We've had some exciting bird years recently--I started a list, in fact, of all the birds we spot around the yard to just keep track of who we see. We also have had lots of nests on and around the house: Eastern Phoebes build them, and then when they're done, someone else takes over. This year, the one by the back door has been overtaken by a couple of house finches. And there are three wren houses scattered about the yard.
During the winter, we have a suction cup feeder we stick to the dining room window, which is mainly visited by chickadees, but the occassional cardinal and nuthatch comes to dine, too. This is very exciting for Earl and Inga, as they love chirping at them, trying to get the wild birds' attention. The parakeets immitate a gold finch very well, but haven't quite mastered the chickadee, though I heard Earl kind of do the 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' once.
Now that it's spring (well, only technically, as it's been snowing this weekend...), the chickadee feeder is down, and the finch feeder will go up in the backyard. The sunshine brings the birds out more, and it's made our parakeets feisty and ready to explore. The other day, both of them found their way into my craft room all by themselves! And Inga decided to try landing on the top of the cupboards in the kitchen, and I saw Earl in the hallway to our bedroom.
It's interesting to think about how they adapt and respond to change. In a lot of ways, I think they're like humans: at first anything foreign is scary and they want nothing to do with it. Over time, though, they realize maybe it's not that bad, and perhaps, it's even better than the way it used to be! Take Inga, for example, as I bought her a new perch that would be great for her feet and nails. For about 3 or 4 months, she avoided it religiously, but now, you'll catch her on it quite often:
I'm not sure why change is so hard, even when it's good change, and change you know has to happen, else life will stall. I have met a couple of people who thrived on change, but they're pretty rare, and our conversation about that subject didn't delve too deeply (and it was a long time ago, so I only remember having the discussion, not exactly what we talked about), so I don't have answers in that regard. Maybe it has something to do with our focus: God or the world? I don't know. I just know I'm one of those who struggles with change, but will do so, as I don't want to be left behind.
The birds are done molting, finally, and are much perkier!
Book recommendation: Hannah, Divided by Adele Griffin
Recipe recommendation: Pan-Roasted Pear Salad with Watercress, Parmesan and Pecans
Movie recommendation: Vantage Point
