I just can't image Des not wanting off the island, though? Maybe that Ring Lady spooked him with the pushing the button was the only noble thing you will ever do speech. Charlie maybe wants to stay to escape his past - that crazy rock-n-roll life and all it entails.

__________________

`Dear, dear! How queer everything is to-day! And yesterday things went on just as usual. I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is, Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle!'

-- Alice, from “Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland”

I don't thinik Desmond wants off the island as much as he wants another chance to go back and make things right with Penny!

__________________
Please don't give up, Des. Because all we really need to survive is one person who truly loves us. And you have her. I will wait for
you. Always. I love you, Pen

DESMOND: I love you, Penny. I've always loved you. I'm so sorry. I love you!
PENNY: I love you too.
DESMOND: I don't know where I am, but--
PENNY: I'll find you, Des--
DESMOND: --I promise--
PENNY: --no matter what--
DESMOND: --I'll come back to you--
PENNY: --I won't give up--
BOTH: I promise. I love you.

Lost Easter Eggs: Charlie and the Message


Charlie Palming Message???????

__________________
Please don't give up, Des. Because all we really need to survive is one person who truly loves us. And you have her. I will wait for
you. Always. I love you, Pen

DESMOND: I love you, Penny. I've always loved you. I'm so sorry. I love you!
PENNY: I love you too.
DESMOND: I don't know where I am, but--
PENNY: I'll find you, Des--
DESMOND: --I promise--
PENNY: --no matter what--
DESMOND: --I'll come back to you--
PENNY: --I won't give up--
BOTH: I promise. I love you.

So do we think he toothpicked a blank paper to the bird? Hmmmm... interesting.

__________________

`Dear, dear! How queer everything is to-day! And yesterday things went on just as usual. I wonder if I've been changed in the night? Let me think: was I the same when I got up this morning? I almost think I can remember feeling a little different. But if I'm not the same, the next question is, Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle!'

-- Alice, from “Alice’s Adventure’s in Wonderland”

I think it is just a small production error. The prop note is already attached to the bird and Dom is just told to "act" like he is attaching it.
If it is part of the story then A: He doesn't actually attach any note, and Claire would have to be pretty dumb to not notice this. B: He switches notes and Charlie is a lot more cunning than usual.

I like everyones thoughts on the final outcome of the bird.
How about this one:
Locke and dear old dad make up and they go bird hunting. Dad bags the bird and Locke finds the note. Locke reads it to find that Charlie did switch the note with a joke about Locke. So Locke gives the little limy runt another beating. Desmond saves him again, and Claire leaves Charlie for Des cause she wants a man who can take care of himself.

__________________

Doctor playing golf. Woo, boy howdy, now I've heard everything. What's next, cop eating a donut?