Tuesday, May 4, 2021

That’s for the Birds

 


By Maureen Bonatch 

                                                    Hanging out on our deck 

May 4th is Bird Day. Who knew? Not me, but then again, I’ve never considered myself a ‘bird person’. I’m not a bird watcher, even though it’s a popular hobby enjoyed by all ages—or am I? It seems the word is out with the feathered species that they have an uninterested party in the vicinity and they’ve made it their mission to convert me. 

Flew the Coop

As a child my grandmother always had a pet parakeet, and it was always named Babe. That’s right, when one Babe met his or her demise, another Babe would take their place. I have no idea how many Babes there were, it could’ve only been two but since I was young I found the idea of seamlessly replacing a pet a little odd. I was also traumatized by being dive-bombed when she’d let Babe fly around her apartment—and by her story of how Babe liked to perch on her glasses and once fell into her cereal bowl while doing so. 

A Little Bird Told Me

Despite my decision to remain uninterested in the avian species, in the years that I rose as an early bird long before the sun to write I’d crack my window in the spring when the birds welcomed the day with song. The volume at that time of the year, for that brief time in the morning, is nothing like the rest of the year. It made me feel better to know ‘someone’ else was up with me in the wee hours of the morning. 

Eagle Eye 

But, I digress. Back to the bird watching. The birds around our home seem to really want to ensure that I watch them whether I want to or not. 

  • They’ve come ‘knocking’ on the window a few times in the last few years to torment Scruff. He’s always been fascinated by birds. When they swoop past him on the deck they are one of the only things that causes him to bark rather than just huff. He desperately wants to be their friend and from this visitor, and others, it seems as from this bird's-eye view that the feeling is mutual. 
                                                                Peering in at Scruff

  •  The birds ensure they erect multiple nests crowding so close to our house as if they’re vying for a room inside. We had to remove the wreath from our front door since they always put a nest there and wouldn’t permit anyone to enter or exit without a huge fuss. Last year we were surrounded with had two on the trees near the front porch and one in the back. So far this year, I’ve found there the first one outside our laundry room window. When I peered out this morning I got a beady stink eye right back. 
                                                              Hello from the kitchen!
                                          
  • They tend to like to sit in the gutter right outside my office where I work like a sitting duck for them to repeatedly startle me as they swoop in or dangle their tail down from their perch. 
                                                                 Hello from upstairs!

So maybe I am somewhat morphing into a bird watcher as they vie for my attention as I used to do with my Mom by saying, “look at me” while I did cartwheels through the yard. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll change and have a parakeet named Babe? 

Getting My Ducks in a Row 

Speaking of changes, I have some exciting writing stuff coming soon! Stay tuned here, or sign up for my newsletter, to hear more about my new Paranormal Cozy Mysteries coming out in a few months! That, or I can do some cartwheels through your yard—although I think the newsletter would be a little less uncomfortable for me now. 


Author Bio: Maureen Bonatch grew up in small town Pennsylvania and her love of the four seasons—hockey, biking, sweat pants and hibernation—keeps her there. While immersed in writing or reading paranormal romance and fantasy, she survives on caffeine, wine, music, and laughter. A feisty Shih Tzu keeps her in line. Find Maureen on her website, Facebook & Twitter Be the first to know about Maureen’s book sales and new releases by following her on BookBub, Amazon and/or signing up for her newsletter

10 comments:

Nancy Gideon said...

We're birds lovers and bird watchers here at my house (especially my three cats!). My sister has seed cakes hanging practically on every sturdy branch to insure we have plenty to enjoy. Having lived in a third floor apartment up in the trees, I've always fed and enjoyed the animal and avian kingdom who came to visit and partake (there are no skinny ones!). We can recognize them by their song and colors. My particular favorites are our pair of morning doves who coo and strut around the garden. And yes, Maureen, I DO share your dread of parakeets, a phobia begun when visiting aunts and uncles who had them free ranging in their living room fluttering unexpectedly and pooping at will. Ewww.

Diane Burton said...

My aunt had a parrot who surprised the heck out of me the 1st time I saw it. Hubs is more of a bird watcher than I am. We live on a neighborhood pond. The inhabitants provide lively entertainment--ducks, geese, an egret. I love the songs of the mourning doves and cardinals.

Maureen said...

Glad to hear you're keeping the birds well fed, Nancy. lol about our shared dread of parakeets.

Mary Morgan said...

It would seem as if your home and the surroundings are magical, Maureen. :) I love watching the birds around our home. I keep a special bird feeder near our lemon tree for the hummingbirds. Yet I've found that all types of birds enjoy the sweet nectar I make and I'm constantly filling it up. Even the bees descend around the feeder to drink. Wonderful post and I loved the photos.

Nightingale said...

I loved the Babe story. Such a witty tale, Maureen. And I can see where the birds might win. There's something serene about a bird just sitting staring at you--like he's trying to share with you what it's like to fly. Good luck in your continued resistance. You sure it's not because you're just staring at a blank screen waiting for something other than It was a dark and stormy night to happen? :-)

Tena Stetler said...

I vote for the cartwheels through my yard. LOL Our wild bird population as grown since the terrible wildfires last year. Guess a lot were displaced. I love to watch them in the back yard with my own parrot Taco. We have two birdbaths and a feeder, take it in at night so as not to attract night time predictors. Indeed is appears that your wild birds want your attention. LOL If we are late putting the bird feeders out, the birds come tapping on the windows of the sunroom and out skylights in the bedroom. LOL Loved your post and pictures. Thanks so much for sharing!

Maureen said...

I forgot about your parrot Tena- I do love seeing pics of Taco!
Diane- lol that you had the same reaction to meeting the parrot as I did to my Grandmother's parakeet.
Thanks, Mary! I do try to look for some of that magic surrounding us.
Linda- it may have something to do with distracting me!
Thanks so much for visiting!

Jessica E. Subject said...

Oh, I do love watching the birds! But, I wouldn't call myself a birdwatcher, as I don't go out to specifically look for them. We do feed the birds (and squirrels and rabbits) in the winter, and I like to see what species I can identify. The strangest birds I've seen are the flicker and the pheasant. We also have ducks in our neighborhood that nest in our neighbor's pool.

Keri Kruspe said...

Wonderful article, Maureen! My Jack Russell "Terrorist" loves watching the bird feed outside the window of our living room. Them birdies keep her company while my hubby and I work!

Lea Kirk said...

Love this article, Maureen. I'm a fan of most birds from a distance. Love to hear them sing, and even bounce around on the roof outside my office window. It's bird poop that grosses me out. However, put me in a room with raptors and I melt into a puddle of adoration. Weird, but we are talking about me. LOL.