Tennessee Warbler Appears Curbside for a Visit

Shortly after returning from a visit to Horicon on Sunday, my neighbor came over to tell me there was a bird sitting in the street in front of his home. It had no apparent injuries, he said, and it seemed alert. Yet it wouldn't fly or even move more than a hop or two at a time. He knew I was a birder and asked what could be done to help this creature recover.

We went together to investigate. As I approached, I saw a small bird positioned on the pavement close to the curb (thankfully!). I expected to see a stunned ovenbird or a newly fledged finch or such. To my surprise I discovered a tiny adult Tennessee Warbler looking back at me. It indeed showed no injuries but would not move.

I told the neighbor that the bird was hopefully alright. I explained that he seemed stunned after a probable collision with a window or car windshield or such. We couldn't just leave him, however, since he needed protection from (very light) traffic. So we decided to sit with the beautiful little bird until he either rallied and flew away or it was determined he needed rescue and medical care.

I see many birds in my walkabouts, and I've captured many closeup images of some real beauties (aren't they all?) as they pass very briefly into view. But it is an incredible blessing to be able to actually inspect such a small and wonderful Warbler, especially in its breeding plumage. And so we sat, marveling at the intricate texturing in its feathers and the subtleties in its coloring. In my photography, I often attempt to offer a realistic impression of just how magnificent these creatures are in the detail of their design. But it is times like this that I must give props to the actual Creator of such fine art as we saw sitting curbside in front of my neighbor's house. It is humbling to understand that this art has been created, designed and developed over eons by a Creator/Artist with far more time and talent than I can even begin to comprehend.

Together we sat on my neighbor's curb admiring this tiny creature. After a few minutes time the bird suddenly launched into the tree across the street, disappeared into the foliage, and was gone from sight. It was sometime later - in the evening hours - when I heard the Warbler sing from its perch in that tree across the street. My day was complete. Life is good!