Bluebirds
Yesterday I spotted a rustling in the brush, found my binoculars and focused in expecting to see sparrows, or maybe the chickadees that investigated a nest box there last year. But to my delight, it was a pair of bluebirds–the first of the year–eating the juniper berries. I was ecstatic, turned to get my camera, and then had a little fit when I turned back and found them sitting at my bird bath. OMGosh, it was the best moment of the day. Which sounds really dumb until you start to break it down into why I was so excited.
I put the juniper bushes in because of those stupid berries. I put a non-freezing bird bath in so there would be water all year. I designed the backyard with cover and food to attract birds, and in the spring, there will be early flowers for cold bees, and in the fall, late flowering perennials for the migrating butterflies.
Guy wonders why I don’t take month-long excursions to exotic places to see amazing animals in their natural space, because clearly this stuff turns me on, and I just smile. I know the animals are there, and even if I should go see them I wouldn’t be connected. Here, though, is where I can make a difference, even if it’s as small as having water out for thirsty birds in a frozen morning. Two years ago, there was nothing in this space, basically a barren desert in an urban jungle. Today there are bluebirds existing beside the rush of traffic and barking of dogs, and that makes me feel connected.
They came back this morning as I put this post together.
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I myself love watching the animals in my own backyard as well. I can view other animals through animal shows. But it is important to appreciate the nature close at hand. I take photos of teh local plants and animals, the lake. Or sometimes just watch them play. I have seen bluebirds here during the winter, which is highly unusual, and we have been very cold and much snow. Usually it is populated by cardinals and those little brown birds. And squirrels of course all their antics. I remember one day just watching 3 of them race around up and down this huge tree chasing the leader who had a huge cob in his mouth.
there is more in a persons backyard then most people realize. All it takes is some planing and design like you did to make it wonderful place for visiting wildlife.
