It was a cold morning in early November, all the pools and puddles had frozen overnight. As I looked out the kitchen window I spotted this fur ball sitting stock still on top of our winter firewood. The only movement noticed was the downey feathers swaying in the breeze. I grabbed my boots, coat and camera and ventured out to have a closer look.
At first, I thought the bird's feet were frozen in the pool of water that lay on the tarp that covers the wood. Then of course, I laughed at myself, as if?
This little creature was so still, I thought maybe he was dead or injured. Nope, he was just all puffed up and sleeping. Maybe he just ate too much and went into a food coma🤷♀
This guy was so tired, he let me pet him. It took several strokes just to wake him up, I was worried he was hurt. He finally pulled his head up, blinking his eyes to clear the fog.
Seeing him stand and fluff out his feathers was pretty cool to watch.
I was amazed to see his tail feathers pop out of the fur ball he had created to keep him warm, who knows, maybe he had partied hardy the night before and had a hangover. 🤷♂ 🤦♀
This was pretty exciting for me to pet a wild black-capped chickadee whatever the reason for his sleepover party.
So there you have it #birdwatchers, my entry in the #smap #featheredfriends contest.
Always a pleasure to join the fun in the community #hive-106444.
Big shout out to @melinda010100 for sponsoring the contest, to @barbara-orenya for her artistic contributions, and of course, our dear friend @nelinoeva for throwing the party.
Happy belated Thanksgiving!!
To all my cyber friends...I am thankful for all of you.
Much Love, farm mom.💙
What a lovely story. I'm glad he or she was ok.
Hi there @ellenripley, thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my little story.
That little bird was so adorable and petting him was a cool experience.
Have a beautiful day
Thank you. You too!
Wow! This was a treat! Not something one seems very often for sure!
Good morning @goldenoakfarm, it was pretty cool to be able to pet him I was happy to see he was just sleeping and not injured.
Have wonderful day
These little birds employ many strategies to survive. It may have been in a state of regulated hypothermia.
Thanks for that interesting fact, so glad he was just sleeping, he was just adorable.
Awwww, soooo cute and tiny. 🙂
Looks really sweet waking up. Fantastic images.
Good morning @nelinoeva, that little chick was so soft. Just adorable I was happy to know he was just sleeping 😴
Thanks so much for the support.
What a lovely story. The little bird is so cute. I’ve seen the chickadees around but never got to pet one. 😊
Hello Jo @redheadpei, that chick was so cute and soft, and so deep in sleep I actually had to rub him a few times before he lifted his head. @kansuze said it was called regulated hypothermia, cool right?
Thanks for dropping by blessings my friend.
How puffy and sweet. I've never seen a sleeping wild bird before. I have though, had plenty of chickadees land on my hand full of bird seed. I was always amazed to walk some trails in my home town and without seeing these guys, I could hold out my hand and they would appear. They are daring when it comes to food, so your little fur ball was probably in a food coma haha.😄
Hi, there my friend. I have to try that, I just never thought wild birds would do that, land on my hand. He was so soft, there are tons of these chicks all over the place here, we do put out a lot of seed for them. They know where to go for breakfast.
Thanks for your support and lovely comments.
If you stand still with your hand full of food you should hear them chirping then they flutter closer and eventually land on your hand. Let me know if it works.😊
Hey Carolyn, I really am tempted to try your method, but truth be told I am a little afraid. I don't want to jump when and if they land on my hand. Silly I know but trying to build up my courage. hehehehe
Hope you are well and happy my friend @carolynstahl
Haha, he partied all night and had a hung over 😄😆 poor guy he needs to be served some hot soup!
Cute bird indeed. Good thing it did not fly away when you go near it for a selfie.😄