Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Things With Wings

There has been a little drama unfolding in the old weeping birch outside my window. The tree itself is likely ancient and dying, but with it's faltering breaths is giving birth to all kinds of activity. The empty knothole where Little Red hides his stash of winter food was the location of a blatant robbery yesterday morning.

I was on my out to Ladies' Prayer when I spotted one of those beautiful bluejays that have been so evasive this year. They have redis- covered my generosity with peanuts, and have come to call, on Little Red. I didn't have my camera ready or I could have caught it all in pictures, that mean old bluejay perching at the edge of the knothole, reaching in, grabbing a peanut, and flying off. "Hey! That's not nice!" I yelled at him, but he paid no mind.

I bought a bag of "Critter Crunch" while I was out yesterday afternoon, filled a ceramic bowl, and placed it at the base of the tree where Little Red was sure to find it today. He did. And so did the bluejays. Not that I mind. Everyone is hungry on cold winter mornings

It's been a morning full of activity; bluejays squawking and Little Red running about trying to chase them away but not being very successful. I've seen cardinals, a red bellied woodpecker,  chickadee or two, and several of those beautiful, pesky bluejays. The quiet, gently juncos must be waiting until the crowds thin out.

Little Red finally gave up on the bluejays and decided to have some breakfast himself. Good thing. I'd have been really disappointed if he spent all his time trying to chase the birds away only to end up going hungry himself.

I was thinking perhaps I'd missed my calling as a wildlife photographer, but then I remembered all those little children whose pictures I've taken through the years, years when I either didn't have so much going on outside the window or didn't have the time to take notice. I only wish my mom was here to share the excitement with me. In their later years both Mom and Dad had enjoyed the wildlife in their own backyard. Maybe my fascination means I'm starting to grow up too. Or maybe not.
:0)

Either way, I'm thankful for the gift of feathered and furry friends who remind me that if His eye is on the sparrow (and little squirrels), I can be sure He's watching me too.

10 comments:

  1. You got some great action shots there!

    The critter crunch seems to be a big hit...like finding the pot at the end of a rainbow (or trunk of a tree).

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    1. Yes, they did seem to enjoy that bowl of Critter Crunch at the bottom of the tree. Everybody had a look around in the bowl. I hope everyone found something good and tasty.

      It was a busy morning.
      :0)

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  2. It is reassuring that he is watching us. I believe he is near. He is near...during everything. Nothing is out of his hands. I Donhope you felt as if I listened and cared today. I am praying about that thorn that won't go away for you too.

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    1. Nothing is out of His hands. Now if only I can remember that.
      I love you! Thanks for the visit today.
      :0)

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  3. I was smiling as it sounded like the categories of a game show...things that go boom, things that fly...
    I just love your clever and darling way of writing. it's such a gift.

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    1. Just like Jeopardy!
      Sometimes writing is just plain fun, especially when the happenings outside my window make up the story.
      :0)

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  4. Hi Martha....
    Our Red, used to take the peanuts that the Blue Jays stuck in the evergreens....
    Gosh....
    I miss all the backyard activity...
    Thanks for keeping me up to date...
    Tell Red, we'll be home soon!
    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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    1. Sure thing, Linda!
      We've got a fresh blanket of snow. I wonder what kind of festivities there will be out there tomorrow?
      :0)

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  5. I spent one summer as a kid doing a project for school where I laid out different seeds and wrote down which birds they attracted. It was very informative! I love your blog. Keep it up!

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    1. Thank you, Kyle.
      The birds with pretty colors appear to like the calmer days, or maybe they knew it was going to be terribly cold and blustery today. No bluejays or cardinals in the blizzard today, just the regulars; sparrows, juncos, and chickadees. And that little red squirrels too. I'm having fun watching.
      :0)

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