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Jennifer Dowd

A Song Birds Lesson: Finding Joy in the Small Moments - Jan 10, 2025

Yesterday, I set out with my camera and a hopeful heart, searching for waterfowl at a local sanctuary. It was a beautiful, sunny day—the kind of day that promises a good adventure. However, the waterfowl I had hoped to photograph were nowhere to be found. Instead, I was greeted by a familiar sound—the quick, rhythmic chatter of a hummingbird. I followed the sound and spotted him perched on a branch, silhouetted against the vibrant blue sky. With a little patience, I managed to capture his delicate form. It was a small but satisfying moment.

As I wandered further along the sanctuary paths, I noticed a small bird flitting around behind me. I happened to have some high-quality bird seed in my pocket, so I sprinkled a little on the path, hoping to give my feathered follower a treat. What happened next was pure magic.


First came the Song Sparrow, unmistakable with her bold and cheerful chirps. The Song Sparrow is well-known for its rich, melodious song, often described as a series of clear notes followed by a trill. Each bird has its own unique variation of the song, making their music as individual as fingerprints.

Visually, their streaked brown feathers with a prominent dark spot on their chest provide excellent camouflage, blending seamlessly into bushes and undergrowth where they thrive.

Then, a Golden-Crowned Sparrow arrived, its subtle yellow crown glinting in the sunlight. Its mournful, whistling song is often described as 'oh-dear-me' or 'I'm so tired,' a sound that resonates through the forests and shrublands it calls home, especially during migration and winter months. The Golden-Crowned Sparrow is named for the distinctive yellow patch on its head, bordered by bold black stripes during the breeding season.

 The Golden-Crowned Sparrow is a stunning mix of earthy and vibrant hues, a true masterpiece of nature. The yellow crown is a striking focal point, bordered by bold black stripes that fade into warm, rich browns and delicate shades of gray. These colors, though seemingly disparate, come together in perfect harmony, creating a bird as visually captivating as it is unassuming. Despite her small size, she is a marvel of resilience, surviving on her own in the wild. Her tiny body endures harsh weather, predators, and the challenges of finding food. Yet, she persists, flitting gracefully through the brush, carrying on with a quiet strength that’s both humbling and inspiring.

Soon, I was surrounded by towhees. I marveled at their incredible coloring—brick reds, deep blacks, and crisp whites all blending together so beautifully. Their bright red eyes added an intense, almost intimidating touch to their appearance, making them look like little warriors of the brush. I couldn’t help but imagine that these bold birds have no trouble taking care of themselves, their sharp instincts and striking looks likely keeping predators at bay.

They flitted around energetically, their movements quick and unpredictable. There were so many, darting here and there, almost as if they were playing a game. I kept asking them to slow down so I could get a picture, and finally, one obliged! It perched just long enough for me to capture its vibrant beauty—a small victory in a whirlwind of activity.

And then, there was the tiny fox sparrow—something so small I had never seen before. At first, I wasn’t even sure what it was until I used a bird identification tool to confirm. This was my first time photographing this species, and I felt a surge of excitement knowing I could add her to my growing list. Despite her small size, she seemed completely unfazed by the other birds around her, many of which were twice her size. There was an incredible strength in her demeanor, a quiet confidence that allowed her to hold her own among the flurry of activity. Watching her so close, capturing her delicate details with my camera, was such a rewarding moment.

Watching these tiny birds gather and enjoy the seed was such a joy. They hopped and darted, intermingling as they took turns, each bird bringing its own energy and beauty to the scene. Photographing them was no easy task. Small songbirds rarely sit still, and their quick movements can challenge even the best cameras. But thanks to the seed, I was able to capture a few intimate, close-up portraits that I’m thrilled to add to my collection.


As I watched them, I couldn’t help but smile. These little birds, so small, so independent, and so resilient, made me reflect on my own journey. Life, like nature, can be brutal, unforgiving, and hard. Yet it’s the small moments—like walking in the warm sun, sitting in a beautiful environment, or enjoying a simple meal—that make it all worthwhile.

The sparrows reminded me that it doesn’t matter how big or small you are, how many struggles you’ve faced, or how imperfect your environment might be. What matters is how you live in the moment, how you savor the small joys, and how you make the best of what you’re given.

Being in nature, photographing birds, and witnessing their resilience has been a profound source of healing for me. These moments in the wild quiet my mind, center my thoughts, and remind me of the beauty and strength in life. Yesterday’s adventure wasn’t what I had planned, but it turned out to be exactly what I needed.


Until the next adventure.

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Guest
2 days ago
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Nice to see the sparrows get the spotlight this time!

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Guest
2 days ago
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

Each one a marvel on its own

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