Here's a possible explanation for this from Julie Craves, ornithologist/field ecologist at the Rouge River Bird Observatory:
"I usually see weird feather growth if there is some sort of injury to the skin. There'll be a scab of some sort and the base of the feathers are all clumped together. Looks like it all originates in one small place here."
So maybe the chickadee DIDN'T go to the barber and say, "all business up front, all party in the back".
Our eyes and ears should be open and alert to the natural wonders that surround us every day. Take time to look out our windows to see the birds that visit us and open our windows to hear them. Walk around whatever space we have to enjoy the birds in nature. Every day, work on improving our powers of observation.
ACCEPTANCE
Nature happens. We cannot MAKE natural things happen (or NOT happen). We can create habitats to encourage natural things to happen around us, but there are no guarantees.
RESPONSIBILITY
Birdfeeding comes with responsibilities to the birds and the environment we share with them. If you are unwilling to accept these responsibilities, you shouldn’t feed the birds. We also have a responsibility to share these natural wonders with the next generation.
Larry - thanks!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | May 27, 2010 at 03:50 PM
Very funny Nancy. Nice photo and thanks to Julie Craves for the explanation! Very interesting.
Posted by: Larry Jordan | May 26, 2010 at 01:48 PM
Trip to barber or no, at least he's not still listening to Cricklewood Green or Quicksilver Messenger Service. Now that would be REALLY bad! :)
Posted by: Margaret | May 23, 2010 at 10:04 AM
Here's a possible explanation for this from Julie Craves, ornithologist/field ecologist at the Rouge River Bird Observatory:
"I usually see weird feather growth if there is some sort of injury to the skin. There'll be a scab of some sort and the base of the feathers are all clumped together. Looks like it all originates in one small place here."
So maybe the chickadee DIDN'T go to the barber and say, "all business up front, all party in the back".
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | May 23, 2010 at 08:51 AM
So what is going on with that Chickadee???
Posted by: DawnFine | May 22, 2010 at 08:47 PM
That's too much...
Posted by: Lana | May 22, 2010 at 06:04 PM
Doesn't that make him ahead of his time? :)
Posted by: Margaret | May 22, 2010 at 12:47 PM
Thanks everyone for commenting on my stylish (20 years ago!) chickadee!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | May 22, 2010 at 08:02 AM
Maybe it's a small ponytail?
Posted by: Chad | May 22, 2010 at 05:40 AM
Not only is this funny; but you're also very observant to notice.
Is there an explanation for this?
Thanks
Posted by: Peg | May 21, 2010 at 12:11 PM
That is bizarre!
Posted by: LNMP | May 21, 2010 at 11:15 AM
Or perhaps it's the ancient Celtic tonsure? :)
Posted by: Margaret | May 21, 2010 at 10:58 AM
Oh. My. Gosh. Too funny!
Posted by: laura | May 21, 2010 at 08:41 AM