These little birds that are always around in my garden are Great Tits. They are so curious and friendly. When I first arrive at the lottie, they immediateky begin fussing at me to get in the house and bring out the food. One day when it became too hot to work out in the sun and humidity, I thought I would see how friendly they really were. I had reason to believe that they would not be too skittish, because when I place seeds or peanut butter in the shell for them to eat; they sit literally within inches of my hands as I prepare their food. I thought that I would begin with a spoonful of peanut butter. Can you see the grey blur at the end of the spoon? I stood up by the bush in which the coconut shells hang...arm outstretched. They were immediately interested, but understandably apprehensive about actually taking the food that way. Well, I was having no luck standing there--they would chilp and flutter by, but not land. I thought it best (for me) to just sit on the bench and make my offerings from there. I plopped down, exhaling that well-known moan of instant comfort when my bum hit the soft cushions and my legs flicked straight out in front of me like twin stilettos. It took a while, but they did come closer. They would hop around my feet and sometimes jump up onto my clog. Then they would hop onto my knee and cock their little heads and chirp. At last, when my arm finally became tired, I placed it down along my side and one came onto the cushion. Their route was sometimes: ground-->clog-->knee--> hand/spoon. I was pleased that they were so trusting (or hungry). Here is a closer shot: Now, this went on for quite some time...ach, it was excessively hot out there in the sun anyway( heh heh heh), and I felt no need to rush back out into it---"Mad dogs and Englishmen, dontcha know. The next experiment was a true test of trust. A bird flew by a time or two, eyeing the little dollop of peanut butter that I had smeared onto my index finger. A couple of others made passes as well. Finally, one just flew directly at my hand and made a little turn as he arrived, and lit on my knuckle. He chilped and pecked at the peanut butter. I used crunchy peanut butter. The feel of those rough, cold feet were odd. The nails were sharp, but did not break my skin--they just felt peculiar--sort of like having dull briars on my skin there. He continued until all the "crunchies" were gone and most of the peanut butter as well. This brazen tit was a greedy one though, for he then had this handy way of turning his head at such an angle that his bill would be horizontally parallel to my finger and scrape along my digit, scooping up the creamy, brown residue. I will tell you--I could have sat there for hours and fed the birdies in this way....and in fact, I did JUST THAT!
Amazing! Reminds me of the Chickadee's at a friends cottage. They were very trusting and would land in your hand if you stood and held up sunflower seeds. So sweet, and great photos Sjoerd.
Oh my. I'm jealous. That is so wonderful to see. Thanks for sharing. I have cats...your beautiful photos sure show me the downside of owning cats. I'll console myself with how good they are at keeping pocket gophers at bay.
dr's father used to sit in his backyard in New York. He would have birds all over him and around his chair. He'd have birdseed in his hands and they would eat until it was gone and tell him, "more, more!" He'd refill his hands. When he had to go inside he'd fill the feeders. He loved feeding "his" birds.
Years ago I subscribed to Birds and Blooms and they had an article on how to do this without investing a lot of time. They made a manikin/scare crow type structure dressed in a set of their clothing, trousers, shirt and hat. I don't remember what they used for a hand or how/what they fed birds. Once the birds got use to the setup they would dress in the clothing used themselves and the birds came to them landed on there hand and ate.
Cute little birds! Not much bigger than hummingbirds. I will admit I had a bit different picture in mind when reading the title.
Thanks CHERYL--I know, and it's gotten me into trouble more than once. Chortle. Ach, but this one is a long time friend and she enjoys my food, bless 'er heart. Thanks NETTY-- It is so endearing when a bird trusts a human, isn't it. I have always wondered if the chickadees and the tits were genetically related. You are welcome, and thanks PRICKLY--y'know, I have cats too, but luckily the lottie is far away from home. That is a touching recollection, DOOLEY. That sounds an interesting article, JBEST. They really are cute, MART. What did you mean? I believe that I have posted pics of this little bird before....ummm, or perhaps it was the smaller version, the Blue Tit.
Sjoerd you are truly a friend of the birds!!! Mart I think I know what you meant! But then again I could be wrong ...
I also briefly thought along the same line as Mart. But knowing Sjoerd and this forum, I knew he was referring to the bird and not that "other" thing(s). I get a kick out of learning about our languages and terms... and their uses and differences.
Was referring to the slang language referring to a ladies bust. Here in the US if you had said that,, half the male population would have been looking around and saying "Where ? :-D
Fantastic pictures Sjoerd,..its thrilling when they trust you that much,..never come across Tits being so trusting,..only Robins.
Great story..thanks for sharing it sjoerd. I think I might of been tempted to do my whole arm and prop it up on something...my dogs love peanut butter whenever we open it, they are right there. jbest...I did see that article you are talking about. I am a subscriber to Birds and Blooms.
Thanks KK. MART--Ooooooooh. Right. chuckle.Thanks for shedding light on the subject. Thank you, PHILIP--I sure would like it if robins would be so friendly as well. You are welcome, SHERRY--I can just picture you standing there with an arm full of the little birds, pecking and chilping.
