Tick, Gravel or Hearing Aid

[Dave Leroy]

I saw a thread the other day which mentioned ticks. Would this be one on the little sparrow? and if not is it dirt/gravel?
Dave

[Joe Austin]

There is an interesting, almost 'spider web-like', pattern on that object that I have never seen on a tick. Another possibility is some kind of tumor/growth.

[Dave Leroy]

Thanks Joe. The bird did not seem distressed or anything. It is not unusual to see eye problems, but I have never seen anything quite like this. It almost looks metallic. Dave

[John Chardine]

I think it's a tick. It's in the right place- just where the bird cannot preen it off. I used to seabird ticks which don't look like this so can't provide any tick ID info.

[Axel Hildebrandt]

It looks like a tick to me, too, but I have never seen one with this kind of texture.

[Dave Leroy]

Thanks John and Axel. I would just like to flick it off!
Dave

[Lana Hays]

My first impression is also a tick....even though the texture doesn't seem right. As another possibility....any chance it could be some sort of burr?

[Dave Leroy]

I am pretty sure this is same bird. There were a few around, but the photos were taken with in a few minutes of each other.
Lana, I suppose it is possible it is some kind of vegetation. there were some dried plants around.

This photo, although bluish seems to bring out a bit more texture. It almost looks bubble like.

Dave

[Tony Whitehead]

Bubbly nature makes me think of aerated mucus coming from the ear. The Ornithologists may know whether this is even a possibility.

[John Chardine]

Now I see the bubbles! Thanks Tony for the suggestion and Dave for the the repost. I think this is a simple case of the bird getting Spittle Bug spit on it while foraging. What do others think? Do you get Spittle Bugs in the Antipodes Tony?

[Tony Whitehead]

Now I see the bubbles! Thanks Tony for the suggestion and Dave for the the repost. I think this is a simple case of the bird getting Spittle Bug spit on it while foraging. What do others think? Do you get Spittle Bugs in the Antipodes Tony?

That makes sense. Yes we do get them down this way, John.

[Dave Leroy]

It makes sense to me also. Spittle bugs are quite numerous and the bird was up and down in the grass/weeds while I was there. Tks again, although a bit of a false alarm.

Dave