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.

__________________

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'll come back to you--
PENNY: --I won't give up--
BOTH: I promise. I love you.

DESMOND: I know you have questions for me. I'm not gonna answer them. I've come here to ask you something. And once you've told me everything I need to know, you'll never see me again. Understand?

WIDMORE: All right.

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'll come back to you--
PENNY: --I won't give up--
BOTH: I promise. I love you.

DESMOND: I know you have questions for me. I'm not gonna answer them. I've come here to ask you something. And once you've told me everything I need to know, you'll never see me again. Understand?

WIDMORE: All right.

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

__________________

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.

__________________