BellaOnline Forums News and Politics Animal Life My Bluebird is Black and White

Standing outdoors today lost in thought, I got the biggest thrill. A Black-capped Chickadee landed on my arm. The little guy sat there for a moment until I spoke. It then flew to a tree and called for a longest time.

I've been kind of down in the dumps for a few days and this tiny little black and white bird sure made my load a little lighter. So, instead of the Bluebird of Happiness, I have the Chickadee of Joy.

Rose

Wow! I bet that was a surprise. I've never had a bird land on my arm or any part of my body. Unless you count the gosling that jumped on my raft, walked across my stomach and thighs, and then jumped off the other side of the raft. Not quite the same thrill, I'm sure.

That is so neat, Rose! Dh's dad used to handfeed some of his chickadees up in upstate PA and I actually bought a book which is a step-by-step guide for gaining the confidence of chickadees, nuthatches, tufted titmice and the like. Hugh Wiberg, the author of the book, Hand-feeding Backyard Birds, says he remembers the time he watched a Black-capped Chickadee fly down from a tree and perch on someone's hand more than twenty years ago. It was a special moment for him that he says will stay with him forever. It was that inspiration that led Wiberg not long after to entice birds to his own hand, and finally to share his secrets for success in his book.

The fact that your little chickadee chose you without the reward and enticement of a favorite food makes it all the more special for you.

~~Leequi <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I agree with Leequi: that little chickadee instinctivly knew a friend when he saw one!!
:love:
((hugs))

Rose, here's a little something that will (hopefully!!) cheer you up and put a smile on your face! I am willing to embarrass myself, for a friend!! :love:


1) There once was a gal named Rose
Who really knows nature; it shows!
Who else names her moose,
Or sees bears running loose
And has chickadees land near her nose?!

(well,*arm* didn't fit into the rhyme scheme!!)


2) Armed with her binocs and her book
She said, "Come, follow me! Look, look!!"
I did what she said
Followed her where she led
And now, more than ever, I'm hooked!

3) Ah, the age-old problem with seed
is who will it really feed?
The furry rodents or birds
The flocks or the herds?
If only they'd learn how to read!


4) The squirrels sit up in their tree
Plotting and laughing at me
They spit pine cone pieces
The mess never ceases
And once, they even left PEE!!!

5) Rose lives way up north in Alaska
Where she *adventures* alot, just ask her!
She portages, canoes,
Knows nature's signs and clues
That's our Rose: what a multi-tasker!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(note: for those of you who are unfamiliar with my encounter with squirrel pee, I'm sure Marian or Rose will be happy to fill you in! <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" /> )

Shelley, You are soooo talented!!! Thank you for these wonderful poems. They will grace my bathroom mirror to make me smile each morning.

Rose

Shelley, I'm quite impressed with your talents! Is there anything you can't do? Did you come up with those spur of the moment or are some of those old favorites of yours?

What a happy event!!!!!!!!! I can still remember the feel of little cold feet from the one that sat in my hand eating a black oil sunflower seed. Welcome to the club!! (it's a small club, no membership fees, and I'll send you the instructions for the secret handshake later...)

Marian