Saturday, February 14, 2015

An Unexpected Visitor


Mr. C.and Partridge in Wild Kingdom

The other afternoon I was at the computer when I heard something like a loud crash-explosion from the west end of the house. I went to the window, fully expecting to see a large branch from our maple tree lying on the deck. There was no branch. I looked around, trying to determine what could have made that noise, when I suddenly noticed a big partridge, lying on its back next to the patio doors, quite still, except for an intermittent twitch.

Poor beautiful bird!

I prayed that God would help him die quickly, for I wasn't about to go out there and finish him off myself, and yet I knew there was no chance of recovery for the poor bird with a broken neck.

In a few minutes, Mr. C. came home, by which time the poor partridge was no longer struggling. Mr. C. removed the bird so that when the dog was out next, she wouldn't find it and think it was her new chew toy.
Partridge in Repose

I took the photos because I was so struck by the beauty of this [poor, dead] bird. Look at those gorgeous neck feathers...


Wing Feathers


Back Feathers


Tail Feathers



...and that's just one partridge. Who gives much thought to a partridge? There's so much beautiful, intricate design in the world around us. It's easy to get busy and not take the time to notice such things. What an amazing creation. What an awesome, generous Creator.


   “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!”
Isaiah 6:3 



Happy Valentine's Day, friends.



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59 comments:

  1. Primitive StarsFebruary 14, 2015 at 7:57 AM

    Awwww, so sad, such a beautiful bird. Blessings Francine.

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  2. Margaret Birding For PleasureFebruary 14, 2015 at 8:00 AM

    That is always sad when that happens however I am glad you took the shots of its lovely feathers. Happy Valentine's Day. Have a lovely weekend

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  3. eileeninmdFebruary 14, 2015 at 8:02 AM

    A sad end for the partridge, I am glad it did not suffer...The feathers are beautiful. Lovely closeups.. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post.. Have a happy Valentine's Day weekend!

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  4. UnknownFebruary 14, 2015 at 8:03 AM

    What a beautiful bird, sad that his life ended so unexpectedly. The feathers are magnificent.

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  5. DebFebruary 14, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    Poor BEAUTIFUL thing. It's such a struggle out there. Yes, every creature has it's beauty. "Happy Valentine's Day to you and your hubby." Deb

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  6. Lovable DerekFebruary 14, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    This is so sad.

    Take care.

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  7. Sara - Villa EmiliaFebruary 14, 2015 at 9:10 AM

    A beautiful but so sad post! It's terrible to see a badly injured animal with no chance of recovery. The humane thing to do is to finish his suffering. *heavy sigh*

    However, Happy Valentine's Day! :)

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  8. MadSnapperFebruary 14, 2015 at 9:20 AM

    truly a beautiful bird, have never seen one except pictures. we have had several over the years hit our window, song birds, not big birds and they lived through it. very sad story.

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  9. Mrs.TFebruary 14, 2015 at 9:24 AM

    How incredibly beautiful those feathers are. What a wonderful reminder that not even a sparrow falls to the ground without our Father. (Matthew 10:29,31)

    Thank you for sharing these awesome photos.

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  10. NancyFebruary 14, 2015 at 9:25 AM

    Your photos definitely captured the beauty of the partridge.

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  11. Inspired By JuneFebruary 14, 2015 at 9:31 AM

    I'm always amazed to the detail God gave seemingly insignificant creatures. Nothing God has made is insignificant. Such beauty - thank you for sharing, Judy!

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  12. Pamela GordonFebruary 14, 2015 at 9:48 AM

    God's creation is so beautiful and he knows every 'sparrow' that falls. Beautiful photos of this creature. Happy Valentine's Day to you and Mr. C.

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  13. TexWisGirlFebruary 14, 2015 at 10:02 AM

    such beauty in their feather patterns. always hate it when a bird hits the windows.

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  14. JFebruary 14, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    Not a sparrow falls without his notice. You are such compassionate people.

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  15. DeeFebruary 14, 2015 at 10:23 AM

    Beautiful creation...now in Gods presence.

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  16. ~Lavender Dreamer~February 14, 2015 at 10:37 AM

    Poor thing. It had such gorgeous feathers. We have a problem with the goldfinches flying into our big window in the living room. We've put up ribbon and that helps some. It makes you sad to see them injured. Happy Valentine's Day! Sweet hugs, Diane xox

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  17. 21 WitsFebruary 14, 2015 at 10:40 AM

    Oh goodness, so sad. I remember once we had a bird that hit our patio door very hard, he landed in a heap in a corner of our deck. I kept the kiddos, cats and dogs away from it, hoping and praying, and by golly after a few hours, he or she started to move, must have been stunned, really hard, but it fully recovered and it finally flew off again.

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  18. Grandma Barb's This and ThatFebruary 14, 2015 at 11:10 AM

    Oh the poor bird! Glad you too the time to photograph his beautiful feathers. There is so much beauty in this world if we take the time to look.
    Happy Valentines Day to you.

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  19. VeeFebruary 14, 2015 at 11:17 AM

    Such beauty. Such sorrow. Seems as if the entire world is in stark contrasts. Maybe it is only I who thinks this way. Well you and I.

    Now do have a very pleasant Valentine's Day with your beautiful pink roses to look at and your Mr. Cranberry to love. Is he getting his favorite meal for Valentine's Day? Hope so!

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  20. Brenda Leyland @ Its A Beautiful LifeFebruary 14, 2015 at 11:51 AM

    What a lovely, and sad, post. I am so glad for your love of this lovely bird and that you asked the good Lord to take it so it wouldn't suffer. Healed or Home, not suffering.

    Sending you a big hug for your beautiful heart.... and wishes for a Happy Valentine's Day.

    Brenda
    xox


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  21. bj February 14, 2015 at 12:08 PM

    That is, indeed, a beautiful bird. Beautiful photos.....

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  22. UnknownFebruary 14, 2015 at 12:14 PM

    Beautiful patterns in the feathers.

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  23. DebbieFebruary 14, 2015 at 12:20 PM

    so very sad!! beautiful roses, have a happy valentines day!!!!

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  24. podsoFebruary 14, 2015 at 12:53 PM

    Wonderful post. Thanks for the photos. We don't get so close up to wild creatures to see the details of how beautifully they are created.

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  25. Sue McPeakFebruary 14, 2015 at 2:09 PM

    Your photos are beautiful as is the bird...now memorialized as one of God's creatures in your pictures. To recognize and appreciate beauty even in death, is a special thing. Thank you for doing that. Happy Valentine's Day.
    Sue at CollectInTexas Gal

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  26. Alex February 14, 2015 at 2:09 PM

    Those feathers ~ exquisite ~ but, oh dear, the sadness.
    That sweet bird knew nothing of his extraordinary beauty, but he reflected God.
    Thank you for the very poignant post.

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  27. LynneFebruary 14, 2015 at 2:10 PM

    Sorry about the demise . . . But gorgeous markings on the Partridge . . . Great pictures. Happy Valentines Day!

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  28. NanaDianaFebruary 14, 2015 at 2:28 PM

    It puts a lump in my throat to see one of God's beautiful creatures die. What amazing coloration and design in those feathers.

    Happy Valentine's Day to you, Judy- xo Diana

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  29. Michele M./ Finch RestFebruary 14, 2015 at 2:37 PM

    Oh, that is just too sad!

    You are so right- that is one beautiful creation from God above.

    Hope your St. Valentine's Day is nice.

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  30. Ginny HartzlerFebruary 14, 2015 at 2:41 PM

    What gorgeous feathers! And the feathers for each part of him are so different in size and pattern. Yet all so beautiful. Poor thing. At least this time of year, there were probably no babies. I hope you are both enjoying a nice Valentine's Day.

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  31. SusieFebruary 14, 2015 at 3:05 PM

    Judy, Sad about the beautiful bird. Your flowers are pretty. Hope you got a hug from your gentle husband. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  32. MichelleFebruary 14, 2015 at 6:00 PM

    Sad, but you captured its beauty quite well.

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  33. Judy S.February 14, 2015 at 6:19 PM

    Great post, Judy! Hope you day, aside from the bird-crash was a great one. Big hugs and Valentine wishes!

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  34. AnonymousFebruary 14, 2015 at 6:47 PM

    Such a beautiful bird created by God. Love the intricate details!

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  35. JulieFebruary 14, 2015 at 7:13 PM

    Aw, that's so sad, but yes, what beauty in those feathers! All God's creatures are beautiful! Thank you for stopping by my blog today - it was nice to have you visit.

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  36. Julie's LifestyleFebruary 14, 2015 at 8:10 PM

    Aww the poor bird, how beautiful it's feathters are. Happy Valentine's Day to you!
    Julie

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  37. TannaFebruary 15, 2015 at 6:43 AM

    Judy, I am always sooooo in awe of His work. Magnificent.

    I am glad the partridge did not suffer. blessings ~ tanna

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  38. LindaFebruary 15, 2015 at 6:47 AM

    What a beautiful creature...so glad it didn't suffer.

    Thank you dear friend for the package--what a lovely thing after a horrible week. Blessings

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  39. RoseFebruary 15, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    such a sad ending to a beautiful bird! I just hate when one hits hard enough to die.

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  40. This N ThatFebruary 15, 2015 at 9:27 AM

    Very sad..So beautiful..I think a lot of birds die that way..Have a wonderful Sunday.

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  41. Thistle Cove FarmFebruary 15, 2015 at 9:45 AM

    they are beautiful birds...like all of us, a time to be born and a time to die. it's the way of God.

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  42. Ruth KellyFebruary 15, 2015 at 11:11 AM

    I've never seen a real partridge. Makes me think of that Christmas song.

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  43. Nancy ShumanFebruary 15, 2015 at 1:36 PM

    What a gorgeous creature - such intricately designed feathers. A beautiful tribute to the Creator of beauty.

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  44. KarenFebruary 15, 2015 at 3:06 PM

    Amazing to see the intricate patterns on the feathers. Beautiful!

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  45. Decor To AdoreFebruary 15, 2015 at 3:26 PM

    Now because of your beautiful post we shall all think of the glorious creature the partridge it.

    Have a beautiful day dear one!

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  46. Sallie (FullTime-Life)February 15, 2015 at 4:26 PM

    The partridge is (was) beautiful. I agree it is important to honor every creature. I do wish birds would evolve enough that they could recognize the dangers of glass windows!

    I have noticed when we've visited museums and Native American displays that their blankets and other weavings and beadwork often seemed to replicate the beautiful patterns of bird feathers, such as you show. I believe it was probably to honor their fellow creatures.

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  47. A Colorful WorldFebruary 15, 2015 at 5:27 PM

    So beautiful! How very sad!

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  48. September VioletsFebruary 15, 2015 at 5:43 PM

    Poor sweet bird :( I'm glad you didn't let the dog find it. Wendy

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  49. Anita JohnsonFebruary 15, 2015 at 6:51 PM

    These photos are beautiful and I couldn't agree more, such intricate details on just one bird...the beauty of Gods creation never ceases to amaze me. We had a Coopers Hawk hit our window last year... I thought it would die, but it very slowly came to, fluffed its feathers and finally flew away. I too always have to keep track of my dogs.

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  50. Judith @ Lavender CottageFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:26 AM

    You are right Judy, without the death of this poor partridge the majority of us would never know the beauty of their feathers. Thank your husband for holding the bird so you could photograph it.
    Thanks for linking to Mosaic Monday.

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  51. Terri DFebruary 16, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    It is always sad when something like that happens. We have huge windows at work, and birds hit them frequently, because of the reflections on them. Not much can be done about it, but so sad. Your photos and admiration are fitting tributes for one of God's glorious creations.

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  52. sweetbriardreamsFebruary 16, 2015 at 8:43 AM

    Such a shame that this beautiful bird died. I have had a few birds fly at our windows, some are stunned, some die and it is heartbreaking when you see their feathers and delicate body frame so close. x

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  53. DonnaFebruary 16, 2015 at 11:42 AM

    Such a bittersweet moment.....a beautiful bird yet we could never seen their beauty up close. Incredible intricacy of feathers and patterns.

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  54. SuzanFebruary 16, 2015 at 12:52 PM

    So Sad and Yes - such a beautiful creature!

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  55. Mary Howell CromerFebruary 17, 2015 at 6:21 AM

    Very sad indeed...such beauty as you shared. We have had many a bird hit the window and I always go out and hold them in the cup of my hand and many times it is like touching the hand of God, for I open my hands and often they fly away. Our neighbor once had a hawk hit her patio door and she ran out and picked it up and gently pulled on the birds neck and what do you know, it came round and she let it fly away. I love feathers and only He can create such beauty~

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  56. Debby RayFebruary 17, 2015 at 3:03 PM

    Oh my goodness, Judy...what a bittersweet post...bitter because of the poor little thing meeting such an untimely and violent demise but sweet because of the way you lovingly took such great care to capture his extraordinary beauty. Such an experience, up close and personal, with one of God's glorious creations. Thank you for sharing this, friend.

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  57. Folkways Note BookFebruary 17, 2015 at 3:56 PM

    Beautiful photos of the partridge's features -- what a rich tapestry of feathers. -- barbara

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  58. AnonymousFebruary 19, 2015 at 9:39 PM

    What a nice up-close look at a bird we wouldn't ordinarily get to see. Beautiful details.

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  59. MichelleJune 28, 2015 at 3:52 PM

    Wonderful pictures of the peacock, and great flowers! xoxo

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