A Morning at the Fountain
A Photo Meditation on Birds
One of my favorite ways to spend a bit of time in the mornings is to perch, silently, on a little stone bench in the garden and watch the myriad of birds visiting the water fountain which we have placed there for them. Some birds prefer still water and others, such as these, like moving water. We provide a variety of seeds and suet and nuts and berries for them. And, in return, they bring us such joy in the form of warbling, twittering songs, and “water antics.” One of the hummers (shown below) has discovered that he likes to “surf” the bubble in the middle of the fountain, riding it to the edge and then hopping back on in the middle again, over and over and over and over again!
Here is our little surfer. He seems to be contemplating the waves. And there he goes, riding that bubble to the edge, over and over again!
The Lesser Goldfinch is identifiable by its “complete”cap.
This little one’s “punk rock hairdo” seems appropriate because they love to sing and they often steal snippets of other birds songs, creating their own tunes. They like seeds from the sunflower family.
The House Finch also loves to sing! Their long, twittering songs, and the sight of the male’s bright red breast bring such joy to the garden. They prefer oiled sunflower seeds, and are vegetarians for life.
This little girl doesn't sport the black cap that the male Lesser Goldfinch does. But, she sure can sing too!
And no morning would be complete without a visit from “Mama” squirrel, who has little “kittens” tucked away somewhere in the treetops.
These gorgeous jewels shimmer in the sunlight with an unmatched radiance. The mating males hover in front of the females in a “back and forth” pendulum pattern, then dive through the air in a deep “J,” wings whistling at the bottom of the swoop.
Female Finches are a bit tricky to identify. I am pretty certain that this little girl is a female Purple Finch because of the white eyebrow streak and belly.
These little girls, both the female Allen’s and the Anna’s, are very social at the nectar feeders. Males are quite territorial, chasing away any other type of male with ferocious chirping and a buzzing of wings. But oftentimes, I see all eight perches of the feeder occupied by the females.
It is so easy to provide water and seeds and to plant native species for the birds and other types of wildlife. The constant sound of song in my yard, and the flutter of little wings brings me great happiness and a deep sense of connection with nature’s beings. My hope is that this photo-essay will inspire you to do the same. For more information on providing habitats for these wild creatures, please see the National Wildlife Federation’s website.
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Photos and story ©Erika Burkhalter. All rights reserved.
