Conversations at the Feeders

Do you ever wonder about conversations between birds as they gather at the feeders? Well, I do. I see them watching one another, making sounds, maybe calling to other members of their flock (family) to join them for a meal.

Two beautiful little blue birds rule one of my feeders. When others come, they flap their wings to shoo them away. Then, they continue their discussion of the latest trends in feeders, gardening, hunting for worms, or perhaps they offer opinions to one another on where to find the best shelters and cleanest houses. Their conversation reminds me of those I have known in the human world, engrossed in a private conversation over a cup of coffee and a piece of homemade pie fresh out of the oven.

I have seen the reactions of female birds when a certain male arrives at the feeders. The females immediately leave, making room and giving precedence to the male of their flock. He is beautiful in color and easy to spot. He eats a few morsels, then cocks his head back and lets out a loud whistle. I don’t think he is calling others to feed; I think he is just proud of his accomplishments and his good looks. Another group of females arrive and he spreads his wings, rising up above the feeder, and squawking, a sign for them to leave. They wait patiently on a branch above while he takes his time finishing his lunch.

When he leaves, the females who have been waiting, swoop down to the feeder and begin nibbling at the seeds and fruit. They seem jittery and I soon discover why. In the middle of the tree, hidden in the leaves and branches, is our cat Zero. The female birds fly away to safety, screaming to the others, “Cat alert! Cat alert!” The cat, disappointed that she was discovered, licks her lips as she slides down the trunk, planning another strategy for next time. She doesn’t give up. She will plan, prepare and give it another try.

A female bird arrives with several young birds in tow. I can see that she is teaching her young to hunt for food. She flies down to the ground beneath the feeder and they follow. She plucks a nice, juicy worm from between the blades of grass while her young are scampering about, trying to do the same. With the cat still in close proximity, she sounds a warning to her young flock and flies back up to the tree. Her young, understanding her warning, do not hesitate to follow. They feast at the feeder, chirping among themselves about their exciting and frightening close encounter with the resident cat. Mother Bird has forgotten about eating and is taking the time to teach her young chicks about listening and acting quickly when she calls the warning. As I blink my eye, they quickly fly to the top of the oak nearby. I can still hear the mother giving her lecture about cats.

Do I spend too much time watching the feeders? Maybe. Perhaps. Probably not. It is part of the joy of living the country life, with beauty surrounding me, and the sounds of nature calling me to “Come see what God has done.” Work can wait. For me, I will enjoy the moments as they come.

Conversations at the Feeders