Squirrels Have to Eat, Too!!
I don’t really care for squirrels. They interfere with my birds getting the maximum from my backyard bird feeders. I usually am seen doing whatever I can to scare them away…making hissing cat sounds, bruising my knuckles rapping on the windows, throwing water out on them…even vinegar! HOWEVER, on a cold morning after days of rain and a snowy night, I do realize squirrels have to eat, too. This morning, this little fellow captured my attention looking so cute up high on Mr. Mockingbird’s resident observation point in the holly tree. Guess those berries looked enticing or was it that the chilly and wet snow had melted up there compared to his usual places of scampering along the ground or fence rows. Whatever, he looks pretty cute! I just hope I’m still watching when Mr. Mockingbird returns to HIS post! THAT should be...
Read MoreLesson from the Mockingbird
This morning, my Resident Mockingbird was quite active and visited nearby my window, coming to the window once as if he wanted to know what went on inside here. “My” birds provide a good bit of entertainment and, if we pay attention, instruction for daily life. Instruction for daily life from a bird, you might say? Indeed. Watching the birds reminds me of how our Creator provides for them, created them with the instincts they need for survival. We see them demonstrate community-building among the ones that were created to commune and territorial exercise among the ones which are more loners and family protectors. The birds let us know when bad weather is approaching and if you have yard bird feeders, you know what I mean. There will be a flurry of activity as they all prepare for what approaches much like we raid the grocery store shelves when we are alerted to bad weather and possible power outages. Today frequent mockingbird visits allowed me to capture some stately photos of him and one in particular with a great reminder for us all. This photo reminded me of the scripture in Psalm 121: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.” As we journey along in this earthly life, I try to act on these precious reminders to look upward for guidance, strength and comfort. Thank you, little mockingbird for this reminder today. Titus 2:13 – ” Looking for that blessed...
Read MoreAh…A Moment for Myself!
Most of us require some amount of alone time or privacy. Some of us could easily become a bit like hermits cherishing those alone and quiet, undisturbed moments. Quiet time is quite valuable in my world of contemplation, prayer and writing. Blessed peace. In bird watching, we learn quickly that we humans must exercise caution in moving about too rapidly and take care not to talk openly scaring away the birds. Our “subjects” are much like us in that they know there is safety in being inconspicuous and not drawing attention to themselves. I enjoy capturing a photo of a bird that appears to have retreated a bit and has achieved some quiet time out of the lime light, such as this photo of my resident mockingbird. He’s more often perched up high on the holly reigning over his self-claimed kingdom watching and, sometimes controlling,...
Read MoreHe’s Just A Mockingbird?
Today has been cold and windy…making it feel colder than it really was. The birds have been so active in the yard, scurrying around, feeding frequently and interacting with one another…and ME! My resident mockingbird keeps a close watch on me when I am outside. I recall one day as I was in my kitchen photographing him through the window, I was surprised when he made perfect eye contact and flew straight toward me! Surely wish I had had my camera set on video because it would have been a priceless capture. Today though, I have observed him on his “regular” perch high up on the holly tree overseeing the yard and all the other visitors in a peaceful and stoic manner. I got several photos of him even allowing two finches to rest just inches away enjoying the sun as well. I like the markings on his wings and think he looks somewhat handsome in his attire. Must be the bath he had in Wednesday’s...
Read MoreGood Use of Rainy Days
Rainy days change our moods, behavior and schedules. For this Mockingbird Duo, our rainy day offered quite an opportunity. I enjoy watching them and wondering just what their casual glances to one another mean. Click “Read More” and enjoy watching the mockingbirds take opportunity in the soft rain!
Read MoreDavid and Goliath…in the Avian World
I love the underdog. Winning underdogs quickly become my heroes. Now, God has graced me with a true-to-the-spirit love of nature…especially birds. So, watching, feeding, learning from and sharing my backyard birds with others is joyous to me. My photography skills have grown into more than a pass time or leisure activity. Some say it all brings out the best in me. WELL! Today, two of my frequent bird visitors…no, they are residents…stirred up a vengeful feeling and some jeering that I do NOT admire. Here’s what happened… I had been working at my computer and was on a business call when I noticed my ever-watchful mockingbird swoop down from his perch high on the holly tree and dive-bomb my precious, tiny little female downy woodpecker as she just arrived to nourish herself at the suet feeder. Immediately, I wanted to scream but couldn’t because I was still on that call. I did watch the mocking bird to see if he was going to grab a bite while down from his monitoring post. But, NO! He just flew right back up to take his reign again. So, in essence, he just didn’t want the little downy to eat. Bad, bad bird! Very quickly I saw a Tufted Titmouse fly in and it was interested in some suet as well. Right on cue, down came the mockingbird and scared that little bird away. I began to feel the anger rising. Mockingbirds are known to be very territorial and dive-bombing dogs, cats, even people. But, I…being the bird-lover that I am, have included the mockingbird in my enjoyment and love and probably have from time to time been an obnoxious “not in my backyard” advocate for my kind, more socially adept mockingbird. After all, he makes me laugh when he tries to eat from the twirling suet feeder and his big body drops straight down to the ground. I get great entertainment watching him bathe in a soft rain! But, today was different. I thought to myself, “It’s a good thing I don’t have a pellet gun.” But, a few minutes later, my applauding, jeering and “at-aways” burst from my lips as I saw FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER the little downy had perched herself high up on the holly tree! That mockingbird thinks he OWNS the holly tree. I enjoyed that moment immensely as she carefully looked up, looked to the right and to the left. No mockingbird in sight. So, she just sat there for a while, basking in the sun and the knowledge that she was in control, in HIS tree and her self-esteem was soaring. I grabbed my camera and captured the triumphant moment. The little downy then flew to the suet feeder she loves and nourished her winning spirit…and mine, as...
Read MoreWhat's Your Passion?
National Audubon Society
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