“The Beginning”

Tufted Titmouse (male) Photo Credit: Dietra A. Semple - The Lens Poet Photography

At the very start of 2020 before the pandemic started, my husband and I needed a getaway. We found an adorable and cozy cabin to stay in for a few days. We were so secluded that the level of darkness at night was intimidating. There was no light pollution to be found and the skies were heavily ornamented by the lovely Milky Way band and countless stars. It was places like these that always helped me to feel grounded and refreshed. The feeling of being completely enveloped by nothing but nature was where I found my strength and spirituality. 

Inside our cabin was a book for the guests to leave an entry about their stay. One of the entries mentioned seeing many “Titmice.” Hysterically, not knowing what they were, my husband and I expected to see a rodent of sorts. We spent our mornings drinking coffee on the front porch and watching the bird feeders get flooded with an array of feathered friends. As we watched the feeders, one bird caught our eye. This little one was white and gray with a black beak and eyes. He had a mohawk and a shrieking call that almost sounded like he was laughing at us. This spastic baby was always taking food in a hurry as if he was going to get caught. Such an entertaining little thing!

On our way home, I was able to finally have cell service to look up what a “Titmouse” was. To our surprise, it was not a little mouse, but the loud and energetic bird with the mohawk…a Tufted Titmouse. This gave us a good laugh and my curiosity for new bird species began. I have always loved birds, but I had never taken the time to sit and observe them as intently as I did until our trip. Thus, my birding journey began thanks to the mysterious little Titmouse. 

Can you remember birds and appreciate them?

Lest we forget the heart of so many birds with us…

I don’t and I certainly never shall!