Monday, March 17, 2008

Diversidee - MIA

I love birds. I've had a soft spot for them my whole life. My mom used to take care of orphaned and injured birds when I was a kid, and still runs the Raccoon Ridge Bird Observatory in New Jersey. http://www.raccoonridgebirdobservatory.com/
Though they're pretty difficult to photograph, they're one of the subjects I enjoy the most. Each species has a different personality and little odd habits. One of my favorites, even if they are probably the most common is the chickadee. Brave little guys that are always first to arrive when I put out new seed and the ones I can get the closest to.

One day when I was looking out the window, one bird in particular caught my eye. He didn't look right. For a minute I thought it was some species of bird I'd never seen before and maybe it was in my area by mistake. It was shaped like a chickadee but the colors were wrong.

When I got a closer look, I realized it was in fact a chickadee, odd as he was. Where chickadees have black feathers down past their eyes, his were white. Instead of having black legs and feet like a normal chickadee, his were pink. He was different but adorable.

I named him Diversidee, a play on the chickadee name. He came around pretty regularly for well over a year. He was so easy to spot with his funny face.
I wondered how he did with the ladies. I wondered if he'd be shunned for being different or if his little oddity might show up in future generations of Diversidees.

But, towards the end of this winter and now closing in on spring, little Diversidee has disappeared. I know birds don't live particularly long but if he doesn't show up again soon I'm going to be pretty sad about it. He was special and I don't know if I'll ever see another chickadee like him. I'm glad I had the opportunity to photograph him at least. I hope to get the chance to do so again.


5 comments:

Lookability said...

That might be the cutest bird I've seen in years! I like the name, too.

Grizzly Mountain Arts said...

That is so cool that you were able to not only see this bird, but also photograph it! You should submit your photos to the Audubon Society. Beautiful!

Scott Bulger Photography said...

Great story Robert. I hope your little buddy shows back up.

Homespun Heart Primitive said...

He is just so handsome! I'm sure he did well with the ladies. I do
hope he returns.

Allisunny S. said...

I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for him :)