We had left the responsibilities of our pets behind, as we headed off on a carefree couple of weeks, or so we thought. These little cuties had other ideas though. Every morning about half an hour after sunrise they would tweet impatiently on our balcony. They were looking for their breakfast of powdered coffee creamer. We didn’t understand this the first morning, and so as soon as I opened up the balcony one flew in and perched on the kettle. He nipped down and pinched a sachet, dropping it at my feet as a subtle hint.
He soon had me well trained, and would bring me a gift of a small twig, with all but a couple of leaves plucked off it, as a reward. He would place this in front of me, and then wait patiently until I picked it up. He also defended his spot fiercely whenever another boy tried to perch on my balcony. He moved so fast, that it was hard to get a clear shot, and for the first few days he was very wary of the camera whenever I reached for it.
I only hope that next guest in our room is as easy to train as we were.
It was such a lovely way to wake up in the morning, sipping coffee to the sound of birds and soft waves…..
breathofgreenair 
How wonderful and magical! 🙂
How sweet……..tiny little chirpers, waiting for their breakfast.
As much as we look forward to holidays, leaving the animals is always bittersweet and we find ourselves drawn to other people’s pooches. Usually a quick cuddle (after asking, of course!) helps.
Nice you had these magical friends to visit each day and keep you connected………..
Powdered coffee creamer! Who would have guessed??
Beautiful shots of the clever birds!
what a sweet and touching holiday surprise! Birds are so clever to be able to train us so well. In Croatia we had a persistent little fellow who would not leave the balcony until he had had his fill of anything that we were eating – bread, cheese, crisps, you name it. I’m glad you have had such a great holiday. Looking forward to catching up with you soon x
A lovely effect here with your little bird captures Seonaid .. so cheeky they are ! I’m sure you’ll have come back feeling full of the sights and sounds of the island and wondering when you might return 😉
We’ve enjoyed several visits there and although a small island there is always something new to discover . The people are just so welcoming .. the ocean so blue … sand so soft .. aah
Oh my look at the comments!! We’re all so excited that you had such a wonderful holiday, and came home with lovely stories to share! I smiled throughout the reading of this post! And I do so hope you’ll tell me how you captured the motion of these wonderful images.
I’ll look forward to more!!
No bird brain this one, he knew how to train you. You are a quick learner… 🙂
Wonderful! I can’t wait to hear more about your vacation. 🙂
It was very beautiful, so much nature to see and explore 🙂
Love the flapping wings; lovely capture.
Thanks Tina
Ahh. I’ve been waiting and have not been disappointed. What a wonderful interaction. I would not so quickly assume that your avian friend makes such bold advances toward everyone who takes up residence in the room you were occupying. No indeed. Natural selection would dictate that he use his special bird intuition to seek out only those who act kindly toward all creatures. It was clear to him that you were just that sort. The photos (especially the backgrounds) give the impression of warmth, peace, and quiet. I’m glad. Now .. turtles please! D
Peace and tranquility were definitely the order of the day David….and yes I have some lovely turtle shots to share….patience, patience 🙂
How beautiful to wake up in the morning to the sound of birds and soft waves….. Wonderful story 🙂
Love these shots.
It was a wonderful start to the day Amy….moments of mindfulness with the birds and the ocean….perfection 🙂
What a marvellous experience. I love that the wee bird bought you a gift. Your photos are gorgeous…..those out-stretched wings look so fine yet are so strong.
The Tui haven’t begun to tap on the window yet but they do look over their shoulder towards the house when the feeder is empty.
The Tiu will soon get you trained I’m sure. I have always felt that birds are incredibly intelligent, but these lovely cuties have proved that to me now beyond any doubt. They were watching me as much as I was watching them….and the little twig gifts were incredible….
Tui in captivity often mimic words so any day now I could be getting a message one way or t’other. I talk to them and whistle (pitifully!) to them.
A fellow blogger once said “there is nothing bird-brained about birds” and she is very correct.
Great story and I’m so glad they sat still long enough for you to get a few photos. Wonderful time was no doubt had by all. 🙂
We did have a wonderful time Judy, the wildlife and plants were amazing and plentiful….it’s such a beautiful island….paradise, or pretty close for me 🙂
Lovely motion blurs. 🙂 I also like the first image best…great composition, interesting sky, nice movement in the wings.
Thanks Katrine, it took me a while to get the settings right for the wing blurr….but that beautiful sky and light was a free gift from Mother Nature. This will be a lasting memory of early mornings Barbados style for me 🙂
Beautiful pictures, you capture them very well – love the first one most 🙂
Thanks Indah, the back drop and beautiful soft lighting really helped….. But it took me many shots to get my camera settings right 🙂
Of course it would choose you Seonaid!
Only because I looked easily trained Gilly 😉
It was so lovely to feel a connection and yet be so far from home…
Coffee-mate 🙂
I love it….I wasn’t quick enough to think of that 🙂
Great captures Seonaid. I particularly love the first one with the movement of the wings against the morning sky. Wonderful 🙂
Thanks Andrew….the motion blur took a while to perfect….it needs perfect clarity in one area of the shot to work well….but I had nothing better to do on a warm wave washed morning 🙂
Well you certainly perfected; time well spent 🙂
Incredible beautiful shots, Seonaid!
Thanks Hanne…I’m dreaming of being back there already 🙂
I can imagine, I know, as I’m sure you know, about that way of dreaming too 🙂
Oh, how funny, Seonaid. 🙂 He certainly got you well trained. No lying in bed late for you. 🙂
Exactly, I was up with the birds 🙂
These pictures are beautiful. My favourite is the first you have shared.
Thanks Colline, the soft colours of the early morning light were wonderful, and once the birds trusted the camera I caught some lovely shots.
What a delightful story! Enchanted.
I was enchanted and captivated by these feathered friends…..trust and communication 🙂
Oh that’s such a beautiful beginning to a day 🙂
It really was Sue. Just being by the sea and hearing the waves puts me in heaven, but adding in cute birds is ridiculously close to perfection…..missing them already!
I’m not surprised… sun, waves and wildlife that knows it can trust you… 🙂
How beautiful!
They really were very pretty, and so clever…..a wonderful way to start the day 🙂