I check the two kitchen windows during the day. This morning I saw nine Starlings in one kiddie pool. I position the two pools so they have shallow water and no water at all on one end - their beach. Birds do not like deeper pools. They love having enough just so they can dip their heads and let the water run over their backs to their tail-feathers.
The Starlings take turns, with two standing on the lid and dropping down into the crowd to shove two out of the water. They continually do this in sharing the fun. They could split up into two groups, but they seem to enjoy togetherness more than water. They always arrive in groups, keeping a scout watching while they eat or bathe, and taking off as a flock when the scout says, "Let's go."
During playtime I saw a streak of red. The Cardinals - far more dignified - show up in various ways to remind me of their need for food. I put a handful of almonds on each barrel, and one Cardinal landed alone, shocked by choice food around his claws. I backed away so he could eat in peace and perhaps call Mrs. Cardinal over for her share.
The best moment of the day was a coffee session on the front porch. I have three Hummingbird feeder handers - courtesy of Ranger Bob - two very close to the porch, but one next to the porch, which is only inches above the ground.
I moved the middle one next to the porch so it would be Bob while he enjoyed coffee. The Hummingbird hovered over the feeder, going from "flower" to "flower," a foot away from Bob. We enjoyed every dip of the Hummingbird into the plastic nectar flower.
That moment was the result of two years of feeding and slowly walking the feeders closer to the porch.
Time invested will bring intangible rewards.
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| Monarch Butterfly bait (milkweed) - it works. |
