Ten-year-old Samuel Henderson wowed the audience at his Oklahoma City school with his impressive performance of bird calls. A video of his act quickly went viral, earning him even more fans.
Wearing a T-shirt that read ‘Easily distracted by birds,‘ the third grader showed off his remarkable ability to mimic bird songs with amazing accuracy. To add a fun visual element, he reached into a large paper bag, pulling out plush birds to match each call he was about to perform.
@diabetic4one This is Samuel’s bird call performance at his schools talent show. He loved every minute of this #autism #birder #fypage #talent #agt ♬ original sound – lori
In the video, the audience of kids grows increasingly excited with each new bird impression he does, only to fall into rapt silence whenever he’s about to perform a new call. By the end, Samuel receives thunderous applause.
Samuel’s mother, Lori, spoke with Audubon Magazine about her son’s talents and going viral on TikTok, saying, “We are beyond overwhelmed by the response—so many comments and praise from birders and non-birders alike…He’s been recognized around our town from TikTok when we’re out and about and has received comments from multiple voice actors and other celebrities on his talent.”
Samuel, who is on the autism spectrum, has also shared more of his bird-calling skills on TikTok in a few other videos.
@diabetic4one He says “All i want to do is share my bird sounds with the world” #kidsoftiktok #autism #birdlovers #fypage ♬ original sound – lori
Tiktokker Becca wrote, “As a wildlife biologist and birder, this is actually incredible.”
Samwells96 wrote, “I was just waiting for that red tailed hawk. 10/10 did not disappoint.”
Jordan Bender commented, “Falcon was my favorite! Does he take requests? Kookaburra pretty please.” Lori answered, “He loves requests and can do a kooaburra.”
Samuel fulfilled his fans’ many requests in a few follow-up videos:
@diabetic4one Part two bird calls with Samuel. He has some of the requested calls #kidsoftiktok #autism #birdlovers #fypage ♬ original sound – lori
And another shows he’s got a real ear for birds.
@diabetic4one Requested bird calls with Samuel #kidsoftiktok #autism #birdlovers #fypage #birdsoftiktok ♬ original sound – lori
Samuel said, “I’ve always wanted to share my bird calls with the world…I pretended it was the whole world watching.” Now, he no longer has to pretend!
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