When I booked a villa in Japan, nothing could have prepared me for the emotional shock I received one morning. My fiancé and I had planned an intense first four weeks of travel, so we chose Ishigaki, an island off Okinawa, for its crystal-clear waters and serene beaches to unwind.
The Unexpected Discovery
One morning, just after 6:30 AM, I wandered into the living area and spotted a bird lying on its back on the patio. Initially, I thought it was dead, but then I noticed its feet moving and its chest rising and falling. It was a ruddy kingfisher, one of my favourite birds, rarely seen in the wild as they stick to woodland areas.
I realised the bird must have flown into the glass of our villa, concussed by the impact. Concerned about predators like crows and snakes, I woke my fiancé by banging on the window. He initially thought I was pranking him but soon understood the urgency.
The Rescue Effort
We placed the kingfisher in a cardboard box with holes and a towel for comfort. After waiting as long as possible before our snorkelling trip, we tried to release it, but it couldn't fly properly. We took a 25-minute detour to Tamayose Veterinary Hospital, the only one open on the weekend.
The vet assessed the bird, confirming it was concussed but its wings were fine. She assured us the kingfisher would be returned to the villa after more rest. We were relieved and grateful to have helped. I hope the kingfisher is now back to its usual antics, enjoying a new lease on life.
