Today I lost a sweet female house finch. I was feeding Mockingbird when I noticed a little finch under a small palm tree face down. I could not believe it! This had just happened because when I picked her up, she was still warm. I felt overwhelmed with sadness and my heart broke for her. It was such a lovely day and I can’t imagine how she died and I was sad that I wasn’t there to help her before she passed.
I decided to contact the department of fish and wildlife to see if there was an outbreak of any diseases with House Finches in the area. I also asked if I could send her in to be examined to determine the cause of her death. After all, I read online that they sometimes do this for birds in the area and the Doctor agreed.
Relieved by this, I wrapped her fragile little body and placed her in a zip lock bag in the refrigerator. She was so perfect and beautiful but did not appear to be a sick bird. No swollen eyes or matted feathers but something took her life and I needed to know.
I already had shipping ice blocks that I ordered online from staples so I was set there. What I didn’t have was a cooler box to mail her in and a cardboard box on it’s own was not going to work. I would spend the next 30+ minutes calling around to see if FedEx, UPS, Office Depot, etc… had insulated shipping boxes and none of these facilities carried this item which they all should. Finally, I stumbled upon Best Boxes Packing Shipping.
I called and spoke with the manager. It was 30 minutes before closing and he said he could make me a custom insulated shipping box. My problem was solved and so knowing I wasn’t going to make it there with traffic, I agreed the next morning would be best. John showed me the box size to confirm and made it for me within a few minutes. It was perfect! I thanked him and was off.
I packed my precious cargo and sent her off FedEx next day air. I also called to follow up on Friday but they are still investigating and results will not be available until next week I was told.