Summary

The website content is a personal essay detailing the author's love for birds, their influence on her life, and the importance of bird conservation.

Abstract

The author of the essay expresses a deep affection for birds, describing how their songs and presence have been a source of comfort and joy throughout her life. She shares her experiences with various bird species in different regions of the United States, from the black-capped chickadees of her childhood to the bald eagles near her current home in Iowa. The essay also showcases the author's artistic talents, including watercolors and oil paintings of birds, as well as her hand-carved cypress knee sculptures. She recounts memorable encounters with birds, such as a hummingbird landing on her feeder and a close-up view of a loon while boating. The author emphasizes the interconnectedness of human and avian life, noting how birds predict weather, control insect populations, and entertain with their antics. She calls for action to protect birds from extinction due to habitat destruction, pesticides, and extreme weather, suggesting that readers maintain feeders, provide water, and avoid harmful chemicals like Roundup. The essay concludes with a reflection on the unity of humanity, inspired by the lessons of nature, and a response to a writing prompt about the significance of birds in our lives.

Opinions

The author believes that birds have a therapeutic effect on humans, lifting spirits with their songs.
She values the diversity of bird species, particularly those found in the Eastern states of America and New England.
The author is concerned about the impact of climate change and human activities on bird populations, citing the loss of habitat and the use of pesticides.
She is an advocate for creating bird-friendly environments, including the use of feeders and bird baths.
The author appreciates the role of birds in ecological balance, such as hawks controlling the rabbit population and birds managing insect numbers.
She finds artistic inspiration in birds, which she expresses through various forms of art.
The author has had personal, enriching experiences with birds, which she considers miraculous and captivating.
She disagrees with the divisive narratives often presented in the news, instead promoting unity and shared humanity as reflected in nature.
The author encourages readers to learn from birds and other aspects of nature, suggesting that they can teach us about the power of a higher being or the interconnectedness of life.

benefits of birds

Our Feathered Friends Sing and Chirp to Start Their Day, Reminding Us That All Is Well

Author’s photo of birds at two of her backyard feeders

Birds have always been my loyal friends, comforting me when I was sad. I can’t stay in the dumps for long when I hear their joy-filled songs. Black-capped Chickadees cheered me on my walks to school down our dirt road.

The Eastern states of America have a wide variety of birds. This is due to the diversity of deciduous trees. Those states have the best fall colors for the same reason.

I live in Iowa now. I miss seeing the vast species of birds in New England.

We may be in for a cold, hard winter this year. I saw two bald eagles soaring on an updraft the other day. I rejoiced even though it’s early for them to be here. Bald eagles overwinter near the Mississippi River where I live. The locks and dams keep the ice at bay so fish are easy to catch.

Birds have influenced my life to such a degree that I paint them.

Here are two watercolors of a Wren and a Loon.

I’ve had some brazen bird encounters this summer.

After refilling a hummingbird feeder I went outside to hang it. Before accomplishing that task, a hummingbird landed on the feeder in my hands. I froze. It drank like there was nothing unusual. Its thirst satisfied, it flew away.

My heart skipped a beat at the miraculous wonder of it. After a while that cheeky bird hovered near my back window. I realized it was trying to tell me to move its feeder. As soon as I changed the position it zoomed in to drink.

Have you ever seen hummingbirds dancing? That same hummingbird brought its mate around. The two faced each other and performed a glorious ballet style dance. I don’t know how else to describe it. Then they shared the feeder, drinking their fill.

I have carved birds on cypress knees.

These were done using hand tools. Below is a Brown Pelican.

she is sitting on an egg in process of hatching

These represent a Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle.

cypress knees limit the space in which to carve a subject

Last summer my family stayed at Snowbank Lake in Minnesota. My daughter, Chris and I were recalling many fond memories. It was her husband’s first time there. While sightseeing in the motorboat, we noticed many loons in one bay.

Chris cut the motor so we could observe them. We had never seen so many on the lake before. While floating one loon popped through the surface surprising us. It was so close, that we could admire its distinctive markings. Then it dove underneath again. Their eerie call captivated us that entire week.

These are some of my oil paintings.

this is an amateur painting of a Barn Owl with babies

Some bird behavior isn’t always pleasant.

A red winged blackbird attacked me while riding my bike on a Wisconsin trail. Thank God I wore a helmet. I surmise that the bird had built a nest too close to the trail and was warning me away.

Have you ever picnicked near a body of water? I’m sure you’ve experienced aggressive gulls trying to snatch your food.

Sometimes birds predict the weather.

One time in New Zealand, a snow storm stranded my friend and I in a hut. We had started to ration our food. The world was white and SO quiet. Two days later I saw birds on the snow. I knew that the storm had passed. Lizzie and I hiked out of there as fast as we could.

Other times when I see no activity at my feeders, I’ll check the weather forecast and sure enough, a storm is on the way.

A Chickadee crossstitch in progress

I don’t want to imagine a world without birds. The Audubon Society states that many species are becoming extinct. Extreme weather and forest fires destroy their habitat. Man builds homes on land that once provided shelter and food for birds. The preponderance of pesticide use is affecting them also.

Our beautiful birds need our help. Most of my neighbors have feeders in their yards. I have a bird bath that they use to drink at and bathe. I’m fortunate to have different birds at my four feeders which offer a diverse menu. Harrow Hawks keep the rabbit population down.

My birds control insects in my yard. They entertain me with their antics. They fill my yard with song. Join me in protecting them. Maintain feeders, place birdhouses, provide water, and say NO to Roundup.

Wisdom comes with all we see, God writes His lessons in each flower, And ev’ry singing bird or bee Can teach us something of His power. Maud Lindsay

I would like to add to this quote. I have found in my world travels that we are the same. It doesn’t matter what color or language or country we’re in. God’s spirit resides in all. The News tries to divide us. Don’t absorb the lies. Learn from the flowers, the birds, our pets. They have much to teach us.

This article is written in response to the prompt The Chirping Birds suggested by Dr. Preeti Singh.

I hope you enjoy reading these two articles as much as I did.

One expresses his emotions about birds disappearing. Another tells of the love & interaction of her dog.

Elder Taoist writes about small birds disappearing on his land. Is it due to changing weather patterns or the smoke from recent forest fires? Birds do respond to the subtle changes in their environment.

Where Have All The Small Birds Gone?

The recent drought has upset our local ecology.

medium.com

Ali Hall writes a moving piece about deciding to let her beloved dog go. This heartfelt post is sure to move you, especially if you’ve had a great dog in your life.

I Forgive Myself For Letting Her Go

Sometimes acts of kindness are found in the unthinkable

medium.com