We had a strong wind storm this morning. I thrice-thrice!- had to chase the barbecue cover around the backyard. The wind died down around noon, and the day reverted to typical northwestern dreariness.
(Aside: a father at the school who immigrated with his family in October asked me if there is ever nice weather here. My answer: August? It's hard to remember.)
Anyway, it might be hard to believe that a grey day could be improved by the addition of more grey, but when the grey arrives in tiny adorable packages - Bushtits - the day inevitably brightens.
Tiny, adorable, and tough. They decided to use the birdbath. The water temperature is only a few degrees above freezing. Yesterday morning it was ice.
They didn't just tip-toe around. They wallowed in the ice water up to their under-wings. Brr.
Post bath, they hung around a minute or two to dry off. Next stop, suet block. Busy busy busy.
8 comments:
Delightful!
Whenever I see them now I recall your description of "little gray ones who fly as though pulled on a string".
:)
Re: next to last picture: I think I'm in love.
I know, I know! The juncos were doing the same thing here...even ducking their heads under the water. I was shivering just watching with my binos from the warm comfort of my kitchen.
oh, they are the MOST charming creatures. And a flood of them peeping from tree to shrub to tree (en masse, always) makes me inordinately happy. Looks WONderful after the bath. I expect very few external parasites or other pests could make it through THAT bath. yow.
Fierce little creature you gotta love.
Wonderful documentation, sir. =) Thanks!!
Oh yeah, I join the chorus: love the birdie photos!
Bushtits are a much under-appreciated little bird! I love chancing upon a flock of them marauding through a tree....
Bushtit? I'll have to look that one up!
Nothing cuter than Bushtits. Nothing.
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