Bluebird Emphysema

Male HHWX from box 333 had a belly that feelt like a balloon full of air or fluid. I wasn't sure how to handle him. I didn't want to squeesh him in case his belly would explode.

Based on conversations I've had with a friend, Marie-Clemence Baranger, who worked at a wild bird rehab center, and my step-mother and physician, Dr. Catherine Rolland, there are two hypotheses.

Hypothesis A: Subcutaneous emphysema... This is basically air under the skin and it occurs after an air sac trauma (birds don't have lungs like us!)

Hypothesis B: Ascites... This is non-inflamatory fluid that accumulates in the peritoneal cavity(ies) most often resulting from heart failure...

Male HHWX presented a normal weight of 29g, ruling out hypothesis B.

Final diagnosis: emphysema.

If he attempts a third clutch, I'll trap him again and will reassess his health status.