The Daily Bucket is a regular series from the Backyard Science group. Here we talk about Mother Nature in all her glory, especially the parts that live nearby. So let us know (as close as you are comfortable) where you are and what's going on around you. What's the weather like? Seen any interesting plants, bugs or critters? Are there birds at your feeders? Deer, foxes or peahens in your yard? Seen any cool rocks or geological features? Post your observations and notes here. And photos. We like lots of photos. :)
I was leaving for work this morning and caused the usual mass evacuation of birds at the feeders just by coming out the front door. This is a daily occurrence and generally not cause for concern. Most of our birds are regulars and avoid the danger of the large windows nearby. Today, though, one poor, new bird zigged when she should have zagged and face-planted into the window.
Last night we had our first frost and it was still only 30 degrees when I walked out. I was almost to my car when I noticed the little powder puff of feathers sitting on the cold sidewalk. I approached it cautiously, looking for any evidence of injury but it seemed OK, just stunned.
Now, in the normal course of things, I would have asked the Darling Spouse to keep an eye on it, perhaps get a few pictures and ventured off to work. This morning was just plain cold, though, and I felt bad leaving the poor, stunned feather ball sitting on freezing cement. The warmest place available was my own two hands so I gently scooped her up with one hand and covered her with the other.
I tried to keep my hands loose so she didn't feel caged, just warm, and lifted the top hand after a few minutes.
I checked her little legs and wings just to be sure there was no damage but they all worked fine. At first, she just lay in my hand, feet curled into her chest, but after a few minutes, she loosened her feet and gripped one of my fingers.
Then she started looking around
And finally she flew away, a bit shaken but hopefully wiser in the way of windows!
In case you're wondering, the reason I know this was a relatively new bird and a she was I had identified her as a female purple finch just yesterday. There were two females and a male at the feeders for the first time. At first, I thought she was a new kind of sparrow but the Peterson's Guide had a picture of "sparrow-like" birds and the female purple finch matched this little beauty.
Heck of an introduction to Chez Gardener! I hope she and her family come back.
By the way, if you're wondering what to do in case you run across a more severely injured window impact, check out this link. Good advice. And, yes, I DID wash my hands thoroughly! ;)
"Spotlight on Green News & Views" will be posted every Saturday and Wednesday at 1:00 pm Pacific Time on the Daily Kos front page. Be sure to recommend and comment in the diary.