“Snuggled into my hand and warmed up inside my jacket, the orange-crowned warbler found unexpected refuge with Lory Barra during a recent whale-watching trip off Southern California’s coast. While on the boat, Barra noticed the tiny bird struggling to keep up with them.
Recognizing the bird’s plight, Barra extended her hand, and to her surprise, the warbler alighted on it immediately. Clearly exhausted and cold, the bird seemed relieved to find a safe haven. Barra, sharing her experience on TikTok, explained that the warbler, known for its travels between the Channel Islands and California coast, likely lost its way during migration.
Being far from shore, Barra estimated the warbler might have been flying for hours. Fortunately, their timely encounter provided the bird with much-needed warmth and comfort.
Commenters on the video expressed awe at how quickly the bird bonded with Barra, highlighting the touching moment of connection amidst the vast ocean.”
“One commenter wrote, ‘She needed you! She totally trusted you, that’s so cute,’ while another commented, ‘You are literally a Disney princess.’
For two hours, the bird nestled inside Barra’s jacket, seeking much-needed rest and warmth after its exhausting journey. As the boat approached nearer to shore, the warbler regained its strength and eventually flew off back to land.”
A month later, Barra returned to TikTok with an update. She revealed that each morning, she was greeted by the melodious chirping of an orange-crowned warbler — the very species she had rescued during her memorable whale-watching adventure. While aware of the abundance of these warblers, Barra couldn’t help but wonder if her feathered companion had somehow found its way back to her on solid ground.