Bad Day Turned Good

The day started out pretty bad as far as the yard birds went. I was in the kitchen washing some dishes and I looked out the window in time to see a HUGE shadow go overhead. Usually I go outside when I see or hear any sign of the hawk that lives near here, but I had my hands in the sink full of soapy water, so I didnt go out. And because of that, one of my birds became his prey.
At first I thought it was the mate to the brown headed cowbird thats out here, as he was out there acting like he was calling for her, but there was no answer. The feathers that were left behind seemed too light to be hers. I did see her later in the afternoon at the feeder so was relieved it wasn't her, but I do believe that it was either a dove or mockingbird that he took. It saddens me as I enjoy all of my birds and hate to even think of a hawk taking any of them.

But later on the day turned into awesome. Last summer, only twice did I see a tufted titmouse and the moment it sensed any movement around, it was gone. I never was able to even get a picture of it. Well earlier this evening, I was sitting on my front porch, reading a book and watching the birds. My chickadees were out there fussing and grabbing seed and the cardinals were hopping around, as were the sparrows, when suddenly onto the feeder, came a titmouse. I froze immediately and held my breath, I was so afraid it would run off. After a second it jumped down onto the ground, ate a couple of seeds, then flew up to the railing to my steps and sat there looking at me for a minute. Then it jumped down to the bottom part of the rail and looked around then up at me, then jumped to the door mat in front of my front door, and started gathering dog and cat hair that had gotten tracked from in here and got stuck to the mat, and twigs and everything else he could find to take back to his nest.

It was just the neatest thing in the world and of course I had no camera on hand because I wasnt expecting that kind of visitor for sure. I am hoping he will come back again and since he knows I wont hurt him will let me get a picture this time...here's to hoping.