For eighteen days, I’ve been having fun creating nerdy birdy Elf on the Shelf-style photos and sharing them on Facebook, where people enjoyed those images.

There wasn’t an Elf on the Shelf when my sons were growing up, but the premise revolves around a small scout elf that families adopt during the holiday season. This elf is said to have the important job of observing children’s behavior and reporting back to Santa Claus each night.

A notable trend involves creating pun-based variations of the “Elf on the Shelf” phrase. Examples include “Santa on Fanta,” “Yoda on Soda,” and “Tide on a Slide,” adding a playful twist to the original concept. These puns are often shared as part of a game where viewers guess what each variation represents.

For me, as a bird photographer and part birder, my nerdy variations have often been bird pun-based. I had a great time coming up with these, taking additional photos to match them, and then sharing them on Facebook.

No one will ever be able to say that I was a stick in the mud or lacked a sense of humor when I finally kick the bucket. I simply enjoy laughing too much.

Most people who commented had fun trying to guess what ____ was on or in ____. What’s important to me is that I laughed, giggled, and had a great time.

I even had two helpers, Shari and Nancy, because I didn’t have photos of two bird species that made for wonderful nerdy birdy Elf on the Shelf style imagery. My thanks, ladies, for helping me spread some laughter at a time when most of us need it!

Without further ado, browse through the gallery below on a desktop device and try to guess what they are. When you click on an image, the answer will appear at the top.

For handheld devices, just look at the photos and try not to peek at the answers, as they may automagically show. Remember, the Elf on the Shelf is watching! 🙂

Life is good.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from me to you!

Mia