WHAT I SAW TODAY.....

[Jacksparrow]

Always gonna happen Jacksparra. Look forward to the day when there is treatment for trico other than cleaning down every time. Sincere best wishes with your battle against this disease.
Have set up a feeding station where Hoppie the Magpie roosted the last couple of nights. The bird made the most of it by visiting quite a few times this afternoon. Seemed to love the perch I built and the food bowl nearby. Still too fast to catch though. Very switched on despite poorly condition and decided not to spend the night here tonight.

It looks like Hoppy is hanging on in there. Maybe heard that a spell in hospital was waiting unless it bucked up.I hope all goes well Biker and your nursing skills are not called upon.

[Biker]

Think you could be right Jacksparra !! The staff at the hospital have very kindly offered help if/when needed. Hoppy remains incredibly vigilant which is a good sign for now. Got home today to find the bird asleep on the perch I built having enjoyed a good meal and a drink of fresh water. Soon took off when us humans turned up and started making human noises like turning on the kettle !! Came back later but checked by looking in the window to the kitchen before taking more food and drink (clever Magpie - I had to stand in the hallway so I couldn't be seen) !!! Will try and get some photos and post here (can't guarantee the quality) !!!

[Biker]

Was in the process of leaving the wildlife hospital today when a lady stopped me and asked the way to reception. I happily escorted her and asked why she was here. She said that she had found a small bird that seemed unable to fly. In the box she was carrying was a Firecrest. Never seen one before. It was mostly a bright forest green with a bright yellow line across its head. Tiny and beautiful. Looked ok and I suspect that the bird may have been stunned. The bird is in good hands now and feel sure it will be released back to where it came from quite soon.

[Placido]

Hi Bikey - very interesting tale.
Was the crest yellow, as you describe, or more of an orange-red colour ? (Never known you to get your colours wrong before !!!)
Having checked my Book of Birdy Knowledge I reckon (if it's a Firecrest) your description of the body colour is spot on 'cos if it was a Goldcrest the green would be more dull greenish but the crest would be yellow.
Either way, it's a good Spot and hope the wee thing soon recovers .

[Jacksparrow]

A good reward for your efforts Biker. I have never seen a Firecrest but this time of the year is the best time to catch sight of them as they are in migration mode.

[Biker]

Hi Bikey - very interesting tale.
Was the crest yellow, as you describe, or more of an orange-red colour ? (Never known you to get your colours wrong before !!!)
Having checked my Book of Birdy Knowledge I reckon (if it's a Firecrest) your description of the body colour is spot on 'cos if it was a Goldcrest the green would be more dull greenish but the crest would be yellow.
Either way, it's a good Spot and hope the wee thing soon recovers .

Hiyah Placi!!! Sounds daft I know, but I only saw the bird from the top because of its position in the box and the lady was so concerned I was trying to console her. It was a member of the Brent Lodge staff that immediately looked at the front of the bird and announced it as a Firecrest. The green definitely wasn't dull lass. When I got home I checked it with my colour chart and the closest match was forest green. Not experienced enough to pick up such a delicate bird so left it to the professionals. Birds need such light handling and I need a lot of learning yet not to cause them any harm. Will get there.

[Biker]

A good reward for your efforts Biker. I have never seen a Firecrest but this time of the year is the best time to catch sight of them as they are in migration mode.

That is so cool Jacksparra. I didn't know that. Feel a bit honoured by the bird now. Thanks for that info.

[Biker]

Well, what I saw today was a lot of hungry Sturklings, doves, pigeons, several small birds (could only identify Sparrows) two Jackdaws and three Magpies. The Magpie (s) were of special interest today. May have been the same bird three times. Didn't eat, just did Magpie 'cackle' things which was returned by Hoppie who was found to be close nearby. Grabbed my camera and captured this. Bit disturbing so please don't look if you don't like to see birds in poor condition and in need of a bit of help. On the plus side, Hoppie has a perch with water at one end and food at the other and enjoys hopping between each. Has improved over the last two days but still borderline.

[Jacksparrow]

Poor old Hoppy looks very tatty. I don't know if it is just old and on the downward spiral or is bird with a disease. It is good to hear it has bucked up getting regular food and drink and a little TLC.

[Placido]

Lovely story, Bikey. 3 cheers for Hoppie, et al of course.
From the wing patches this looks like the same bird.