Sunday, March 29, 2009

Nature's Miracle

"I once had a sparrow alight upon my shoulder for a moment, while I was hoeing in a village garden, and I felt that I was more distinguished by that circumstance that I should have been by any epaulet I could have worn."

~Henry David Thoreau




This female Redpoll ate thistle out of my hand this morning at the log cabin(as did several Pine Siskin birds.) Feeling her tiny little bird claws grip my finger while she looked at my face was just one of the most thrilling moments of my life.

44 comments:

Lady of the Mote said...

oh how beautiful!!

Cedar ... said...

What a moment that must have been Shelley,... and to get the photo too! I'm so glad you shared that, I feel like I almost experienced it too!

Sandi Keene said...

WOW - great experience and great photo. How cool is that!

Cindy said...

Oh wow!! You have pet Redpoll's, eh? and to pull off getting a shot of that!!

joated said...

Now THAT is fantastic!

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Oh how awesome and to have a picture of it too! Wow!

Tammy

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi There, We're back from a wonderful trip. I'll post some pictures in the morning.

WOW---that's neat that you got them to eat out of your hand. How Special!!!!

Congrats on being featured in log cabin book/magazine... That's also Special!
Hugs,
Betsy

Carol said...

What an amazing picture! Thanks for sharing nature's beauty!

Hugs,
Carol

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

That is amazing! How long did you have to stand still before they landed on your hand?

John Poole said...

Wow, Shelley! That's pretty cool. I am going to see if I can get one of my crows to do that! ;-)

abb said...

Just a wonderful experience. Someday for me....I would love it!

Dawn Fine said...

OMgoodness Shelley..
that is toooooo cool!

Anonymous said...

Just found your blog. Your photos are beautiful! Marvin is adorable. Did you do anything special to get the sparrow to eat out of your hand? I've tried that with Pine Siskins, but it hasn't worked yet.

Karen said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!
That had to be such an awesome experience!
OK, how'd you get the photo?

Powell River Books said...

How wonderful, our birds are much more reclusive. - Margy

Baby Rocket Dog and Hootie said...

Wowzers! We want birdies to land on us too. You must be like a Dr. Doolittle Lady or something.
Smooches from pooches,
BabyRocketDog & Hootie

ps- you might hear some rumors about us being kind of wild & crazy, but don't believe them. Only Hootie is crazy. BRD

Anonymous said...

Unbelievable photo. I can't believe the bird trusted you enough to eat from your hand. You are a bird whisperer!

Cliff said...

You are indeed blessed.

Just a little something from Judy said...

Shelley, I never saw a picture like this one. I did not know that was possible. What an amazing picture!! You always have fun surprises on your blog. What an adorable little bird!

Dawn Marie said...

that is utterly amazing. What a gift! You definitely have something with that picture but the experience itself had to be so precious. I hope you come back and share on how you were able to do this

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Love the picture Shelley, so wonderful to see the bird in your hand:)
Rondell

reliv4life said...

that is one of the most amazing pictures I have ever seen! gives trust a whole new meaning.

Pam B said...

Love it! I had to call my hubby over to come and look at your pics...he thought they are terrific too!

Jessica said...

I'm so envious.

Constance said...

How sweet! It has to be an awesome feeling to know that you are trusted by something so delicate and wild!

We have a cockatiel so I know about little claws, he needs to get in for a trim and to get his wings clipped!
Connie

April said...

Oh, I would have loved that! How lucky you are! Such a wonderful photo! Priceless!

ctlogcabin said...

Shelley ~~ Anybody that can get a wild bird to eat out of her hand....deserves as many dear creature pets as she can handle. I'm in awe.
Beautiful Photo ~~
Thanks for sharing ~~
Blessings & Hugs ~~ Connie xox

The Retired One said...

Like I said on your other blog...

Forget the bird, take a look at your rock. ha
It really is amazing that he trusted you as he ate...and if your eyes met..that is even more amazing!!!

Unknown said...

That would be such an honor to have a little bird eat out of my hand.

Ruthie said...

That is truly a special picture!! So glad you were able to get a photo of it.
Stop by for my Blogoversary.
Smiles.

Jane In The Jungle said...

You should have heard the intake of breath when we saw this! My kids are enthralled and of course want to know "How did she do that"!!

Marie said...

Wonderful ! I love your house.

mj said...

Wow! Shelley,
That is an amazing photo!

Dawn said...

wow... an awesome moment... and caught on film! that photo needs a frame!! beautiful...

Minerva said...

Beautiful. What a great moment to experience.

Anonymous said...

Wow! How did you ever get the birds to eat out of your hand? That is amazing.The little bird is so beautiful. I love this post ♥

Phill said...

Wow - amazing to have the little thing alight on your hand. That's awesome. What a neat feeling that must have been. I can't believe you got a photo!

Sandy@American Way Farm said...

How special! What a wonderful gift. -Sandy

George said...

What a great experience with a great picture to capture it!

Shelley said...

Thank you everyone for stopping by! It was truly a magical moment. I've had the chickadees in and out of my hand - but first time for a redpoll. I also had a siskin - you can check it out on my birding blog at: http://birdinginmichigan.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-iz-bird-whisperer.html
*I have been singing and talking to the birds while I fill their feeders and snap photos so they've gotten used to me. I put thistle on my hand and they landed within 1 minute.

Unknown said...

Thats incredible that little bird ate out of your hand! The closest I ever came to that is when a pigeon sat on my head. Your picture is cooler!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for visiting my blog. We certainly do have a lot in common. I must say, I don't find too many people with my interests!
I will have to get some thistle seed and try that. Maybe they will come to my hand if it's better seed than what they normally have.

Debbie said...

Shelley how exquisite! What a moment that speaks so loudly about what a lovely person you are to be graced with such trust!

Michelle said...

That is so awesome. What a wonderful experience.