A Little Tushtie (also known as a House Wren)
Ode to my Tushties
I know the why; it’s scientific fact
But I choose to refuse this sad truth
I feel that big wind forming
that will blow right through my garden,
molding a cloud, of my favorite little birds
and carry them far away.
It’s instinct. Read the small print.
“If you came on this flight then you leave with us too”
If you are a migrating bird, those are the rules.
Costa Rica is known for its birds.
the variety, the color, the song
But I’m in love with what we call affectionately
our “Little Tushties “ drab little wrens,
who press their tail feathers against the screen
tipping over like teapots to eat.
They display their fluffy tushies,
like Can-Can dancers in a big finale,
eating non stop, our peeled bananas
So adorable I want to hug them all..
so why must they be the first to leave
and in just a few weeks, they all will be gone?
One afternoon they are quietly gathering,
in sociable groups, an inch long from beak to tail,
2 by 2 4 by 4 but every year, they get swept up
So beware the Ides of March.
Since October they have been with us here
eating, chattering, tails smashed to our screen.
Then one March day….they don’t arrive at sunrise
or noon or in the afternoon
Everyone of them have left; they are just gone.
What wild instinct rushes through the crowd,
gobbling bananas, chirping, looking so cute,
and sticks this idea in their little heads,
“Sure looks like a nice day to fly North
some 3,000 miles
just to land in that back yard,
we landed last Spring
where nest building materials,
were lying around so plentiful
and honestly, don’t you want to see that tree
that held the nest you were hatched in?
Even though those shiny sky scraping windows
kill a third of us as we fly inside instead of by
We try to be careful but hard to be careful
when they reflect so perfectly, the pure open sky..
Still flying for a month at night,
sleeping below to rest and feed,
bypassing hurricanes and heavy storms
that surely could be the death of us you see.
We can’t help ourselves they say,
we know when its time to go..
Even tho they know it’s true,
they can live like royalty here and never have to move,
or take that endless flight ever again,
if they just stay here all year and breed,.
Their answer comes so quickly…
“Sorry but…it’s instinct so now just wave goodbye
as we take our leave.’
“Some of us might not survive, going or coming
lots will die, but we promise we’ll be back..
and not just to Costa Rica or your town,
or your yard, but this bedroom window,
where we always feed,
tipping like teapots, pressed against your screen …
So, don’t be sad; it’s instinct!
Come late Fall….you’ll see us again.”
Karima Hoisan
February 7, 2024
Costa Rica
Digital Rabbit Hole 
A sweet ode to those odd adorable little birds! Why *do* they do it? And so all at once!
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They will tell you it’s beyond their control… just instinct you know 🙃
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how bird-blessed you are in costa rica! actually, very fully nature-blessed! love it, soulkin🙏🏼❤️👍🏼🤗😘✨💥🚀
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Awww thank you soulkin for your sweet comment. Yes and I love your words, we are “very fully nature-blessed” Alhamdulillah. I’m so glad you enjoyed the little tushtie “tail”:) They deserve an ode for sure:) Too cute🐦⬛….
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yes, they are sweet💞✨🥰
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A sweet ode to the adorable Tushties, Karima that grace you window and entertain. So cute and I know you will miss them but they’ll be back have no fear. Certainly there is something else magical will appear. You are the magic word queen. Hugs🤗❣️
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Wow “the magical word queen!!” Inshallah Cindy and also the magical bird queen. Honestly in October I get tears in my eyes when all of a sudden, 30 appear on my windowsill feeding platform..”We’re Baaaaaaaack!! ” lol Thank you for all your wonderful comments:)
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Cindy PS:) You have been so supportive watching my stuff lately, but I just want to ask you one more watch:) It’s the Final Chapter of The Colored Dreams…since you have seen the other 5 I thought maybe you would enjoy seeing how it ends… no rush but would love your feedback https://karimahoisan.com/2024/01/23/the-orange-dream-the-last-dream-by-karima-dale/ hugs and much gratitude, Karima
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I’m saving it for when I can “trip out” lol 😝 Seriously, when I can savor it and not rush!! I’m hoping really soon!! 💕💕🩷🙌
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Haha tripping out is not a bad idea…and seriously no rush…just looking forward to your impressions..You are a very discerning and cool spectator for my bizarre presentations born from my “off-beat imagination. I just love that you know:) Big hugs!!
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What a wonderful tribute to your bird friends, Karima!
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Thanks so much Dawn…I’m sure going to miss them!!
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They are full of life and very energetic. Birds 🐦
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Awww they too adorable and very sociable among themselves. Thanks Cassa for your comment🙏
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Oh my gosh, my dearest Karima, remember I am the one who does not lie. Just before I went into WordPress, I was talking about my Wrens. I have missed them so much. We kept so much food out, and it never really got cold in NC. We had two pairs that just stayed. I have been so sad. So yesterday, I heard one singing for the first time about an acre away. Today he is in our front yard. Then I came into your site and saw this most magnificent poem about my favorite bird and saw all the wrens you have where you live. What an amazing treat. You have no idea, two blessings all ready this morning. I am not surprised we both love the trusting and happy, loyal sound of the Wren. Thank you for this joyful piece. They will be back in abundance. Love you so very much.
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Ohh Joni…how have I leaped over this serendipitous comment without seeing it? Of course you and I are both into those little Tushtie wrens..that does not surprise me at all. I am glad you heard their song close by and rejoiced. How they can bring us joy and yes, in my case, when they go North, I suffer “empty feeder syndrome” although we have plenty of colorful local birds who stay put all year round…but those little wrens hold a special place in my heart. I just loved your comment and much love to you Joni…Are you free this Sunday for a chat?
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You know, we get to comments when we do. I loved this beautiful post and sometimes I cannot believe how very much we are a like. For several months now I have been telling Scott I miss our rent so badly, their song is so beautiful and often sung and duet by the pair, their meanings spiritually, is happiness, determination, enthusiasm, and they just make me happy. He kept telling me he was hearing, a wren but I never did. Finally a few mornings ago, I heard a wren, and practically jumped up and down on the porch with happiness. I was curious if all of those wrens in the picture are attached to your beautiful home. I can’t imagine being that close to so many of my favorite birds. What a treat that would be. Yes I am available Sunday and I would love to talk, I am looking forward to it. I put a tentative time of three Eastern standard time on my calendar. I can talk anytime in the afternoon though whatever is convenient for you. Big hugs, love and kisses. 😘
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what an endearing poem about such cute tiny critters … rejoice that they will return!
Most of us are creatures of habit, even if those habits can be harmful … done my MM on addictions 🙂
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Thank you Kate the fascinating habits of migratory birds, never ceases to amaze me.
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yes, it’s such a built in routine, doesn’t seem they can vary it …
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what a beautiful way to honor them – love the video too 🙂
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Awww thanks so much… i go thru this every year in March when they start to head back North, but then I think of all the bird lovers welcoming them with full feeders after their long flight 🌹
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Nature’s creativity is endless and amazing
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Migrating birds just blow me away…the whole concept of instinct and how they just “know” when it’s time to go:) Thanks again da-AL
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I adore the birds. I feed my Michigan birds daily. This morning. 50 birds in my bare tree. Waiting for their meal. Hello dear Karima and good morning from cold and chilly Michigan.
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Hello my dear friend from the frozen North…You are doing a wonderful thing by feeding those that don’t come down my way. I’m sure come March, some of mine will wing their way back to your garden and arrive in mid April… Take good care of them for me…send them back come September:):)
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What a great ode to these birds! You have always included birds in many of your works because of the great love you have for them! Although they could live like royalty there, it is time to move on. That soooo reminds me of a younger version of someone I know!! She could live like royalty in one place, but moved on and worked hard to carve out an existence in somewhere far away.
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” That soooo reminds me of a younger version of someone I know!! ” Hmmm now who could that be?? 🤗 Thank you Hoyt, for spending so much time on my blog and leaving me these wonderful comments. You totally made my day dear friend. Skype?
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