Poorly House Sparrow in my garden
Although we have been blessed with fantastic and healthy Fluffers this year, after the disaster of Trichomoniasis, in autumn and winter2007/2008, I have spotted this female Sparrow which acted suspiciously. Photos showed a wart like growth above the week and between the eyes.At first I thought it to be feather mite, but I am still not happy with that either. I’ve had a Robin with what looked feather mite and the Robin lost feathers around the eyes not like this at all. Yet is it a growth?
Whatever it is, it causes the bird much discomfort, it seems itchy if this picture is anything to go by and also it had trouble calculating its flight path around the Fennel to the feeding trays in the planter. And less lethargic than I had expected.
Although there are no more birds with similar growths, I do have one or two which do behave a little out of the ordinary. It is difficult to tell really; the cold spell and strong wind conditions of this past week, or so, means that fluffed up birds do not necessarily have to be sick or poorly.
It looks like it feels itchy around the eyes too?
Wish I could help but don't have a clue about this sort of thing.
ReplyDeletesorry, I had not seen you here yet.
ReplyDeleteI've just posted an update, Crow. Thanks for your concern.
Very much appreciated.