Sunday

My birds are keeping me amused today. I fill up the bird feeder, and I hear them all, in their original 'tweet' form; speaking to each other. "Hey, that human is back, and LOOK! She got that better food with the nuts and sunflowers again!!"

It's a wonderful, relaxing way to pass a few moments at different times of the day. My cardinal likes to come just before dusk. I say a prayer for the people who have passed on , as I was told cardinals are visual reminders of those who have died.

My morning doves are numerous, and funny. They perch by the feeder and guard it. But before long, my brave squirrel will chase them away and take up roost.

The only bird I see who is actively aggressive is my huge blue jay. He's not here often, but when he does swing by, he makes a huge mess and won't let my little chickadees near.

The raccoons have been absent, since I started bringing in my feeder at night. One cute little raccoon soon became a rowdy family of 4. That's when I started removing the buffet at night. Too dangerous for my dog.

My other favorite visitor is again one who doesn't stop often, my beautiful woodpecker. He stops about once a week, never for long, before flying off into the tree. He'll sit there for about 5 minutes and then POOF, he's gone.

I got worried the other day because I noticed a hawk sitting off in an adjacent tree, not near my feeder. Was he just resting, or was he waiting for my tiny chipmunk?

Circle of life, I guess.

What I know for sure, is that the cost of the bird food is minimal compared to the joy I receive from watching some of God's gifts outside my window.