The wonderful thing about binoculars is that they bring the bird closer. But I think I love my camera lens the best. It’s when I’m looking at the images on the computer screen that I often see something delightful that I could not have seen before, something I would have otherwise missed…
like these tiny little feet!
Never mind that the images are fuzzy. Just look at those precious little feet!
This titmouse is holding its dogwood berry like a squirrel or a mouse might except with straighter toes and unlike the furry critters, he has to perch on these same little feet. Is that not amazing?
Well, maybe you knew that. But I guess I've never thought about how they hold a berry. I just knew they did. And when I saw these photos all I could do was stare at them and say “look at those little feet!”
I expected something more like the position below, when the berry's almost gone.
But then there's a lot less to hold by now. And he's not planning to leave any behind.
Here’s a second titmouse preparing to feast.
Is that one berry or two?!
What an awesome set of photos! I too had never considered the logistics of a bird eating a berry :-)
ReplyDeleteAs a side question, do you study philosophy or are you just a "thinker"?
Hi MG,
ReplyDeleteThank you. These photos were a delightful surprise. Especially when the other titmouse landed on a limb in the light. I'm glad to know I'm not the only person who hasn't seen these berry-clutching little feet in action.
On your side question, I guess you would say I'm an observer and thinker. Most of my views come from how I make sense of my experience and observations, though I do love to read. When I find a teacher I like, mystical or otherwise, I may look for something they've written to see what else they have to say.
What cute little birds! I've only seen titmice a few times on trips back east, but they're one of my favorites. It must take amazing balance to eat a berry like that - I've never seen anything like it.
ReplyDeleteHi Monika. They were a treat to watch especially since I haven't watched a bird eat a dogwood berry before! And the nice thing is they'll be around all winter.
ReplyDeleteThe last picture head shot is my pick. I like its hair style! :)
ReplyDeleteVery good behavior documentation as always.
Have a nice Sunday!
Tabib, I loved his topknot too. He had it all spiffed up which I think indicates he's protecting his berry.
ReplyDeleteGreat behavioural sequence.
ReplyDeleteI too enjoy making happy discoveries like you did while viewing the images in the computer! Often you find things you didn't notice at the real time observation.
Besides having the camera as a dear companion that helps me enjoy nature more deeply, I think these little discoveries are the thing I love most about photography.
ReplyDelete