birds

Local Watering Hole

Posted by Barbara Techel

Local Watering Hole

This scene of at least six to eight birds gathered at the bird bath right outside my writing cottage greets me at different times throughout the day, which only seems to happen like this in the winter months. It just lights my heart up! There is something so grounding and calming – almost meditative – in watching them.

Last winter I was disappointed that I couldn’t keep my bird feeders up because deer come through our backyard and eat the feed in one fell swoop. It took me a few days to figure out why my feeders would be empty the day after I filled them!

I was disappointed that I couldn’t keep feeding the birds as I love to see them all year. Though I do have a suet feeder where woodpeckers visit and the deer don’t seem to bother that feeder.

But the positive side to all this is having a heated bird bath I get to see a sweet scene of a flurry of action as birds flutter in and out, taking their turns at the local watering hole I’ve provided for them. And with all the leaves off the trees, after they have quenched their thirst they hang out out on the bare branches.

And I’m quite sure they are all raving how delicious and five-star the local watering hole is right outside Joyful Paws headquarters!

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The Unexpected Visitor

Posted by Barbara Techel

The Unexpected Visitor

Sitting at my desk in my writing cottage I heard the splashing of a bird in the birdbath right outside my screen door. I assumed it was a Robin as they often visit to use the shower facilities at this somewhat secluded location.

But oh! What a delight to see it was an Oriole. At first I thought my eyes were deceiving me as I usually don’t see them this time of year – nor do I put food out for them. But how sweet he stopped by to cool off for a bit and make my day before he flew off again.

I ever-so-slowly grabbed my camera sitting behind me and though this shot is through the screen of the door, I’m happy to have gotten it.  The last sites of summer are to be savored!

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If You Build It, They Will Come.

Posted by Barbara Techel

If You Build It, They Will Come

If you add beauty to the world, it seems nature will nod her head to you and bring unexpected beauty right back to you. If you build it, they will come.

Yesterday afternoon, only two weeks after our new landscaping was put in, Mrs. Robin has taken up residence in the limelight hydrangea tree outside my writing cottage window. She is been very, very busy building quite the nest!

I’ve watched with delight as she has gathered sticks and materials, hopping along the chocolate mulch. I’ll have to take a picture of the whole nest as it is even complete with streamers along the bottom that fly beautifully in the wind. She is quite the interior decorator!  But now I’m wondering if perhaps this is Mr. Robin doing all the building so that Mrs. Robin has a lovely place to lay her eggs?  I guess I better brush up on my bird knowledge.

And then there is Mrs. Wren building a nest inside a bird house that I’ve had a few years, but never saw anyone take up residence in it before. She is quite comical to watch as she approaches the opening with a stick four times her size in length and tries to get it inside.

Such excitement happening right outside my writing cottage windows these days. I don’t know how I’ll get any work done with all the action. I may just have to grab a cup of tea and just enjoy the view.

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