I don’t feed the birds because they need me; I feed the birds because I need them.
Watching birds has become part of my morning routine. For me It is a an exercise in being still. I’m not a bird watching nerd – the cardinal, robin, woodpecker and chickadee are the only ones I recognize by name – I just enjoy watching them move.
Birds add sound, color and movement to a stationary house. At my house, there is always action at the bird feeder. I can be in the middle of a conversation, cooking a meal or writing but my attention shifts to the birds outside my kitchen window.
These simple, inexpensive structures provide a microcosm of nature right outside the window. I moved recently from a palatial office with a view of Lake Mendota to a cubicle. My patients use the word “dreary” or a similar adjective when describing my new office – but there is one shining light. I have a window which faces a courtyard and I hung a bird feeder from one of the trees. There was reluctance by the birds to enter the dark enclosed courtyard. I had to coax them in by moving the feeder in increments to it’s present spot. The word is out now – I am starting to see more birds lately, dipping in and out. They provide the perfect antidote to the dull and depressing interior.
I’m the one with the bike helmet covered in cable ties, even in the off season in Hervey Bay. I won’t ride a bike in Australia without them. Hitchcock’s masterpiece The Birds had such an effect on me that I wrote Alfred Hitchcock a letter, asking about the special effects. He even wrote me back, signed with his iconic signature.
I usually wake up to the call of the Mourning Dove, when the clock strikes seven o’clock on my Audubon birdsong clock but today is a rainy Sunday. I’ll wait for the nine o’clock Northern Chickadee.
If you don’t have a bird feeder, get one. Hang it high so it doesn’t attract coyotes. Most importantly, hang it in a spot where you can see it. Take notice. True zen can only be found in nature.
I am about to move back “home” to Eilat – I wonder what kinds of birds I would attract with a birdfeeder in Eilat. It is known to be on the migration route for many species, but most likely nearer to the seafront. I will give it a try. Enjoyed your post, as always.
Elana, give it a try. I never had them growing up. Such a nice way to learn something new about your yard and your city. Eilat is teeming with birds. But you have to be very patient. Fill the feeder only halfway at first, it might take them time to find it and they don’t like food that has been sitting. I have almost given up many times, I kept thinking I need to move the feeder. Now they are eating me out of house and home! Just get a bag of basic wild bird food. They love gar’inim like we do! Keep me posted…<3
I too have been mesmerized watching birds at my backyard feeder. We even have had hawks swooping in to capitalize on the opportunity. Occasionally, I do a therapy session with a client on the lanai and the birds are very soothing. So, Houston too is on a migration path and we get 5-6 species feeding at once. My favorite are the doves, coo, coo!
Annie K – this sounds enticing but I have to say, I have a strong fear of birds, especially the swooping sort after having bats in our cabin in Wisconsin. I also have a vivid childhood memory where after birds flew overhead and dropped what they would onto my head as I stood outside playing with my friends, I had to go inside and wash my hair. I’ll have to try hard to overcome! Nice piece.
It’s the bird’s sounds that lift my spirits. Their songs captivate my attention and still the chatter in my mind. This morning, hanging out on my deck alone, I feel like I’m with a bunch of loud, carefree, friends who know how to have fun. Thanks for reminding us of the magic of these wonderful creatures!
The pond in my backyard attracts birds all day long. I love to watch how different birds prefer different parts of the pond. Robins prefer the shallow, still water. Goldfinches like to splash in the fast running stream. Every mealtime on my screen porch is a new show. Water is life and birds help to make it worth living.