speckled. You did a great job! Thank you for sharing!

[@lisamcnish3287]

You sure have a way with birds! Amazing that he grew so much from that scrawny little baby into a healthy full sized bird with your care and feeding. Keep us posted, think he hates to leave his happy home! Nice job!👍

[@nancygraham839]

Thank you so much! I really enjoyed watching this four part series of your interaction with the bird. It was informative and beautiful to watch!

[@intelligentdesign8994]

You're an awesome human. Sending you mother natures love and a big hug.

[@Karenski]

Mike, Thankyou so much for sharing. You are so kind (and patient) to give of yourself so selflessly to help out with these birds who need intervention and you're very good at it! I've nicknamed you "Birdman" I learned alot watching you with the birds and love your videos!

[@markrogers9202]

My wife and I rescued a common grackle that fell out of a nest at my work and there was nothing but highway and parking lot around the SMALL island of landscaping I found him in. We raised him for about 3+ months always giving him the option to fly away. I honestly thought he was a lifer as he’d always come back after flying into the woods. He even stayed out a night here and there. We gave him everything, (except a mate). One day I saw him interacting with what I believe was another grackle. A few weeks later, he flew away and never came back. I would hear him occasionally while calling out to him (GareBears) but it’s been a couple weeks or so and there’s really no sign of him although my wife said she thought that she saw him with another grackle flying overhead a few times. I know it may sound strange, but I feel a great loss with a great amount of optimism that he is living his best Birdy life

[@davebilleter8785]

Thank you mr Franzman for doing this,thank you.

[@vijikrish4353]

Good job!God bless you!🙌👼

[@theresaprice4122]

This Is such a lovely story you taught him soo many skills he’s sooo vocal😂and Sooo smart

[@rodelvictor1]

I wish there was Part V. It is really heartwarming when people save animal's lives. Animals have feelings too and they pay you back the kindness you have given them.

[@ГалинаАмелина-г4щ]

Переведите кто- нибудь ответы

[@jaima3864]

good job ,i love bird.i really enjoy watching all birds video .

[@13pacocho13]

My heart exploded with love as I saw these four pieces. Big thumbs up for you, friend.

[@lojzakabat8112]

I watched all 4 parts at once. Liked it very much.

[@GARYKNERR]

I enjoyed all four videos of your care for this starling. You did a great job of rehabilitation.

[@jimmyguenza3767]

Hey Big Mike ! You are the best ! Way to go brother I think i love you ! God that was cool thank you so much man and keep up the good ! Respect Jammin Jimmy

[@harrietfol9658]

So many people are calling this lucky bird a Grackle, but they are big - I would say it's a Rusty Blackbird - about 8" long, not shiny black.They are brownish when immature, and when mature are black with yellow eyes. Mike, you did a beautiful thing here, I love the story. You really are a bird whisperer.

[@angelmartin7310]

It's a grackle. Rusty blackbirds have patterns in their feathers as juveniles.

[@RSnyder-vx8li]

Yes, I agree with angel, this bird appears to be a rescued: Boat Tail Grackle. Grackles are part of the Crow family of birds, which means they are very intelligent. I believe Starlings may also be part of the Crow family, but they make a wide variety of mimicking bird sounds and can speak human words too. Very cool video. All good efforts to help the natural world, pays us back by helping enrich ourselves. 😃👍 peace and blessing to all.

[@katayounahoo4016]

Really really appreciate,you are excellent man with excellent heart.please don’t give up on birds..😍🌹🌹🌹🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@kunal7373]

mike u deserve 10 million subs.. for me... ur GOD TO THOSE 🐦 BIRDS

[@MsZeus49]

I just had one of the most enjoyable afternoons in a very long time watching all 4 of your episodes. Every moment was fascinating, you certainly have a way of communicating with birds! Thank you !

[@IowaKim]

I think you have a grackle. Cute guy. I raised a starling when I was a kid. They can learn to talk. There is a book called Arnie the Darling Starling and her bird learned to talk.

[@m.alanjenkins4792]

I agree with you that it's a grackle or a Brewer's Blackbird, the long bill and tail are not like a starlings.

[@RebeccaBTusquare]

yup! totally agree! a grackle not a starling. but still pretty cute!

[@jennic158]

Aren't grackles beaks bone colored?

[@m.alanjenkins4792]

@@jennic158 Google, Common Grackle and you will see that their beaks are black.

[@liliaaaaaaaa]

Yeah I was going to say that doesn't look like a starling.. still cute though.. ✌

[@michellekleingers8238]

This was a great series! Thanks for sharing! I give this four part series 👍👍👍👍

[@Alien-Earth1]

Awesome series, great filming and information!

[@terim84]

I'm so glad I found ur videos ..I'm feeding a baby Robin right now ..hopefully n about a week he will b ready!

[@mojasmine8841]

Loved the 4 vidéos ! this bird will be your friend forever

[@richardgordon]

Pretty amazing videos 👍

[@dr.arthwhite3529]

I almost cry while watching this video thanks man for taking good care of that bird you're amazing

[@pattyvoakes1053]

Maybe He Wants to Stay and Live with You !!! He’s Learning a Lot !! Ohhh My LORD !! He is so Happy there !!

[@fredricknilsson7]

Im sure he wanted but nature calls also, he wanted to create his own family. That starling will never forget about the angel from his youth.

[@ckrutherford1137]

You're a blessing. Thank you

[@greggycelly4494]

I adore your starling stories, you have a gift to take care of birds or maybe even other animals. They adore you, you are so good at training them naturally. Keep it up❤

[@bobbyblueace]

Just found this series of 4 videos. Really enjoyed them. Thanks.

[@sangahlolo]

God bless you Mike

[@Amethyst_Dragon_]

Thank you for sharing ....

[@karenandrews872]

Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed every click, peep and word. Sucess!

[@robertgoss4842]

Just watched Another Starling from start to finish. Your videos are a pure pleasure to watch, for the nature part, but mainly to watch you interacting with birds. People could learn much about patience, tenderness, joy, and fun, just by watching you and your avian friends. Well done!