It was a warm Sunday afternoon in the early days of September. The leaves were just starting to lose their grip and glide to the ground, many bird species were getting ready for their long trip down south, and all the animals were in the ever-lasting search for food. “A nice day for a walk” I thought. The sun was out, the air wasn’t too hot or too cold, what could be better? My family and I soon decided to take a trip to the Ipswich River Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary after church. I knew it was a wonderful place to catch a glimpse of God’s incredible creation. The car ride wasn’t long, and the scenery was glorious, so we soon found ourselves arrived. From the moment we stepped out of the car, I noticed a beauty that couldn’t be found in many other places. The first thing we saw were fields of grass hosting numerous bluebird boxes. What a welcoming sight. There were high flowers carrying many buzzing bees collecting nectar, and all kinds of birds were flying happily about. After a few moments, we started down a path that led into a thick woods. We could hear the eerie drumming of a woodpecker somewhere through the trees. Finally the path led onto a boardwalk which took us through a lively marsh. Turtles and ducks where swimming in the shallow water, going about their business. Then the marsh took us back into the woods. As we were walking along the path, we saw an older couple holding out some seeds and nuts. We quickly discovered what they were up to. The couple kindly gave us some seed, and we also held out our hands. Then it happened: a curious Black-Capped Chickadee slowly came slowly towards the woman who gave us the seed. Then, in a flash, it flew down to her hand, grabbed a sunflower seed, and flew away. It happened so fast. Then, with inspiration, my family and I held out our hands to where we saw another Chickadee. It curiously crept down a branch towards us. Suddenly, it flew and perched on my hand. I was shocked. Its delicate feet were gripping tightly to my finger as it took a seed from my hand. Then it had gone as quickly as it came. Soon, Chickadees came from all around, and they flew to the hands of every member of my family. Then, to my great surprise, a White-Breasted Nuthatch was perched on my finger! It was noticeably heavier than a chickadee, and just as curious. Then more Nuthatches arrived. Looking around, I noticed a timid Tufted Titmouse watching the outgoing Chickadees and Nuthatches greedily take our seeds. Then it found the courage to try! It darted to my mom’s hand, but merely touched it and flew back to the cover of the trees. It preformed this strange act time and time again. It was as if it was testing our hands to see if they were safe. Finally it swiftly flew to a hand and took a seed. It was simply incredible to see these birds land on a human hand just to get one seed. It was also interesting to see each different species of bird act so differently. The Chickadee was the most daring of the three, but the Nuthatch wasn’t far behind. The Titmouse on the other hand was very timid and careful. God’s creation is so full of wonder, and it is just so amazing to see (and to feel) it interact with us. And if you are patient enough, you just might have the same experience of a Chickadee taking a seed from your hand.
1 Comment
|
Caleb JamesHi! Welcome to my blog. Get my free eBook!Categories
All
Archives
July 2018
Recent Posts
|