Truth be told, I made the decision to stop feeding the birds.     D-day was August 31.

Every feeder on the property was removed.  (I made an exception for the Hummingbirds.)

The next morning, I left for a 10-day trip to MN – holding to my conviction to view no camera footage of forlorn birds hunting for absent food.  I comforted myself with many thoughts.  First, the dog (probably) would not be killed by a bear in my absence.  Second, there is plenty of natural food for the birds this time of year.  Third, I still had the Hummingbird and birdbath activity to watch upon my return.

 

Okay, one more truth be told -- not fighting the Grackles was an added incentive.

I reflected, often, on the words of Charley Harper, an American Modernist artist whose knack for illustrating wildlife in a bright and fun way captivates me.  Back in 1954, Charley was asked to illustrate a feeding station.  Here was his response (taken from https://www.charleyharperartstudio.com/shop/LithographPrints/Birdfeeders):

“What? I naïvely asked. The art director at Ford Times magazine tried to patiently explain, it's a device people use to feed birds. I was confused: Back in the hills, where I come from, the birds seem able to feed themselves. He looked embarrassed for me. Even then I didn't quite fathom the idea. Well, I suggested, send me one and I'll paint it. He did his part and I did mine. But I still think most birds would rather feed themselves.”

 

Then I returned.  I’ll cut to the chase.  I made it less than two weeks, deeply saddened by the absence of God’s tiny creatures dotting my landscape with color and spunk.  The Hummingbird population had shrunk to less than a dozen (though their bodies had greatly expanded).  Occasionally, a lone Titmouse would bathe.  I heard a few songbirds but saw none.  The Rose-breasted Grosbeaks should be migrating through any day now.  Would I see even one?

I Folded

The tray feeder got filled with an assortment of seed and put out by day (taking it in at night).  Within a couple days, I was celebrating the sighting of each species as it appeared … Titmice, Chickadees, Cardinals, Finches, and doves. To my delight, both the male and female Summer Tanagers appeared and soon thereafter the Bluebird family was back. I felt a special joy when Napoleon showed up – wings flared.

I just shook my head, recognizing my weakness, when I added the mealworm cup to the tray … and then the suet feeder.  Yeah, that’s how I ended up with a dozen feeders five years ago – catering to the likings of all the species.

I have no idea what decisions I will make in the weeks ahead.  Can I keep Drake safe and still enjoy a bird’s eye view of nature?  My brain cells are working the challenge.  For now, Drake and I will be heading outside at daybreak to put the tray feeder in place when the Summer Tanager calls us to action.

Future posts on Feathers and Fuzz will be published as dictated by “happenings”.

I hope you will deem these worthy of asking for a spot in your Inbox.