Hi again, I saw this little bird a couple of times, and you know how fast they move so it's hard to really see what's happening. Whatever is hanging is not as light as straw or grass. It's quite thick and looks like it might be heavy, swings a little when the bird moves. Could a bird be flying and feeding with a piece of its insides hanging out? I fear that is what i'm seeing. I'm a little upset right now and of course, there is nothing I can do to help her as long as she is moving about ok. Anybody have any ideas? I've got the number of a rehabber nearby in case I find her down.

Hey Anita, wow I would be really upset too, Do you have any binocs that you might leave near the feeder. SOMETIMES I can grab mine fast enough to get a close look. I sure HOPE you are NOT seeing what you think you are. Why not go ahead and call the rehabber and let her (him?)know, maybe they will have a good suggestion . I would almost want to try to net her gently to see if it is something she has gotten cought in and may need help getting free of. I would think she is really laboring trying to fly with something attached to her and may be making more frequent trips to the feeder tham the others. A floral shirt does wonders for getting close to them.
Let us know what you find.
Lisa

Ok Lisa, I've contacted you already so you know the story, but for anybody else who might have read my post, I talked to the Audubon Society here, and the nice man said it is possible that it is a tangle of spider web material. On closer inspection of a fast moving bird, it does appear to be something "organic" not plastic or wire, hanging from the foot. So as long as she is flying and hopefully capable of caring for her young we will just keep watching and hoping for the best.

I hope I didn't freak anybody out, well except for myself and poor Lisa!

a