The will to survive in such a small package
Entry posted by Dickons
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The will to survive in such a small package - the BushTit!
For many years I have admired this small species of the bird family (Psaltriparus minimus). They are only 4 inches long from the very tip of their beak to the end of their long tail feathers, weighing in at 5.3 grams. Take a moment right now and think about how much 5.3 grams actually weighs, especially when you consider that there are 28 grams (5 BushTits) in 1 ounce.
They are incredibly tiny, gray coloured birds and you seldom see them in the summer months, as they are busy bringing up their families in the most amazing nests you could ever imagine. Small suspended nests made from lichen (moss) woven together with spider silk, hanging from tree branches. Little socks of intricately woven material that blends into the leaves on the branches and seems surreal. Can you imagine collecting spider silk to create a home?
Each winter I get the chance to revel in just how such a miracle exists. I stand at my kitchen sink looking out the window, motionless, totally fascinated by dozens of these small creatures covering my suet feeders, flitting back and forth, talking to each other constantly with their little chirps. They arrive and leave the feeders together, a kindred force that defies natures challenge. Alone, they would freeze to death from our winters, but they gather together each fall and throughout the winter, huddle together for warmth in the bushes to survive. Each spring they flit off to build their nests or repair last years nest, and start new families.
Each time I see them my spirit is refreshed, my faith in life renewed, my determination rejeuvenated, and a smile on my face that just does not go away.
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