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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Bird alert!

The sun came out on my mother's birthday after being absent for two weeks. What a glorious day it was! I first drove out to LSU Lakes and saw the usual pelicans, cormorants, warblers and ducks. Feeling a little disappointed I decided to go visit my mother's grave and wish her a happy birthday. As I stood over her grave I asked her for a sign to let me know she was there. I said, "I know it's your birthday and I can't give you anymore gifts, but it would be a wonderful gift to me if I had a new bird to photograph. Then I would know that you are here." After all, I had the 100-400mm lens that she bought for my 50th birthday, and I always think of her when I use it.

Something pulled me toward a grove of nearby trees and I just stood there meditating for quite some time, being very still, not really thinking about anything, but hoping I'd see something. And I did! I have a new bird that I can add to my bird list. Thanks, Mama!

Meet the Acadian Flycatcher Ruby-crowned Kinglet! (corrected 2/2/13) He appeared for maybe five seconds and I got two shots before he was gone, spooked by the camera clicks I'm sure. Since I am still shooting on manual I was happy that the exposure and shutter speed were correct. I was also pleased that even though they weren't the best poses, at least they were in focus.

UPDATE 2/2/13: On a bird expedition today with a group of birders, I learned that I may have misidentified this bird originally. Once I was able to check my bird book I realized this was not the Acadian Flycatcher but was indeed a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. This sighting is significant because my mother loved the color red, specifically ruby red. Although this bird does not have the red patch on its head, it's because this is likely a female. I sincerely believe my mother was trying to tell me she now has a ruby crown in heaven. I'm literally in tears as I type this because I had wondered since I saw this bird what the connection was to my mother. Now I know! Thank you, God!



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P.S. Sallie at A Full-time Life shared a live web cam for a pair of eagles and their recently hatched eaglets. Go have a look!

36 comments:

  1. TexWisGirlJanuary 17, 2013 at 7:17 PM

    sweet little bird - and even better that it was an answer to your prayer. :)

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  2. Ruth HiebertJanuary 17, 2013 at 7:45 PM

    Way to go. What a gift on this memory filled day.

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  3. bethJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    an answer to your prayer....now that's powerful !
    xoxo

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  4. Linda at To Behold The BeautyJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:40 PM

    What a lovely gift to you...sunshine and a new bird. And your photos are a lovely gift to us.

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  5. Gina GaoJanuary 17, 2013 at 9:14 PM

    The bird is so cute! I really like your photography.

    www.modernworld4.blogspot.com

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  6. BarbaraJanuary 17, 2013 at 9:35 PM

    Such a sweet post in so many ways, Gail! Love the little bird and love that it was another gift from your mom!

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  7. Pieni LintuJanuary 18, 2013 at 1:05 AM

    Great shots. :-)

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  8. The CrankyJanuary 18, 2013 at 1:16 AM

    Never apologise for posting Gail; I look forward to your posts!

    What a sweet and moving post; I'm so glad you could feel your mother close by in answer to your prayer...and what a handsome answer you got as well!

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  9. Gone CountryJanuary 18, 2013 at 7:33 AM

    What a sweet gift! Such a little cutie!

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  10. carol l mckennaJanuary 18, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    Fantastic shots of a beautiful bird ~ Wow!


    (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

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  11. rainfield61January 18, 2013 at 8:15 AM

    Mama is always around.

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  12. DeannaJanuary 18, 2013 at 8:24 AM

    what a little tiny (in-focus) miracle!!

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    She guided you to the new bird, thanks mama, indeed! Very cool & beautiful captures, Gail! =)

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  14. StarlaJanuary 18, 2013 at 9:59 AM

    So glad the sun came out for you!! What a special gift to see a new bird!
    Manual...eeeaaakk....some day I'll progress enough to go full manual..for now, I'm still using my favorite apt control setting or sport setting

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  15. hootnonnyJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Sunshine will do wonders for a soul! The shots are great! There was a control on my film camera that pretty much silenced it; perhaps Bertha is hiding a secret.

    No snow or ice for us and today the sun shines!

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  16. Lisa @ Two Bears FarmJanuary 18, 2013 at 11:07 AM

    What an amazing story! Cute little birdie too :-)

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  17. renae January 18, 2013 at 11:18 AM

    hellooo Gail!

    Awh, your time with your Mom was so touching. You were a loved daughter, I can tell. My Mom and I had a great relationship, too. I was the only person with her when she passed on. I will cherish that event FOR LIKE EVER!!!

    Your photos were great captures. YES, awesome!!!!!

    Thank you for our kind words, to me, too. :D

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  18. AnonymousJanuary 18, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    I am so going to have to make a date to spend the day in BR to see you & maybe do some photographing while I'm at it. That would be so much fun! What beautiful little birds..and how awesome that the sun came out of hiding on your dear mama's birthday! Yay for sunshine! Big hugs, xoxo

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  19. KarenJanuary 18, 2013 at 2:55 PM

    What a cutie! I am always excited when I shoot a new bird! Even more so if it's in focus. Often they flit around so much my photos are blurry. Thanks for visiting my blog.

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  20. Brian KingJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:39 PM

    Congratulations! It's a pretty little bird! Great job with the photos!

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  21. PatriceJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:41 PM

    Woo Hoo! Great shots, Gail...I was glad to see the sun today!

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  22. Sallie (FullTime-Life)January 18, 2013 at 3:58 PM

    Gail, that's the sweetest little bird and as a sign from your dear Mother it is even sweeter -- a miracle really.

    Thank you for the link back and acknowledgement; I think "our" little eagle family is so amazing I really wanted to share with everyone!

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  23. Buttons ThoughtsJanuary 18, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    Oh Gail this warms my heart just as much as it does yours. HUG B Great shot.

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  24. AnnJanuary 18, 2013 at 7:16 PM

    my mother "visits" me when i need her. she's been gone 14 years..the longer she's been gone from me,the more she visits!
    how marvelous that she was there for you..and you have this beautiful photo to remind you that she is never far!!
    i really do think you should publish your photos!!!

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  25. betty-NZJanuary 18, 2013 at 11:41 PM

    Great shots! Lovely birds on a lovely day.

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  26. Stewart MJanuary 19, 2013 at 2:37 AM

    Nice bird - sometimes two shots is all you get and all you need!

    I think if you did see my White-faced Herons in the USA it would be very, very lost!

    Thanks for the link to WBW.

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne.

    PS: sorry for slow reply - I been out of internet range in Tasmania!

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  27. JennyJanuary 19, 2013 at 9:20 AM

    What a beautiful gift. And what a spectacular memory to journal with this photo.

    I'm glad you found some comfort on this sad day!

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  28. Optimistic ExistentialistJanuary 19, 2013 at 10:15 AM

    Beautiful story and beautiful photo :)

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  29. AnonymousJanuary 19, 2013 at 11:02 AM

    Sweet picture post for your Moms birthday, Gail. She remains with you everywhere you roam.

    Have a blessed day :)

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  30. Wally JonesJanuary 19, 2013 at 1:44 PM

    What a great opportunity! Very nice images of a reclusive flycatcher!

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  31. DaveJanuary 20, 2013 at 2:43 AM

    Great shots Gail. A very lovely little bird - Dave

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  32. AnonymousJanuary 20, 2013 at 4:20 AM

    How lovely that the bird appeared as a sign. Gorgeous shots.

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  33. holdingmomentsJanuary 20, 2013 at 4:40 AM

    What a great answer to a prayer Gail.

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  34. eileeninmdJanuary 20, 2013 at 7:14 AM

    A lovely gift! Beautiful shots of the Flycatcher. Happy Birding!

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  35. Rosemary AubutJanuary 20, 2013 at 7:29 AM

    Great shots Gail! I so believe that birds bring to us messages from our loved ones that have passed! She is in a happy place Gail!

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  36. UnknownJanuary 21, 2013 at 10:57 PM

    This is such a touching post. So glad you got your sign.. Big Hugs to you my friend.

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