Bit

When I first saw Bit she was a teeeeny little bald worm of a bird with a big gaping beak. Her mama was a lousy nest builder--her babies tumbled out any time the wind blew--in Calcutta. I watched the better part of an afternoon, scooping the two little guys back into the nest again and again because that's what the wildlife rehab people said to do. One of the little birds disappeared--most likely a snack for a crow or a cat (so much for wildlife rehaber wisdom). When dark came and no mama, "Bit" joined the family.

Bit is no beauty--at least not yet. She does have some feathers but right now, she has to make up in personality what she lacks in looks. I'm amazed at how fast she's developing. I had to stop by PetSmart today and get a cage. In a matter of an hour she decided she should explore the car rather than stay in the comfy nest she's called home since I picked her up off the sidewalk and brought her inside. I see little lightbulbs going off over her tiny tiny head every minute. she went from stationary food disposal unit to overactive manic busybody while I watched. She's started preening, hopping onto my finger/arm/body, DEMANDING attention, watching everything I do if I'm in the room with her. This morning she'd figured out how to perch on the edge of her nest. This afternoon she's hanging off the sides of the cage. If she's on my lap she's happy. If she's in the cage she's trying to figure out how to get out--and always, ALWAYS demanding fooooooooooood!!!!!! It's amazing. That little 1/2 ounce body would appear to pack a perfectly functional brain. Wow!

Bit grew up this past summer--well--she matured anyhow. She's still tiny--larger than a sparrow but not by much. She spends her days--and warm nights on the screened porch watching the chickens who come onto the porch to watch her--sometimes beak to beak. She's a fearless little critter and I don't let Kibbles out to run around the porch--Bit will go for her and that beak packs a wallop. I got got a big cage at a swap a few weeks back. It's been scrubbed and spray painted bright yellow. It'll be winter stomping grounds come another month or so. I have no idea where Cowbirds sleep--branches, under leaves, sheltered under eves. Bit prefers flannel shirts or a lap. She's molting and there are dark feathers on her wings now. This afternoon I went out to sit with her for awhile. I'd been up early and needed a break. Little Bit snugged down in my lap and took a nap--happy for the company. Tonight she's with me at the computer--hanging out on my arm preening her feathers. My sweet husband would like to have some company watching a Tom Hanks movie but I can't imagine any movie more satisfying than a little bird--who just pecked the crap out of my finger!

This is Bit and Abby--who seems to like hanging out with the little girl. If the two were left together I'd worry about Abby. Bit has a wicked beak--and knows how to use it. Still, from opposite sides of the screen, Bit has been accepted into the flock.