Free as a Bird

"A bird does not sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song." Chinese Proverb.

I really enjoy watching the birds that come to visit us. I come by it honestly, as my grandfather used to have a large birdfeeder just outside the front window up at the cottage. We'd spend many lazy afternoons watching the birds and squirrels fight over the nuts and seeds that he put out for them.

Just yesterday, I saw many birds outside in our backyard. I was pleased to see that the juncos are back. I also saw robins, grackles and finches. Juncos stay around for such a short period of time. They are small and have a grey and white coat. I can't wait to put out my bird bath. I have to wait until there's no risk of frost, as the first bird bath cracked in the cold and I had it replaced. We have a home-made wooden bird feeder, a hanging plastic feeder and two home-made wooden bird houses just off our kitchen. I can see the birds when I am sitting at my kitchen table. We get all kinds of visitors - including squirrels. The song birds are especially welcomed. We really look forward to the gold finches and the purple martins (we have a hotel for them - it will go up in a month or so).

Getting in tune with nature is very relaxing and birdwatching increases my awareness and appreciation of wildlife.

Angela