I think ol’ Mother Nature has hoodwinked us into thinking it is still Summer when it is really Fall.
I know I stepped outside yesterday and immediately decided that I needed another layer to warm me up. I ran into the house and grabbed my hoodie, which I later shrugged out of, then looped it around my waist by the time I had reached the second walking loop. Today was more temperate, but still refreshing.
Down at the Park, the sun was already a massive bright-yellow orb in the sky when I saw him, this little Golden Boy, with plumage that mimicked that bright-yellow sun.
But … he didn’t see me.
I decided that this encore sighting of the beautiful goldfinch would not be marred by any sudden movements on my part, so I stopped in my tracks, and stood absolutely still, slowly drawing the camera ever so slightly out of the pouch and guiding it up to my face. He was still preoccupied with enjoying his treat. Success!
This little fella was immersed in a tall patch of weeds or flowers, so I shot a few pictures of him from far away, as I was inching slowly toward him with the speed of a worm. The easily recognizable black-and-yellow markings on his feathers sure stood out in the pale background. I continued approaching him, and still he didn’t budge, instead pushing his beak down lower into the flower.
I took at least a dozen pictures, then he shifted his grip on a stalk and was then behind the tall stems, so I stopped watching him through the camera, and instead watched him intensely with my eyes. He so reminded me of my beloved bird Buddy, that I momentarily felt awash in memories as I watched Golden Boy’s actions, between the swift and jerky tail movements, to how he secured himself on the stem to better reach those seeds. Buddy used to stomp down onto his toasted bagel piece with one tiny foot to be in a better position to devour it, just as soon as I moved my hand away, signaling it was cool enough for him to eat.
It’s been eight months since I lost my little pet and I truly felt sad watching this vibrant yellow bird.
But … in short order, I had to smile when this goldfinch struck a somewhat defiant pose as if to say “what do you want – I’m eating here!” Just like Buddy would have done, that little rascal.
Well, I hovered around this area and got all the pictures I could and Golden Boy made no move to fly away, which was pretty incredible, as birds are usually skittish, even when they have some food that makes them reluctant to part with it once they see a human coming near them.
I tucked the camera back into the pouch, zipped it shut and hurried on my way to finish up three complete loops, plus my walk to and from Council Point Park, which added another five miles to my tally for 2017.
A wee birdie and a whole lotta memories on a bright and sunny day.
Linda Schaub
WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY 
Linda, that was tremendous. Wow! The wording and beautiful shot of the bright yellow bird.
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Thank you very much Marge … yes, the opportunity sure presented itself to take these pictures of the goldfinch. A week or so ago when I saw the first one, it flitted on by me, then wove in and out of the bushes and trees – gone. But this time, it was seemingly content to just sit there and enjoy its treat. You know what Buddy looked like more than anyone – he was brown with white markings and this little guy is bright yellow with black markings, but his mannerisms just reminded me of my little guy so much. Especially when he looked me right in the eye with that defiant look … well, I call it defiant, but it was more like “What?!” A little bird with a big attitude … just like Buddy. Glad you enjoyed it.
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Miss Linda…………………….those are beautiful pictures………………………….I was wondering how long it has been since Buddy………………………….surely he reminded you of him
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Hi Ann Marie – he sure was a beautiful bird with that plumage and so animated as well. I see goldfinches at Marge’s feeder all the time but somehow it is different to see them in this natural setting. Usually they flit around or stay in one place just a few seconds, and, by the time I take out the camera, they are off again. This was a great opportunity to take its picture. Buddy passed away on December 2, 2016. He really did remind me of my little guy.
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yes different to UK Goldfinch.
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Linda,
In recent posts I came to know of your Buddy. I know you loved him and it is two years since he died but he is up there watching. I believe in heaven and I believe our earthly journey is just part of a journey that continues on after our death. So I am sure that all the animals I lost will be waiting for me there.
Susie
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I believe that too Susie – did you ever see the poem called “The Rainbow Bridge”? It is a beautiful poem about when a pet dies and you eventually see them when you join them in Heaven – here it is if you’ve not seen it. It may move you to tears: https://www.rainbowsbridge.com/Poem.htm
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Whoo ! It is soul stirring- I could literally see the scene in front of my eyes- maybe all the lost cats will remember me too even though they were stray.
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Yes, I knew it would move you if you never read it before. I had both Buddy and my canary before Buddy (Sugar, who passed away the same year as my mom) cremated. I got back the little box with their ashes in it and in the little bag was a plastic card with this poem. It is so moving and yes, people who have lost beloved pets or any animal that they loved, take comfort knowing about this in the afterlife. I am sure you will find them up there. It is a sad poem, yet uplifting.
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Bright and cheerful
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Yes, they sure are Ellie – I hope you get to see one nibbling on thistle seeds someday – that is a special treat for them.
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