Bird bumps

[Thunderbird+]

Hi, I get a lot of birds that come flocking daily to the feeders I have set up, but just lately in the past 2-3 weeks, I've seen a poor Great tit with three large growths on it what look quite hideous, one on the top of its head, one on the back of its neck and another on the side,(reddish in colour) it seems to be feeding okay but on the ground more than the others.

I dont suppose I can do anything for it but dose anyone know what these bumps are, in human terms I'm talking tennis ball size!

[WendyS]

Poor little bird. It either sounds as if it might be growths of some kind, or possibly it has been attacked (maybe in a rival mating fight) and has deveoloped some absesses. It must be really frustrating for you not to be able to do anything about it. I guess it's one of those cases where nature has to be left to run its course but like you, I would find it very frustrating to watch.

[Robinia]

How awful, makes you feel terrible when there's nothing you can do, but things happen in nature all the time & I suppose we only get to see a very small number of them. I agree with Wendy about growths/injuries but I'm no expert.

As I sit typing this I'm watching a great tit too who's busily tussling with fur clippings, kindly donated by my spaniel, to make her nest snugly.