Small Acts of Kindness: Lessons from a Mockingbird

Featured

Sometimes the smallest moments in nature leave the biggest impression.

A few weeks ago, Rosie, Sadie, and I were in our backyard when a mockingbird became quite upset as we got close to one of the hedges. She chirped loudly, making it very clear we weren’t welcome there. I immediately backed away, figuring she must have a nest or babies nearby.

About a week later, it happened again in another part of the yard. Once again, I respected her wishes and quickly moved away.

Then something unexpected happened.

The following week, I watched that same mockingbird fly in carrying a strand of coconut seeds still attached to the twig. The bundle looked so heavy I had to laugh—it seemed like it weighed more than she did! She dropped it right on the sidewalk where Rosie, Sadie, and I walk every day.

A few days later, she did it again… and then one more time. I couldn’t help but wonder, Was she bringing me gifts?

After a little research, I learned that while mockingbirds don’t normally do this, there have been instances where birds leave small gifts for people who regularly feed and care for them. Since I refill the bird feeder and fresh water every day, maybe this sweet little bird recognized me as someone who helped.

Whether that’s what she intended or not, I’ll never know. But it touched my heart and reminded me that even the smallest acts of kindness can create unexpected connections between two very different worlds.

Have a beautiful day, and may you find joy in life’s little surprises.

Share the Happy 💖

gray and white bird perched on the tree branch
Photo by Brian Forsyth on Pexels.com

Baby Mocking Bird Rescue

You never know what the universe has planned for you. It always amazes me how the timing has to be so perfect in order for things to happen. Yesterday morning I went on a walk with my hubby. On our walk I was busy looking up in the trees for our new herons. Thankfully, hubby was looking on the ground and saw this tiny little chick just sitting in the middle of the road.

We quickly scooped him up and got him out of danger but weren’t having any luck finding the nest or mama bird anywhere. He was too small to be on the ground and on his own, especially on a busy street. We ended up taking the little guy to the South Florida Wildlife Center where they will care for him and release him when he’s ready. This also gave us the opportunity to donate to the center for all the great work they do. I love their slogan: “Saving Wildlife in our Urban Jungle.”

Sadly I’ve seen quite a few birds that have died this summer. The National Audubon Society sent out an email blaming the extreme heat for killing lots of babies. Although there’s no one better than a mama bird caring for her young, the odds were stacked against this little guy and the staff at the wildlife center agreed we made the right choice to bring him in. It was a small deed but nevertheless a good one and it felt great saving this little life!

I was surprised that we still have little babies like this in the middle of summer. Always thought this was more of a spring time event. Do you have the same where you live?

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Share the Happy 💖

Thoughtful Thursday

Photo by Maria Vidaurre – Mockingbird fledgling

I have to share with you the progress our baby Mockingbirds are making. There were 3 babies born around March 25th. Both parents have been feeding these ever so hungry little ones nonstop from sunrise to sunset. Last Friday we noticed the babies had left the nest but could hear them scattered in the bushes in the front of our house.

Yesterday I was lucky enough to witness one of the parents feeding this hungry little one. It was quite a show with the wings spread and the mouth wide open, waiting for food. The tail feathers in the front are from one of the parents coming in to feed. The babies long tail feathers haven’t grown in as of yet.

In between feedings, the parents are teaching the babies to fly. You can see them sputtering about in front of the house. They fly for short spurts and safely land back in the bushes where they’re completely camouflaged.

It amazes me how much they have grown in 2 weeks. The parents started by feeding them little worms and small insects. Now we see them coming in with large dragon flies for the babies to eat, it’s just incredible.

Have a great weekend!

Thanks for stopping by. Share the Happy!!

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” ~Henry David Thoreau

Photo by Maria Vidaurre – Mockingbird fledgling