This scruffy sparrow has been pigging out at the feeder for two days now. It only leaves when a bigger bird, like a jay or a woodpecker, muscles in. Even then it flutters to the nearest surface and waits until the coast is clear. “Flutter” is the best way to describe how it flies because “flying” doesn’t come close. Once this morning it fluttered onto the deck and into Psycho’s waiting mouth. Fortunately for it, Psycho has no idea what to do with something that didn’t come out of a Fancy Feast can so he quickly spit it out. My little buddy is also very tame. Several times today it let me walk up to the feeder and stroke its back. I’d invite it into the house for a sleepover but I don’t think Champ is as discriminating as Psycho is when it comes to dinner.
Sounds like somebody had this bird for a pet recently and clipped it's wings. That's how our pet bird would fly. We had to clip it's wings every so often so it could not fly too high in the house!
Posted by: Audra | April 12, 2009 at 11:41 PM
It's also possible that it recently emerged from the nest and is still a bit unsteady.
Posted by: Mike | April 12, 2009 at 11:48 PM
He looks like a good-natured bird with a crotchety streak.
Posted by: Alison | April 13, 2009 at 12:14 AM
He's beautiful anyway!
Posted by: Audra | April 13, 2009 at 10:40 AM
My little buddy is back at the feeder today. I went out and gave it a back rub. I can't figure out how something so small can eat so much and still defy gravity, not that it was great at that to begin with.
Posted by: Mike | April 13, 2009 at 03:13 PM
How lucky for the little bird that he came to your feeder! (And that Psycho is a discriminating eater.)
Posted by: Sharon | April 14, 2009 at 11:35 AM
You do look a bit like Dr. Doolittle.
Posted by: Janet | April 16, 2009 at 05:50 PM