Last updated at 10:33 PM on 01st September 2008

You should see the other guy... The ragged robin who tangled with a sparrowhawk and lived to tell the tale

He was once the proud owner of a splendid red breast.

But this unfortunate robin then had a dust-up with a sparrowhawk which left his plumage in tatters.

The bird was a regular in David Baggaley's garden in Halifax, then one day he flew in barely recognisable after the vicious attack.

Looking ruffled: Scruffy the robin was attacked by a sparrowhawk

Despite his unfortunate appearance, the robin has managed to retain the love of his mate.

Mr Baggaley, who has named him Scruffy, said: 'His mate clearly still loves him. They have had two broods this year.

'We have seen them perched together in the garden.'

Scruffy, who enjoys a daily feast of cheese and crushed peanuts, is steadily regaining his health.

'He is getting a bit plump and we have noticed a bit of his red tum coming back too,' added Mr Baggaley.

Bad feather day: Scruffy the robin is on the road to recovery after being attacked

Scruffy is thought to have lost his feathers in an attack by a sparrowhawk.

Wendy Baggaley said: 'We are very surprised he has lasted this long. There were  times when we thought he was a goner.

She added: 'I feed Scruffy Marks & Spencer Cheddar. It's what I eat as well.'

Vicious attack: Scruffy the robin was left barely recognisable by the sparrowhawk attack (file photo)




Article: HERE