Brown Creeper

I was sitting in the office enjoying some quiet time, when "CLUNK", something hit the window and nearly made me jump out of my seat. Out of the corner of my eye, I had seen something brown and immediately knew it was a bird.

Being the bird lover mixed with bird-fearer (yes, I'm terrified of beaks and talons), I was curious, but hesitant to see if a little helpless bird needed help.

My 'bird friend' Suzanne, had told me that if they hit the window- sometimes they are fine...just in shock and need some heat. She told me that the best thing you can do is pick them up and craddle them in your warm hands for a while and then eventually they'll recover and fly off.

I had seen this theory in action several months ago when a kingslet had done this very thing outside the upstairs bedroom. I put on gloves (okay call me nutz) and gentally held it until it was okay. The satisfaction of watching it fly melted me.

I walked around the outside of the house and came upon the terrified little LBB (little brown bird) clinging to our backdoor. It had it's little eyes closed, but was breathing and seemed fine (other than in shock). I went back inside, snapped this picture, then went back outside with my gloves in hand. I gave myself a pep talk about being brave and tossed the gloves in my pocket- this time I'd use my hands. Walking up to the bird, I could see it's long tail and it's eyes becoming aware of my presence. I sat down and talked to it "sorry 'bout the window bump" I muttered, "I hope you'll let me help you". Then I slowly put my finger to the back of it's neck and stroked it's feathers. It seemed to welcome my help. As I went to pick it up- it flew off strongly into a hemlock nearby. I was happy I had helped, and scooted back inside to check my Field Guide.

Turns out he/she was a "brown creeper". Here's what I learned about them:

A slender, streaked brown bird, usually seen creeping up tree trunks using the long, stiff tail for support.

Habitiat: Deciduous and mixed woodlands.

As it searches for bark insects the inconspicuous Brown Creeper always moves in an upward direction, circling tree trunks in spirals, then dropping down to the base of the next tree.

A happy ending!