That Thing, With Feathers

Dear Maria,

Well, despite a cold start to the morning, with a low layer of clouds squeezing the light of the rising sun into a buttery yellow—like real butter, sans food dye—a goodly number of birds decided to visit out back today.  Perhaps a rivulet broke off from the jet stream, or maybe a mysterious magnetic anomaly disoriented the fliers. Regardless, in they came.

First, an almost too-red-to-be-believed cardinal perched on the head of St. Francis, and when he opted for the patio table, a female cardinal settled on the statue. By and by came a Carolina wren, two nuthatches, too many chickadees to count, and then I was sent scrambling for the field guide.

I, too, know a hawk from a handsaw, but the bird sitting on the crook where the feeder would normally hang was a new one to me.  A pretty little thing, an Eastern Phoebe. Yep, that’s right. You can look it up.

The bigger news—for me at least—was the return visit of the male bluebird who had been checking on the state of the condo a few weeks ago, but this time his mate came along for the inspection. And inspect they did, both going inside for a good look around. I intended to clean out the box tomorrow, along with several other outdoor chores, but now I am not so certain that I should disturb their domestic tranquility.

Of course, I am glad for the flurry of birds coming in to peck at whatever suits them in my yard, but I feel almost beholden to the bluebirds as they have staked out my little corner of the world for their little corner of the world as well.

For five minutes or so the various birds hopped and flitted and pecked until as if some signal came, they all took wing. I let Max out to make his rounds, and while I stood in the doorway I heard the cooing of a Morning Dove from somewhere overhead and behind me.

The week ahead, a cold one for us. But, seeing the bluebirds so intent on their home visit makes me believe that sure enough, change is coming. As always, we look forward to better times.

Hope all is well with you and your loved ones.

Just, srk