Saturday, January 3, 2009

WOW! What a Day!

I wonder if anyone has ever seen one of these before?
Its a Double Banana!
A novelty that went along with the rest of my wondermous day!
I'm not sure about my 'suet' project. I don't know how long its supposed to 'sit' to harden, but after 3 hours, in cookie sheets, its as soft as smooth peanut butter. I don't doubt the birds will love it - its full of yummy things, but I may have to serve it up like soft-serve ice cream instead of crumbles or chunks.
Here's the most wonderful experience of the day!
I was refilling my feeders this afternoon - it was a quiet time of day for the birds. I hung the 2nd tube when a sound caught my attention. I 'felt' like something was around me - somewhere, but as yet, hadn't discerned what it was.
When I looked down, there was a little pine siskin AT MY FEET! ! ! It was just nibbling along, but it was SO close - I could have stepped on it! The little pine siskins are pretty well camouflaged on the ground with all the peanuts, grass and black oil shells. Often from my window, it takes a moment to focus on them because it looks like the ground is moving! Its really pretty cool.
That little bird wasn't going anywhere in a hurry, either! I got down - even on my knees (in the frosted grass!) and reached out to see if I could touch it - AND I DID! ! ! Twice, the little body was under my hand - I didn't want to crush or squeeze it, so I didn't grasp it.
It was not wounded - seemed plenty healthy - even flew around me a couple of times before it finally said, "Up! Up! and Away!"
I looked up at my kitchen window to see if ANYONE was there watching because usually someone is keeping an eye on my antics at the feeders - but, alas, there was not! So no photo!
Photo or not, it was the most delightful experience - so very very delightful!
(Now, I think I'll go get that Double Banana and have it with some Chocolate Ice Cream!)

14 comments:

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Wow--Diane... They love you; they know who is feeding them. I thought it would be a chickadee first.. But the little siskins are friendly also. I'm so happy for you.. Congrats...

Don't worry about the suet... Whatever you put it in, they will certainly eat it...I'm sure those birdies aren't picky!!!!

Yes--you had a wonderful day!!!
Hugs,
Betsy
P.S. I've never see a double banana like that.. TWINS!!!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Thanks for sharing that incredible experience.You may not have a photo,butyou will always have the memory and that too is priceless.God allows us these special moments now and then.
Blessings,Ruth

ivars krafts said...

What a miracle for you to enjoy!

Diane said...

It was a miracle that I will never forget! Thank you, everyone for your ocmments :)

Unknown said...

You're so cute! I miss you...

Diane said...

I miss you too!

Kim said...

You lucky gal. I would love to be able to pet a little bird.

Next time you make suet, add a little more corn meal to make it thick. It should be like wallpaper paste (maybe a little thinner), before you start putting it to cool.

Jayne said...

Awwww... how sweet Diane! Such a special joy that you were able to reach out and touch that sweet one.

On the suet, you can pop it in the fridge and let it harden up and then cut it into squares. I keep mine in the frig as a matter of fact. Once I cut it into squares, I put it in a gallon sized baggie.

Richard said...

Never had my dough not harden up. Stick it somewhere cool (like outdoors)...the birds will eat it.

Diane said...

Suet set up ok - not the greatest, but workable. I'll try adding more dry ingredients next time :) Thank you everyone!

A New England Life said...

Talk about a good day ... A double banana and a Pine Siskin! You are one lucky gal! I don't think I've ever seen a double banana before. Odd. I have seen Pine Siskins but had no idea one could be that tame.

Next time you go to the feeder, don't forget your camera ; )

Diane said...

Sharon, I'm thinking that I need to have my camera with me ALL the time - I missed some good photos of hawks and eagles this morning after church :( Thank you for stopping by!

A New England Life said...

Diane, I pretty much bring my camera everywhere I go these days, even to the grocery store. You just never know as can be seen in my latest post.

Last fall I missed a huge orange moon rising as I picked my daughter up at school. By the time I got home it was too late and the background wasn't any good anyway. I've also missed wild Turkey's crossing the road a few times. Since I've been carrying my camera I haven't seen one! Darned those camera shy turkeys ; )

Sharon

Anonymous said...

I've never seen a double banana, either--my boys would LOVE that! (I'll keep my eye out for one from now on, LOL).

I am hoping that you have another opportunity with the pine siskin--I'd love to see a picture of that! :)Kat