By Alissa Silber

James Shortt, 10, helped wash produce at his family’s organic farm, Shortt’s Farm and Garden Center, 52 Riverside Road, all while a bird friend perched contentedly on his shoulder on August 17.

The Shortt family had found the baby bird abandoned under a tree earlier in the week and nursed it to health by feeding it flies, worms, and even some wet dog food.

The bird, which they have named Charlie, took such a liking to James that it is always with him, wherever he goes.