We have a plethora of what seems like extra bird activity this year. From hummingbirds to wrens nesting, red-bellied woodpeckers and thrashers at the suet feeder often, house finches and orioles – and the occasional thrasher – enjoying the grape jelly and sweet yellow finches hanging from the thistle seed feeder.

Last evening while John and I sat around the chiminea we were treated to this hummingbird who came back time and time again to sit a spell on this dead branch of the locust tree. We had planned to cut it down. But now, well, we just don’t have the heart to. Hummingbird just seems so content. Besides the fact, we’ve received so much joy being in the presence of this, my all-time favorite bird.

Then there are the wrens. I could watch them for hours and hours on end. Two years ago John surprised me with two wren houses he built for me. We placed them on the east side of Joyful Pause Cottage about ten feet apart. One of the houses is just outside the Victorian screen door and I am treated to their song all day long.

They are quite the busy little ones also when building their nest. I read that the male is the one who begins building the nest but then goes out looking for a mate. Once he finds one, she takes over with the nest building, while the male stands guard. That’s exactly what I’ve watched the last few days as a flurry of activity has been taking place! I purposely moved the vanity in my bedroom a few weeks ago facing it in front of the patio doors, just so I could watch all the birds while I get ready in the morning. Who needs a TV!

This morning a chipmunk was perusing the deck and the wrens weren’t happy about that. They took to hopping on his back and causing quite the ruckus to shoo him away. I’ve had challenges with chipmunks digging in my pots in the past, but so far this year that hasn’t happened. Perhaps the wrens are just the thing to keep them away.

Speaking of chipmunks, this little guy sure looked like he was up to no good…

And sure enough…

In he went. The hard part about him going inside this birdhouse is that I had watched just last week as wrens were in and out of this space too. I’m not sure if there were any eggs inside yet and chipmunks have been known to eat an occasional bird egg. While I hate to think about this, it is the cycle of life, and the chipmunks need to eat too.

And could he be any cuter peeking out that hole?

There’s always something to see here at Joyful Pause Cottage…and each critter is a gift and a reminder of all that you can be witness to when you just slow down and look around.

I hope you are enjoying a beautiful Memorial Day weekend wherever you are.

XO

Barb

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