Sharon and I are country people possessing adaptability. We both came from farm backgrounds, but strongly prefer hard surface roads (infinitely easier to keep your motor equipment spotless) and can be a hazard on the road always looking for wildlife. We live across the road from a farm park, complete with farm animals that make farm animal noise and when the wind is just right, emit farm animals aroma. So it is that we bring a touch of the country to our compound in the form of various bird feeders, in a maple tree in front of my office windows. I admire my birds, here is why.
To discourage black birds and starlings, I have a two feeders, a tube and platform, full of safflower seed. These hard shelled seeds present a problem for long beaked birds as they cannot be easily cracked. These feeders have become a destination stop for a rather large flock of doves and they are a joy to watch. They congregate on nearby rooftops and call gently while I replenish their ration daily. They are patient and oh so polite. Unlike my hummingbirds, which can be testy little guys, the doves will congregate on the ground or in the tree and patiently await their turn. They do not run their neighbors off and readily yield to another bird with grace. I have killed many of these guys in years past and suffered through the indignity of eating them after the hunt. They present a real challenge around a corn field and, regrettably, on the table. I doubt I ever kill another one.
I also have two finch feeders. Now these guys are nervous feeders, industrious, pretty, and armed with voracious appetites. I can see why as they are whirlwinds of activity. I see no signs of territorial instinct in these little guys and love their work ethic. They are not as patient as the doves, nor are they as mean as the occasional starling that drifts in and takes over until he figures out the the impossibility of crushing the safflower seed. As we are equal opportunity hosts, we cater to the occasional cardinal or woodpecker. Both are stately and polite when around the feeders.
Finally, in our backyard we planted a hydrangea tree. It is as round as a bowling ball, has large velvety leaves and presents the perfect place for a robin to build her nest and raise a clutch. Mrs. Robin is the most industrious bird on our property. This tree is fifty feet from our deck and our presence is no longer bothering her. Like any good mother, she seldom ventures far from her responsibilities and is fiercely protective of her nest, which is lined with the soft yellow hair that Tazzy has donated to her nursery. We hope her efforts are rewarded with new robins to add color to the neighborhood.
These little guys get it right. Their peaceful nature is a welcome respite from the viciousness of the world we live in. They know how to mingle without killing each other, willingly share the rewards of the feeders and work hard every day without complaint. One could suggest that I am easily amused, but they would be wrong. My birds have taught me a lot about social order, survival and reasoning on a level we will never understand. The hours at my desk, gazing out at the activity around the feeders has been rewarding. There is a sense of peace and certainty around these guys. As I write there are 6 doves either feeding or waiting, 3 finches sharing the tube and a single Robin searching out earthworms up after the irrigation system shut off.
Peace. We could all use a bit more of it.
Have a great week!
SR
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