Feathers Archives - Page 10 of 69

A spark of yellow and there he was. The Northern Flicker in flight ... FINALLY returning "home" to roost. I am trying to remember if I was that excited when my kids came home during college breaks. Let's just say I can't remember and leave it at that.

I had cleaned the owl houses in preparation for the Flicker's return in October (as had been his pattern). He didn't show. When he suddenly appeared on the 1st of February, it was as if he brought life back to the landscape. On February 2, the resident birds began checking out nesting sites and today there are already two nests under construction.

I certainly did not intend to be THIS silent! There has been abundant October birdwatching and great joy Mr. Black Bear has not chosen to return.

Drake and I have our bear-defense routine well-established now. Only in my world does the human go out BEFORE the Pit Bull to check for a bear. My logic is: If the bear is present, I am absolutely certain I will not try to bite him and tackle him to the ground. Putting the bird food out each morning, and bringing it in at dusk, has worked well. Not feeding the 4-legged creatures has reduced the squirrel population and, to date, no possums or raccoons have knocked at the door. I'm okay with that, but Drake is decidedly disappointed that his lust for chasing goes unsatisfied. I tell him it's better for his skull.

As for the birds: I haven't seen anything new or unusual, but my joy is no less. Finding a way to continue to witness God's creation, and keep Drake safe, is the harmony I sought. The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds stayed almost a week longer than ever-before (10/12). I loved seeing the Grosbeaks during their fall migration -- just the juveniles and females, as was true last fall. The return of the Eastern Bluebirds and Eastern Phoebes always makes me smile; a return from wherever it is they go for a month or so after nesting ends.

The other day, I was working on a project in the garage with my daughter. She told me there was a bird in the window. I told her it was probably Daddy Blue letting me know his mealworm feeder was empty. Quite honestly, I'm not sure if she amazed at my knowledge, or frightened by it. I'm guessing the latter.

Okay, enough words. The message is: feed them and they will come!