Salmonella is only one of many illnesses that individual and flocks of birds can become afflicted with. As a bird becomes sick and weak from either illness or injury, seeking an easy food source is their priority. Sick birds then become more obvious and seemingly tame. It is flock mentality to drive off the weakened individuals so as not to attract predators to the rest of the flock. Always sad to see them in our own yards. If you can find a local wildlife center or licensed rehabilitator in your area you might be able to intervene and get the bird some help.

That's Awful. I hate seeing hurt birds. i have a blind bird out here and don't know what to do about it either.

I had a red-breasted nuthatch here only once, and he stayed awhile. It was great having a different bird around! But he hasn't been here for about 8 years. Maybe I'll see one again this winter!

Thanks, BN. The cap looked too red for an American Tree Sparrow but I just found this picture of the back view of a tree sparrow from a year ago and it sure looks the same. There have been a few tree sparrows around my yard for a while this winter. American Tree Sparrow in 2014 I guess I really wanted the redpolls to come back. Claire