HOW I KNOW SPRING HAS SPRUNG
Happy Spring!
As I’ve discussed with you here, I’ve got issues with wildlife. Things like deer decimating my garden……
and bears breaking down my apple trees.
But an upside to living on this mountain, especially in the spring, are the birds that make their home on my property. Watching them build nests under the rafters of my home……
or on the chandelier on the front porch……
or in the pots on the terrace……
is how I know spring has sprung.
We also share the interior of our home with a bird. Our bird, Chiquita, has been a part of our family for many years. In fact, we purchased Chiquita when my now 17 year old son Austin was only 11.
Our dog Charlie also enjoys his female friend.
But I really know Spring has sprung when wild birds decide to come in for a visit. The other day was finally warm enough to open windows and doors to let in a little fresh Spring air. That’s when this little chick-a-dee decided to come on in.
Since I believe wild birds belong in the wild, I chased this birdie around my house……
finally coaxing it out the window.
I get a lot of enjoyment out of watching the birds that visit our fountain.
Sometimes they fly in solo for a cool drink……
while other times they arrive in pairs.
And sometimes they arrive in groups. Some birdies know how to share……
while others, like the resident Woodpecker that lives in our Oak tree, are very territorial.
The Woodpecker waits in his tree and swoops in, quickly chasing away the other birds.
Birds of all descriptions know they can find a cool refreshment at my fountain.
I enjoyed watching this beautiful speckled bird as it took a sip……
and then lifted its beak so the water could flow right down-the-hatch.
But the fountain is not the only place birds congregate on our property. They have discovered that the potted plants provide a good nesting place.
For several years now, this bird has made a nest inside this pot on our back porch.
We watched the two parents build the nest and and it was soon filled with several eggs.
The momma bird sat on her eggs while the pappa bird guarded the nest.
He often perched on the nearby light fixture, protecting his brood. Because the nest was located in an area of high traffic right outside our back porch, he would sometimes get rather aggressive. He surprised me on more than one occasion by swooping down so close I could feel the wind off his wings.
Finally, when the eggs hatched, we watched both parents fly in with worms, dropping them into the hungry, open mouths of the baby chicks.
Then, one day we were amazed to witness the baby birds emerging from the nest. This little chick stood perilously on the edge of the column……
as the mamma bird urged it to fly to the driveway below.
Finally all the chicks had flown the coop. I am hoping they decide to return this spring.
I’ll keep you posted!
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Thank you for visiting!
Celia
