Today I had the most magical birding experience I’ve ever had, pure magic.
I have a fairly long driveway and over the past few weeks I’ve been removing waist-high weeds and long tangles of blackberry canes. Today I was walking back towards the house to get the ride-on mower with its incredibly handy trailer when I picked up a small stick from the gravel. It was about 30cm (1′) long with some leaves at one end. I held it in my hand with the leafy part on one side and about 10cm (4″) of stick on the other. As I was walking I saw a couple of small birds cross the driveway a few metres ahead of me while another landed on the fence to my right. I stopped so I wouldn’t frighten the little one on the fence as I wanted it to feel safe enough to quickly join the others.
It was close enough that I could see it was a young Grey Fantail. Beautiful. It watched me for a moment then flew towards me and landed on the stick I was holding, where it stayed looking at me for about a minute. I was spellbound. My arm was bent in front of me so the fantail was very close, and so very beautiful. Pure magic.
I wonder if it is related to the fantail in the image, one of my very favourite shots and one of the few photographs I have printed and framed for my home. At full resolution this shot is incredible. The detail of its tiny feathers is exquisite. I love it in a way that somehow nurtures my spirit, just looking at it gives me joy. I hope it makes you feel the same way.
Happy birding, Kim
~ Facebook page Kim Wormald – lirralirra
~ Facebook group Ethical Bird Photography
