Loved this. I have a number of special memories involving birds - from hummingbirds that would land on your hands while you hung their feeder to holding a stunned finch cupped in my hands for an hour after she hit a window. (I thought I’d just keep her away from the cat until she passed, but that tough little thing lived!) They are amazing little creatures.
I loved every word of this! I spent an hour today sitting peacefully near a bonded pair of black vultures that use my barn as their breeding site and nursery. To sit quietly and notice what they notice was magical!
What a beautiful reflection. I think about this when I see animals in the wild - they have no idea about what we’re discussing in the news. They just be and survive. There’s a lot to be thankful for to be human but I wouldn’t mind being able to think about fewer things from time to time.
A Kinglet!! David, I owe you big. Thank you for taking a Kinglet, someone I knew nothing about 10 minutes ago, and placing him gently inside my consciousness. An extraordinary gift.
Your (beautiful and truth filled) post has made me wonder, have you ever heard of something called the Trust Technique?
I’m still buzzing from the Kinglet news :) The Trust Technique is basically what you’ve described in your post, but a small group of people teach it, to be used exclusively with animals who need that quiet presence. I know a couple of people who have learned, it is a joy to watch it practiced, especially with horses. There’s a couple of clips here https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gcwBwDqYYvo&pp=ygUTVGhlIHRydXN0IHRlY2huaXF1ZQ%3D%3D ❤️
What a cutie! The Kinglet has not yet discovered the far off shores of New Zealand so I had to do a bit of a google. I love all the different coloured hairstyles they have! No photos were as captivating as yours though David. Your photos take my breath away, and in the same gasp return me to my breath. To all that is this very present moment and real and true. Thank you. 🙏
I've read your note twice now, smiling. Your kind words and the glimpse into your introduction to tiny little kinglets is just the loveliest of gifts. Thank you, Jo. 🙏
I love the leveling of the playing field that happens in nature. This is where I really shine and I admit it's something of a satisfaction to see the high and mighty flounder where I excell. Those who would look down their nose at me for choosing to be a farmer, for caring more for the earth and my own connection to the natural world than that of the almighty dollar. Their opinions are adjusted after an encounter, and rightly so.
I have worked with and around birds my entire life. I had the privilege to work with the "the birdman of Erindale" Roy Ivor for several years as a boy. You are so on point when writing about how birds perceive your presence. All animals really. I was sitting out on the back porch recently and a nuthatch landed on my leg. I was shocked as I've made no effort to get friendly with the chickadees, or titmice by hand feeding them. This little guy actually let me touch him and sat with me for about 30 seconds before flying up on the railing a few feet away. What a thrill... what a compliment.
Robert, your words are the very first I've read this morning. The coffee is brewing and I am smiling. What a gift. And how very kind of you to leave such a beautiful vision at my doorstep. The fact that a nuthatch vouched for you in that way gives me chills and a sense of things being right and kind. May we all be worthy of the risks our feathered friends take to be curious about us and stand nearby.
So true - animals are so perceptive. And reminds me of my mum - whenever my sisters invited over a new friend/boyfriend, mum would never quite trust them if they didn’t get on with the dog!
I love the photos and the thoughts about birds. I can't take enough pictures of them! Very interesting thought ... the birds aren't impressed...but they do seem to sense something about you. Thanks!
I think you’re right!
Loved this. I have a number of special memories involving birds - from hummingbirds that would land on your hands while you hung their feeder to holding a stunned finch cupped in my hands for an hour after she hit a window. (I thought I’d just keep her away from the cat until she passed, but that tough little thing lived!) They are amazing little creatures.
Love this, A.J. Thank you.
So beautiful
I loved every word of this! I spent an hour today sitting peacefully near a bonded pair of black vultures that use my barn as their breeding site and nursery. To sit quietly and notice what they notice was magical!
Love this, Sandy. A gift. Thank you.
What a beautiful reflection. I think about this when I see animals in the wild - they have no idea about what we’re discussing in the news. They just be and survive. There’s a lot to be thankful for to be human but I wouldn’t mind being able to think about fewer things from time to time.
I so completely agree, Jack. Thanks for weighing in here.
what an adorable little goldfinch giving a head turn pose!
A Kinglet!! David, I owe you big. Thank you for taking a Kinglet, someone I knew nothing about 10 minutes ago, and placing him gently inside my consciousness. An extraordinary gift.
Your (beautiful and truth filled) post has made me wonder, have you ever heard of something called the Trust Technique?
A: You're most welcome and I am now grinning at the thought of you walking your first slow circle around the idea that is a Kinglet.
B: I have not heard of Trust Technique. But now, with that rather pregnant inquiry I feel compelled to know more. Do tell.
I’m still buzzing from the Kinglet news :) The Trust Technique is basically what you’ve described in your post, but a small group of people teach it, to be used exclusively with animals who need that quiet presence. I know a couple of people who have learned, it is a joy to watch it practiced, especially with horses. There’s a couple of clips here https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gcwBwDqYYvo&pp=ygUTVGhlIHRydXN0IHRlY2huaXF1ZQ%3D%3D ❤️
Oh.... so glad I've stumbled on this lovely place on the 'Stack, thanks to a friend here. Just subscribed....
I've lived in the Seattle area for over 30 years and saw my first golden crowned kinglet when it alighted on some finished hydrangea stems on my deck.
I was gobsmacked.
Your photo and reflections are remarkable....
What a cutie! The Kinglet has not yet discovered the far off shores of New Zealand so I had to do a bit of a google. I love all the different coloured hairstyles they have! No photos were as captivating as yours though David. Your photos take my breath away, and in the same gasp return me to my breath. To all that is this very present moment and real and true. Thank you. 🙏
I've read your note twice now, smiling. Your kind words and the glimpse into your introduction to tiny little kinglets is just the loveliest of gifts. Thank you, Jo. 🙏
I love the leveling of the playing field that happens in nature. This is where I really shine and I admit it's something of a satisfaction to see the high and mighty flounder where I excell. Those who would look down their nose at me for choosing to be a farmer, for caring more for the earth and my own connection to the natural world than that of the almighty dollar. Their opinions are adjusted after an encounter, and rightly so.
Thank you for sharing!!
So much packed in here, Samantha. A pleasure to meet you here.
Lovely post and a sweet little golden-crowned kinglet!
Thank you, Pamela.
Beautiful. Here we are fortunate to have Goldcrests (Regulus regulus) and sometimes they surprise me with their proximity.
Goldcrests look amazingly like their Golden-crowned Kinglet cousins. I'm delighted to have been introduced. Thank you.
I have worked with and around birds my entire life. I had the privilege to work with the "the birdman of Erindale" Roy Ivor for several years as a boy. You are so on point when writing about how birds perceive your presence. All animals really. I was sitting out on the back porch recently and a nuthatch landed on my leg. I was shocked as I've made no effort to get friendly with the chickadees, or titmice by hand feeding them. This little guy actually let me touch him and sat with me for about 30 seconds before flying up on the railing a few feet away. What a thrill... what a compliment.
Robert, your words are the very first I've read this morning. The coffee is brewing and I am smiling. What a gift. And how very kind of you to leave such a beautiful vision at my doorstep. The fact that a nuthatch vouched for you in that way gives me chills and a sense of things being right and kind. May we all be worthy of the risks our feathered friends take to be curious about us and stand nearby.
So true - animals are so perceptive. And reminds me of my mum - whenever my sisters invited over a new friend/boyfriend, mum would never quite trust them if they didn’t get on with the dog!
I absolutely love this glimpse, James!
Thank you.
I love the photos and the thoughts about birds. I can't take enough pictures of them! Very interesting thought ... the birds aren't impressed...but they do seem to sense something about you. Thanks!
Thank you, John.
I quite agree! And what a wonderful little kinglet :)
Thank you, Sydney.