The Wonder of Birds

Watching a juvenile Mockingbird foraging for food in the grass is natural. No need to hang on feeders now. Really, they don’t need our feeders. I’m looking forward to fall and winter already.

After a few weeks’ hiatus from offering an extravagant buffet, the bird feeders were meticulously scrubbed and filled. I was eager for their return! The birds flock to food, shelter, and water. The pond is located only a few feet to the right of this photo. Bird paradise.

Eager to please, I bought a cotton ball of nesting material for them. Maybe late, I think, but they’re pulling on it.

Blooms on Coneflowers, Butterfly bushes, and Hibiscus are inviting them and the pond is sparkling clean and fresh.

A Cardinal returned, as well as a few Mourning Doves, House Finches, House Sparrows, a Tufted Titmouse, and a Brown Thrasher. I found a Chipping Sparrow on the Crepe Myrtle in front of the house tonight and I quietly cheered! My variety of visitors has greatly diminished in comparison to last year.

Within hours after the restaurant opening, the Starling “screamin’ demons” returned but the Grackles rule. No other birds get in their way.

Imagine twelve Common Grackles bathing and splashing on the pond together. They hear me slide the screen door open and scram. Left behind is a juvenile getting dry. A strikingly beautiful bird, the Grackle is...

The plan now is to keep feeders half-full, part-time. No need for suet, fruit, or nuts. Only sunflower seeds will be served here, unless of course, the bullies leave and allow the sweeter birds to return.

Last week, I felt three eggs in a Robin’s nest in the backyard. I saw her battle Grackles and a few Crows away from her nest. A few days later, the eggs were gone.

I’ve been watching bird behavior closely for over a year. Researching and reading about them is impossible with my schedule the way it is, so I wonder.

Birds react and everything they do is for a reason. They are noticeably aggressive, territorial, fearful, curious, and peaceful. All instinctive behaviors, I believe. But, like our dogs who “feel” and express grief, sadness, or overwhelming joy, do the birds “feel” the same? Do they grieve over their mutilated brood, or feel joy in other ways?

I wonder.

Yeah, I’m “way out there tonight – woo hoo!”. Excuse me, please.

Normally, I'd spend the next hour visiting you... Can't do it. It's bedtime at 9:40 p.m. Pathetic, I know. Too much on plate...tired...I think of all of you every day. I can't even squeeze an hour at work to visit. Sorry... But I look forward to my reading ritual real soon!