A BIRD IN THE HAND

This is the sixth one of Donald Wetzel's very slight novels which take off from sentiment and could easily be carried away by any trade wind like a little bird with one wing. Claude Drover has been married for years, 18 in fact, and spent them migrating from state to state to watch his little feathered friends (he's now on the Gulf Coast). He entertains no such affectionate feelings toward his wife -- they both drink and quarrel constantly -- and of their three children only the youngest is a nature lover. Then there's Naomi, 19 to his 48, with whom he fails in love and there are sweet and untutored exchanges (""How do you feel?"" ""Pale and beautiful"") before and obviously forever after if not for very long when committed to the printed page.