My way is to feed them in my urban garden. For example, there are a couple of blue jays that come by daily for nuts, mostly almonds and walnuts, but sometimes peacans, that I lay down for all the avians along with sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Sparrows come as do starlings and sometimes a raven or two.
Birds are wary of humans, and understandably so. I have gained their trust by allowing them to be. I also talk to all the birds. This week, blue jay landed within a yard of me.
I really appreciate this thought, Bill: "If you take the view that every bird is an unfathomable miracle, you can see them in a different light. Free your mind from the need to identify and make lists."
That revelation hit me a few times over the years. I found myself ignoring the more commonly reported birds like Black-capped Chickadees and Northern Cardinals. I still remember seeing a chickadee perched on a branch and that thought hit me like a brick.
I like your mention of some birds being aware of being watched. I notice this especially with a few groups of American Crows I have befriended over the years. They will veer off to the left or right if they're flying and following me and I happen to turn around and watch them. I like that about them though. There is still that sesnse of wariness and Nature.
An American redstart, I never! Looked more into, such a striking contrast between male and female! And the many warblers, so many around me. Wondering if our local red fire ants are a delicacy in the nature world. Fear not, but I must explore. Happy migration season! Such beauty you share!
Thank you Bill for passing all of these special incites on. The close encounter that refreshes is quite an experience! I have had something similar happen from time to time and actually felt physically taller as I was walking away. I've become curious about such experiences as possibly coming closer to life's source. As you say a young bird is often able to fly great distances and feed itself and plan a family in it's first year! Where we humans are still lumbering along for a few years to learn to walk and talk. Perhaps the close encounter with the bird is like encountering a time warp? Just a thought.
Love Walt Whitman all the more for the prompt to not worry about being exact! Even as a child who appreciated math and such things, I have always felt it was 'wrong' to become overly reliant on it as a way to see the world.
Stunning photos. Absolutely exquisite. And I agree, we don’t have to know any facts to enjoy these glorious creatures. I know the blackbird with its beautiful songs of spring, and the clouds of finches moving through the neighbourhood, but just watching and listening is such a delight. Every tiny feather, every squark and warble. Paradise. Thanks so much.
My way is to feed them in my urban garden. For example, there are a couple of blue jays that come by daily for nuts, mostly almonds and walnuts, but sometimes peacans, that I lay down for all the avians along with sunflower and pumpkin seeds. Sparrows come as do starlings and sometimes a raven or two.
Birds are wary of humans, and understandably so. I have gained their trust by allowing them to be. I also talk to all the birds. This week, blue jay landed within a yard of me.
A lovely piece -- thank you for sharing your wonderful insights, beautiful photos and for sharing the poetry of others: Oliver Rumi, Whitman . . .
I really appreciate this thought, Bill: "If you take the view that every bird is an unfathomable miracle, you can see them in a different light. Free your mind from the need to identify and make lists."
That revelation hit me a few times over the years. I found myself ignoring the more commonly reported birds like Black-capped Chickadees and Northern Cardinals. I still remember seeing a chickadee perched on a branch and that thought hit me like a brick.
I like your mention of some birds being aware of being watched. I notice this especially with a few groups of American Crows I have befriended over the years. They will veer off to the left or right if they're flying and following me and I happen to turn around and watch them. I like that about them though. There is still that sesnse of wariness and Nature.
An American redstart, I never! Looked more into, such a striking contrast between male and female! And the many warblers, so many around me. Wondering if our local red fire ants are a delicacy in the nature world. Fear not, but I must explore. Happy migration season! Such beauty you share!
Thank you Bill for passing all of these special incites on. The close encounter that refreshes is quite an experience! I have had something similar happen from time to time and actually felt physically taller as I was walking away. I've become curious about such experiences as possibly coming closer to life's source. As you say a young bird is often able to fly great distances and feed itself and plan a family in it's first year! Where we humans are still lumbering along for a few years to learn to walk and talk. Perhaps the close encounter with the bird is like encountering a time warp? Just a thought.
Love Walt Whitman all the more for the prompt to not worry about being exact! Even as a child who appreciated math and such things, I have always felt it was 'wrong' to become overly reliant on it as a way to see the world.
“ where your life intersects with a fellow traveler .” What a beautiful thought to accompany the beautiful photos !!
Stunning photos. Absolutely exquisite. And I agree, we don’t have to know any facts to enjoy these glorious creatures. I know the blackbird with its beautiful songs of spring, and the clouds of finches moving through the neighbourhood, but just watching and listening is such a delight. Every tiny feather, every squark and warble. Paradise. Thanks so much.
Such lyrical inspiring words, thank you for your thoughts.🙏
Fabulous!
Beautiful and inspiring
Thank you for the tips and insights
Grace and Peace to you......