I sure hope this doesn't become a habit!

Indeed they do!
He lost a few feathers., but flew away seemingly otherwise unharmed.

Very true. Thankfully he did not get the chance to do much damage to the bird outside of a few lost feathers.

@Amzungu Quite a few of mine made friends with some rather venomous, African snakes, which they would "house" in the kitchen.

@Petter I would not like that one bit!

@Amzungu I grew up becoming used to confronting them, usually with a stout stick. Most snakes are actually eager to avoid a fight, the deadly exception being the Puff Adder.

I used to bird watch with my grandmother as a child and perhaps have a greater appreciation for them than many here in the states, They certainly are charming little rogues.