A week after the amputation surgery of a cattle egret in Daltonganj, the bird went for a short maiden flight after it was released on the bed of the Koel river on Thursday by its rescuer Jyoti Kumari.

The bird’s left leg was amputated by touring veterinarian Jeeani Abha Melgandi in Daltonganj last week, after it was brought to her by wildlife lover and rescuer Jyoti Kumari.

Since then, the bird has been living in Kumari’s home.

Kumari said the bird, who re-entered into the lap of nature for little over an hour, must have felt it had the guts within to change its life with just one leg.

The rescuer and her bird were both happy.

“The one-legged bird flew from one place to another. The span was small. It appeared she was testing her own energy & mettle for this,” she said.

“The bird was not morose, but at the same time she was not all cheerful. She seemed to be pondering over the ways of the world. Walking down the wet river bed with just one leg having a bodyweight of 325g is no easy thing for a bird that underwent surgery for amputation just seven days ago,” said Jyoti Kumari.

Kumari said she had tied a 100ft long rope to her leg.

“This was with a purpose. It was to ensure the bird did not go very far or did not face any unforeseen situation,” said Kumari.

She said the bird spent some time on the riverbed and made small catches like flies, insects.

With the currents of the river water, standing on one leg standing is an arduous task.

Jyoti Kumari said the bird will not be left to fend for herself.

The egret will be taken out for such jaunts everyday till she makes a long enough flight.

DS Srivastava, an environmentalist said that nature is itself is therapy for flora and fauna, and that such wounded birds learn to cope with their lives, even after losing a leg.