Porchside Reflections

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 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. (I'm just having a little fun but that is the way my brain works!)

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.

Oh, that sounds really good, doesn't it? Maybe a piece of my Mama's made-from-scratch chocolate pie? (Check the link below for the recipe.)

(Note to self: Okay, get back on track, Sandi. We're talking about birds, not pies.)

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.

His color is bright and beautiful which makes him easy to spot. He eats a few morsels, then cocks his head back and lets out a loud whistle. I don’t believe he is calling others to the feeder; I think he is just proud of his accomplishments and his good looks.

Another group of females arrive, and he spreads his wings, rising above the feeder, and squawking. It's a sign for them to leave. They wait patiently on a branch nearby 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!”

Zero, disappointed that she was discovered, licks her lips as she slides down the trunk. She will not give up. She will plan and prepare another strategy for next time. She will give it another try.

Another 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.

When she notices the cat 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.

In the blink of an 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.

Pause and Reflect

• When was the last time you slowed down long enough to truly notice the beauty around you?
• What small moments in your day might be quiet blessings waiting to be recognized?
• How can you create more unhurried moments in your daily life?
• Have you ever felt that God was speaking to you through an ordinary scene?

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the quiet gifts You place within our ordinary days. For birds that sing, for sunlight that warms, and for moments that invite us to slow our hurried steps. Help us to notice the beauty that surrounds us and to recognize Your loving hand in even the smallest details of life. Teach us to be still long enough to hear Your voice in the rustling leaves and morning breezes. Fill our hearts with gratitude for simple blessings and give us wisdom to learn from Your creation. May we trust Your protection, follow Your gentle guidance, and rest in the comfort of knowing we are never alone. Let our days be shaped by wonder, our thoughts by thankfulness, and our lives by consistent faith. In Jesus' name, amen.

Find a place to shut yourself away from the noise of the world and worship with Brooke Ligertwood, "A Thousand Hallelujahs."