Heidi's folks have worked hard to create a lovely garden-like atmosphere in their back yard, and our summer visits always include lots of time relaxing outside. Of course many birds also enjoy the yard, and one of the frequent visitors this week has been the strangest looking cardinal I've ever seen. The poor little bird is completely missing her crest and the rest of her head feathers!
Her baldness gives her the appearance of a tiny vulture.
She gives the impression of being healthy in all other respects, especially her appetite, and the internet assures me that she is probably just the victim of a bad molt. It seems that most birds lose and replace their feathers a few at a time all over their bodies during molting season, but on occasion, for unknown reasons, something goes haywire and all the plumage in one area falls out at once.
She should be back to normal in 8-10 weeks, but until then? She definitely stands out in the flock.
Her baldness gives her the appearance of a tiny vulture.
She gives the impression of being healthy in all other respects, especially her appetite, and the internet assures me that she is probably just the victim of a bad molt. It seems that most birds lose and replace their feathers a few at a time all over their bodies during molting season, but on occasion, for unknown reasons, something goes haywire and all the plumage in one area falls out at once.
She should be back to normal in 8-10 weeks, but until then? She definitely stands out in the flock.
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