“They truly became our little Christmas surprises …”
This year, Christmas arrived early for Hana Buscke and her family — and the most precious gifts weren’t wrapped or waiting beneath the tree. Instead, they were tucked deep within its branches.
The surprise unfolded late last month after the Busckes purchased their Christmas tree and brought it home in New Zealand. What they didn’t realize was that the tree was still serving as a tiny, hidden home.
While trimming some of the longer branches before carrying the tree inside, something tumbled out and landed on the ground. It was a tiny, barely-feathered baby bird.
“We quickly wrapped the little one in a blanket to warm it up and hurried back to check the truck in case there were more. And sure enough — we found another!” Buscke told The Dodo. “Then we searched again around the tree and found the nest, with a third chick still inside.”
The three little birds had been separated from their parents when the tree was cut and sold. But now, they were no longer alone.
From that moment, Buscke and her husband — who previously worked at a wildlife rescue center — chose to care for the fragile chicks themselves.
“It’s definitely been a demanding job,” Buscke said. “They need frequent feeding during the day, but thankfully they sleep wonderfully through the night.”
Thanks to the couple’s dedication, the birds began to grow rapidly.
In less than two weeks, the chicks had changed dramatically — all due to the gentle care of their unexpected foster parents.
“We’re so proud of how strong and courageous they’ve become in such a short time,” Buscke said.
To help the young birds adjust to outdoor life and practice flying, the couple set up a temporary enclosure in their yard.
“They already seem like they’ll be ready to fly off very soon,” Buscke said.
The little birds may take to the sky before Christmas even arrives, but the magic of the season has already filled the household.
“They truly became our little Christmas surprises,” Buscke said. “All we wanted was to give them the best chance to grow healthy and strong.”
And they have thrived.
“I thought we would be the ones teaching them,” Buscke said, “but they’ve taught us patience, gentleness, and how to slow down and appreciate the smallest moments. It’s been an amazing experience.”
When the couple finally identified the species of their tiny guests, they had one more reason to smile.
“We discovered they’re greenfinches — which sounds a lot like Christmas Grinch,” Buscke said. “It made us laugh, because instead of stealing Christmas, they actually became the sweetest part of ours.”