As some of you may know, the interaction I have with birds is as important to me as taking their pictures. I also get a kick out of other people doing the same thing and seeing the expressions on their faces when the birds land in their hands or on their lenses. When children do it is an even greater event and one they will remember for a life time. Alex, another bird photographer, who often joins me, brought two of his grandchildren with him, to one of our favorite haunts, during the spring break. I saw Rachel, with seed in her hand, standing under the Ash Tree where 'Hatcher' the White-breasted Nuthatch frequently visits. I moved to a spot behind her and had the lens focused on her hand. Within a few moments, Hatcher spotted the treats and made his flight to her out stretched fingers. The fun with Hatcher is that he will sit there for some time and make a special selection of just the right seed before he flies off into the tree. The kids can talk in a normal voice since that doesn't affect him. Sudden movements will but Rachel had been instructed well by her Grandfather and she remained very still. When she returns to school and the question comes up as to what she did during the school break, she'll have a story to tell and a grin to match.
Hatcher and Rachel.
I wish you could have seen the expression on her face but we have an unwritten rule here and that is to not post children's faces on the internet. I think we all know why.
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