Hi, I'm looking for some thoughts on what could be going on with this wee guy, who currently comes to the feeders on my balcony here in Glasgow.
He's larger and scruffier than the other great tits and seems to be a bit slower and sort of hunchbacked. I started to think he could be puffed up and sick so got some footage of him - in which I can see he has a bald patch on his throat and patchy face feathers, which are possibly damp and matted. I also then realised he is ringed.
As far as I can tell he is uninjured. He is alert, managing to eat and does not show signs of respiratory distress. I'm assuming this rules out anything terribly infectious like bird flu. He comes and goes and appears to have a mate and nestlings.
I sought advice from the SSPCA and they weren't too worried which put my mind at ease. I did forget to mention the fact he is ringed though.
My questions are:Any ideas what could be wrong with him and should I take any further action given he is ringed?I wonder if it's possible he has been captured by the SSPCA and checked over/treated then ringed before release? I have no idea if this would be the procedure.Or should I be reporting spotting him somehow to a study? And if so, then how?
I'm struggling to find relevant information/answers elsewhere so input would be very much appreciated!