Wilson's Warbler

Well, it's certainly not a wonderful thing when a bird smacks into one of our many big windows, but sometimes it offers us a chance to show a dazed feather ball some tenderness and compassion, as well as a close-up view of the exquisite beauty, delicacy, and HARDINESS of these winged creatures.

Yesterday, the rare (at least up here) Wilson's Warbler introduced itself intimately to one of our living room windows.  The familiar "bonk" sound, mostly heard in the winter when we have the bird feeder out, caught Willa's immediate attention.  "Mama, a bird hit!  It's lying in the driveway....it's YELLOW! ".  We threw on our shoes, Willa grabbed the camera, and we ran outside to assess the damage.  Awake, no blood, just a little dazed, and indeed, yellow.  Not a common sight.  I picked it up gently and handed it to Willa.  It's talons clung strongly to her finger, a good sign.  It seemed as amazed by her as she was by it.  She gave the warbler some love for awhile and then set up a branch on a stump with some leaves and fireweed petals-a safe comfy place for him to perch while she kept an eye on him.  He fluffed up and snoozed for awhile-they usually do before waking back up clear headed, realizing they are in the company of humans, and flicking off into the distance at the speed of light! 

After awhile, Willa came back inside reporting that our visitor had alighted into the safety of the trees.  Not knowing what kind of bird that was, we grabbed the birding books and consulted Facebook friends.  Miles, the birder, IDed it as the Wilson's Warbler.