A Birding Encounter of a Different Kind in Eagle River

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – We are often reminded to stop and smell the roses, admire the view and enjoy the best parts of life.

A singular moment can remind us of this advice, especially when it is filmed.

A 5-year-old girl from Eagle River made an unexpected friend during a Fourth of July walk.(Meghan Martinez)

While on their way to a Fourth of July celebration at the Eagle River Lion’s Club, the Martinez family experienced such a moment when a tiny bird gently landed on 5-year-old Moira’s head.

“It really made our day,” said Meghan Martinez, Moira’s mother.

Shortly after landing, the little bird closed its eyes and began to fall asleep.

“He just got comfortable,” Martinez said. “He closed his eyes and looked like he was going to take a little nap.”

“I told Moira, ‘You must be some kind of Disney princess for a bird to choose you,’” Martinez said. “It was like a blessing from above.”

The bird showed no signs of distress or injury, leading the family to wonder why it had landed. Perhaps it was just one of those rare experiences offered in the great outdoors of Alaska, but Meghan Martinez wondered if it could be something even more meaningful as her daughter prepares for eye surgery.

“So we thought, I think, that might be a little blessing from above that would be bestowed upon him,” Martinez said.

Whether it’s a blessing from above or a simple moment that serves as a reminder, small miracles can come in all shapes and sizes. This little bird’s unexpected landing is now a cherished memory for the Martinez family, who felt it was special enough to share with others.