avatarWilliam J Spirdione

Summary

The web content is a heartfelt reflection on the joy and companionship that birds bring to our daily lives, emphasizing the emotional connection and the importance of providing a safe habitat for them.

Abstract

The article "The Chirping Birds Never Let You Down" captures the essence of the relationship between humans and birds, illustrating how the presence of birds such as the red-bellied woodpecker, tufted titmouse, and black-capped chickadee, among others, adds a sense of friendship and continuity to our lives. The author, William J Spirdione, echoes Dr. Preeti Singh's sentiments about the uplifting nature of birdsong and details the unique characteristics and behaviors of various bird species that visit his habitat. The piece also touches on the mutual comfort and recognition that develops over time between the observer and the birds, highlighting the pleasure derived from caring for these creatures. The author uses personal experiences to advocate for the preservation of diverse bird habitats and expresses gratitude towards the publication Reciprocal and its editors for fostering a community of nature writers.

Opinions

  • Birds are likened to friends whose absence is noted and whose presence brings joy and a sense of security.
  • The author expresses a deep appreciation for the distinct personalities and behaviors of different bird species.
  • There is a concern for the birds' safety, especially in the presence of predators like the red hawk.
  • The article conveys a sense of wonder and joy in the simple act of observing and interacting with birds.
  • The author values the role of human intervention in creating a safe and diverse habitat for birds.
  • Photographs taken by the author are acknowledged to be less about technical sharpness and more about capturing the birds' emotions and personalities.
  • The author encourages reading related stories and poems that celebrate the connection between humans and birds, as well as the importance of nature in our lives.
  • Gratitude is expressed towards Reciprocal and its editors for their support of nature writing and the community it fosters.

RECIPROCAL NATURE PROMPT

The Chirping Birds Never Let You Down

Flittering and twittering about they welcome us home

Photo by William J Spirdione (red-bellied woodpecker)

Just like Dr. Preeti Singh mentioned in her story about birdsong and the joy it brings.

There are some birds that are like friends.

I definitely agree. If we don’t hear their chatter as we walk by their usual roosting spot we wonder.

Photo by William J Spirdione ( tufted titmouse and black-capped chickadee )

There are more and more birds that we recognize as friends as the seasons slip away.

The trilling flocks of dark-eyed junco hopping across the seed strewn snow.

The joyful bluebirds with their color and song.

The tufted titmouse and the many black-capped chickadee with their fearless nature swooping down for a sunflower seed. Flying so close beside me.

The loud drilling of the many woodpeckers. Pecking for a meal or nest in the many dead limbs and trees on the edge of the forest. There are pileated woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, eastern woodpeckers and downy woodpeckers.

We listen for the cooing of the morning doves and the peaceful feeling they always bring.

Photo by William J Spirdione ( bluejay and mourning dove )

Listen for the song of the sparrows and the colorful finches. The nuthatch running down the trunk of the silver maple. Soon it finds another seed to hide. So many songbirds singing. Warblers warbling.

If we hear silence in the trees after the loud warning call of the bluejay, we worry.

Did its nemesis, that screaming red hawk, swoop down for a mid day snack?

Photo by William J Spirdione ( male northern cardinal on a wire )

We become so accustomed and comforted by these winged creatures. Robins hunting in the grass for worms on a rainy morning. The many voices of the grey-catbird as it jumps from branch to branch. The buzzing of the ruby-throated hummingbirds visiting the garden’s flowers during the warmer weather. The cawing of a family of crows watching it all happen from the dead branches at the top of an old ash tree.

Photo by William J Spirdione ( black-capped chickadee )

Longtime friends who frequently stop by to snack and sing bring much joy.

I have come to love these birds more and more each passing season. They so quickly accept their human nieghbors into their little bird hearts. It is with great pleasure we continue to provide these birds a safe and diverse habitat, and it’s a joy to feed them.

Photo by William J Spirdione ( Eastern red squirrel with a dark-eyed junco )

As free as a bird flies. Humans have always dreamed of flying.

Photo by William J Spirdione ( dark-eyed junco )

The winter photos were taken earlier this year and the others this week. All of the images above were created with an iPad and a clip-on 20x magnifying lenses shown below. They are not the sharpest images though they allow for the showing of the birds emotions and individual pesonalities.

Photo by William J Spirdione

Even these chirping bird tracks in the snow are joyful.

Photo by William J Spirdione (cardinal and red squirrel prints)

And I can’t forget those birds who depend on us for there care and safety.

Selfie with hen by William J Spirdione

Written in response to another of Dr. Preeti Singh’s weekly nature prompt, ‘The Chirping Birds’ at Reciprocal.

Please read her free and happy story and prompt for the birds….

Please read Somsubhra Banerjee’s wonderful poem about two birds perspective…

And let us hope the songbirds return to Elder Taoist’s back yard and read his story here…

Thank you, Reciprocal, and its editors, Sahil Patel, Yana Bostongirl and Dr. Preeti Singh, for all the continuing support you give to the writers of this fine publication.

Nature
Reciprocal
Photography
Photo Essay
Birds
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