So, I’m sitting under a tree in Black Canyon City with Rich Armstrong, one of the leading birders in our area. We were noticing a lack of hummingbirds at the feeders and wondering why that was, when a Verdin landed on a branch right above me. I should probably mention that a Verdin is slightly larger than a hummingbird, with a yellow face and a high cuteness factor.
The bird gave me an evil look.
“Don’t you even think about it,” I said out loud.
He let go.
“Aw, man!” I cried.
A 3/16″ diameter white spot with a green center had landed on my chest. It was small, but it was all he had.
I flicked it with my finger and managed to get the green part off, but the white spot just soaked in.
I had to wear the white spot of shame the rest of the day.
And yes, I do talk to birds.
