Hi David, Such lovely words and photography. I am so impressed with your talent and gift of writing and your magnificent eye for photos. Truly the gift is you and we are so lucky to have chosen your writing.
Oh, my goodness, I am beside myself with delight over these images and this story. I saw my first ruby-crowned kinglet of the season in the backyard this morning, but he had his crown so neatly tucked away--so modest. But the golden crown! I am so grateful for you, David. Your little corner of substack is such a place of beauty and joy.
Dearest Laura, finding a note like this is akin to finding a little thank you note beside the empty milk glass and cookie plate on Christmas morning. I'm delighted that this found your appreciative eyes and appreciate, ever so much your additions to the attempts at curated beauty and joy. Thank you for the sweet note.
Oh, so beautiful! Little kinglets are so hard to photograph. What a gift to watch them bathing, and all the beautiful colours around them. Very special indeed.
I keep returning to these images of the Golden-crowned Kinglet and the vibrancy you captured, so patiently, in this tiny “mohawked warrior” . I have been enchanted by the images of exquisite beauty in the beheld, but equally so, in your reverence as the beholder, captured in those intimate moments of mutual trust. Stunning! I wish to turn the lens on the image maker and be witness to your tender-held veneration that gifted me this momentary prayer. Your hallowed presence was a testament to the divine existing in each of us, if only we choose to pause, be still, be curious, be humble, be grateful, we will then recognize ourselves in the other. Thank you.
Dearest Kate, thank you. I first read your wonderful note a few days ago, and didn't comment then because I wanted to sit with all that generosity for a bit before rattling off some less than complete thank you. Your words and the time you gave to writing them down meant ever so much to me. They've brightened my mood more than once since first reading them and I am most grateful.
I'm terribly late reading this but David, my dear friend, what delight of punky colour you bring to my table as I sit depleted of anything resembling energy at the end of a long day... why am I not surprised that they trust you, that you know the perfect moment to recede...? Thank you for this little moment of magic. 🙏🏼
you truly hit the mark on this wonderful post. Golden crowned kinglets are such wonderful little sprites, such a joy to behold. Thank you for making my day.
“…where he then began to preen and chatter with his companions once again. A perfect moment to take my leave, to honor the trust this little feather-poem had placed in me.”
When your backyard is filled with enchantment, and the Gardner need not carry a wand, it comes as no surprise that birds come to the spa, bathe in its little pools, and tell tall tales of their latest adventures to friends. You might think about adding a stack of tiny warm towels for those who desire.
oh goodness me! what beautiful little magical babes! thank you for the goofy, happy smile you gave me! and after a challenging, bite my tongue day.
now i will go to dreams with a chuckling smile in my head that will trickle to the space 12 inches further down….. called my heart. Thank you, you marvelous observant of living color life, Chloe.
What stunning little winglets. Is there a secret power that allows you to melt into the background? Perhaps a mantra you silently repeat? Or a certain stillness? Or slowness of movement. Maybe a mix of all of these? More to add?
Hmmm . . . I imagine working it out for ourselves provides the answer. Or even is the answer.
I've waited to respond to your lovely note, Susan because I loved the questions, went back and read them again and again, wanting to give a considered response and not wanting to be glib.
"Is there a secret power that allows you to melt into the background?"
I continually and very consciously grant myself permission to pay appreciative attention with birds. I talk to them. I try to match their energy and interest, so, honoring the shy ones with space and actively 'noticing' the ones who are making eye contact and 'noticing' me. Kind of a 'golden rule' approach. I am a big believer in seeing them as people with unique personalities, who appreciate being shown consideration...
Peter, I appreciate the description of how you approach your subjects. You remind me of how I learned to be with babies. Initially I was nervous with them and worried that they would fuss, which was self-fulfilling. I learned instead to relax by steadying my breathing, opening my heart, asking their permission to approach, reading their engagement cues, and respectfully responding. This would lead to lovely contact, for the most part.
Birds and babies, being with them is so much the same.
Now to give it a try. Without Shadow, at least for now.
Hi David, Such lovely words and photography. I am so impressed with your talent and gift of writing and your magnificent eye for photos. Truly the gift is you and we are so lucky to have chosen your writing.
I’m touched by your kind words, Aseneth. 🙏 Thank you.
Oh, my goodness, I am beside myself with delight over these images and this story. I saw my first ruby-crowned kinglet of the season in the backyard this morning, but he had his crown so neatly tucked away--so modest. But the golden crown! I am so grateful for you, David. Your little corner of substack is such a place of beauty and joy.
Dearest Laura, finding a note like this is akin to finding a little thank you note beside the empty milk glass and cookie plate on Christmas morning. I'm delighted that this found your appreciative eyes and appreciate, ever so much your additions to the attempts at curated beauty and joy. Thank you for the sweet note.
Oh, so beautiful! Little kinglets are so hard to photograph. What a gift to watch them bathing, and all the beautiful colours around them. Very special indeed.
Thanks, Lindsay.
I keep returning to these images of the Golden-crowned Kinglet and the vibrancy you captured, so patiently, in this tiny “mohawked warrior” . I have been enchanted by the images of exquisite beauty in the beheld, but equally so, in your reverence as the beholder, captured in those intimate moments of mutual trust. Stunning! I wish to turn the lens on the image maker and be witness to your tender-held veneration that gifted me this momentary prayer. Your hallowed presence was a testament to the divine existing in each of us, if only we choose to pause, be still, be curious, be humble, be grateful, we will then recognize ourselves in the other. Thank you.
Dearest Kate, thank you. I first read your wonderful note a few days ago, and didn't comment then because I wanted to sit with all that generosity for a bit before rattling off some less than complete thank you. Your words and the time you gave to writing them down meant ever so much to me. They've brightened my mood more than once since first reading them and I am most grateful.
I'm terribly late reading this but David, my dear friend, what delight of punky colour you bring to my table as I sit depleted of anything resembling energy at the end of a long day... why am I not surprised that they trust you, that you know the perfect moment to recede...? Thank you for this little moment of magic. 🙏🏼
Big, appreciative hug my weary friend. Thank you.
What a blessing God sent to you !
Beautiful! Enjoyed that very much!
A gift indeed! I love their golden slippers.
A delightful bit of noticing... Thanks, Lisa.
Wonderful! Thank you.
David,
you truly hit the mark on this wonderful post. Golden crowned kinglets are such wonderful little sprites, such a joy to behold. Thank you for making my day.
I'm so pleased, Gary. Your generous eyes, your soul. Thank you.
“…where he then began to preen and chatter with his companions once again. A perfect moment to take my leave, to honor the trust this little feather-poem had placed in me.”
When your backyard is filled with enchantment, and the Gardner need not carry a wand, it comes as no surprise that birds come to the spa, bathe in its little pools, and tell tall tales of their latest adventures to friends. You might think about adding a stack of tiny warm towels for those who desire.
🙏❄️ Kindness abounds this morning as Mother Nature is giving us big fat snowflakes, 4” so far!
Aye, yuure a funny one, dear Lor: tiny, warm towels, indeed.
I love your playful heart and generous ways of showing up. May your new week be kind.
Love the writing and the photos of these aptly nicknamed “Mohawk warriors”.
Delightful
Thank you, Teyani. I'm glad this one found an answering chord within.
You made my day with how you captured this beautiful event. Thank you.
🙏
oh goodness me! what beautiful little magical babes! thank you for the goofy, happy smile you gave me! and after a challenging, bite my tongue day.
now i will go to dreams with a chuckling smile in my head that will trickle to the space 12 inches further down….. called my heart. Thank you, you marvelous observant of living color life, Chloe.
Incredible experience and beautiful photos David. You were blessed.
🙏
What stunning little winglets. Is there a secret power that allows you to melt into the background? Perhaps a mantra you silently repeat? Or a certain stillness? Or slowness of movement. Maybe a mix of all of these? More to add?
Hmmm . . . I imagine working it out for ourselves provides the answer. Or even is the answer.
Thank you!
Hmmm . . .
I've waited to respond to your lovely note, Susan because I loved the questions, went back and read them again and again, wanting to give a considered response and not wanting to be glib.
"Is there a secret power that allows you to melt into the background?"
I continually and very consciously grant myself permission to pay appreciative attention with birds. I talk to them. I try to match their energy and interest, so, honoring the shy ones with space and actively 'noticing' the ones who are making eye contact and 'noticing' me. Kind of a 'golden rule' approach. I am a big believer in seeing them as people with unique personalities, who appreciate being shown consideration...
More on this topic:
https://open.substack.com/pub/davideperry/p/birds-seem-drawn-to-quiet-souls?r=2bfb89&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
This post is clear evidence that birds are aware of your love and attention. It was a joy to read and share your experience vicariously.
What a gift you've left at my door, Sarah... thank you.
Peter, I appreciate the description of how you approach your subjects. You remind me of how I learned to be with babies. Initially I was nervous with them and worried that they would fuss, which was self-fulfilling. I learned instead to relax by steadying my breathing, opening my heart, asking their permission to approach, reading their engagement cues, and respectfully responding. This would lead to lovely contact, for the most part.
Birds and babies, being with them is so much the same.
Now to give it a try. Without Shadow, at least for now.
Thank you Peter.
I was pretty sure I knew who you meant.🤪