I had a lunch date with an American redstart. We met at a sun-dappled apple tree on the trail at the urban park in my neighborhood. I stood transfixed beneath the tree as she danced like light on the branches. She chased insects with that redstart zig-zag style.
I love this post so much. How great that you spent so much time getting to know this little female redstart. It seems we don't have these birds anywhere near me, so I'm especially grateful to read about your encounters.
What a great description of your encounters with this small redstart. I'm definitely a novice at birding and haven't had any experiences with redstarts. I could imagine your walk and almost see her moving through the branches.
Amazing how a single bird can have such an impression. Sometimes we need to stop and appreciate what is right in front of us, and be in the moment. That's when the beauty and mystery of nature unfolds.
I saw my first Redstart a few days ago, at Lake Parvin in New Jersey. And a black-and-white warbler, who hop-hop-hopped along the branches. They are so full of life.
So well communicated, here, respect for the consciousness, perhaps even personhood, of the bird, and yet not slipping into sentimentality. I love it and shared it to my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/diane.porter.102/)
I love this post so much. How great that you spent so much time getting to know this little female redstart. It seems we don't have these birds anywhere near me, so I'm especially grateful to read about your encounters.
I love everything about this story. And that last pic... I'm in awe!
What a great description of your encounters with this small redstart. I'm definitely a novice at birding and haven't had any experiences with redstarts. I could imagine your walk and almost see her moving through the branches.
What a special experience. Good luck, little redstart!
Amazing how a single bird can have such an impression. Sometimes we need to stop and appreciate what is right in front of us, and be in the moment. That's when the beauty and mystery of nature unfolds.
Thank you for this beautiful post and for teaching us about redstarts!
Instinct? Modeling? Repetitive behavior that had success?
Please don’t anthropomorphize....just enjoy and be thankful for the gift of life an amazing event you got to witness. God/the universe on display!!
I saw my first Redstart a few days ago, at Lake Parvin in New Jersey. And a black-and-white warbler, who hop-hop-hopped along the branches. They are so full of life.
So well communicated, here, respect for the consciousness, perhaps even personhood, of the bird, and yet not slipping into sentimentality. I love it and shared it to my Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/diane.porter.102/)
Loved reading this. Thank you for sharing your unique experience.
Such a sweet and moving story, Bill, thank you!
Thanks once again Bill. Such a good start to my friday
Have you named her?
Thank you for the introduction. Because of your observation and telling, I too want her to find a coffee tree teeming with tasty insects. 😊
Thank you once again.
Such a joy. Happy sigh. Thanks so much. 🤗🤗