I am sitting at my kitchen window as I write this blog. I can see my garden, the woods and some of my feeding stations. It has been a strange summer with temperatures up and down and so much rain. My lawn was actually green and required regular mowing in August which never happens. My garden looks so good right now. I would like to take credit, but the weather has been good to my flowers.
I can see hints of color in the woods behind my house and I am reminded of the constant transitions in our lives. This some of the things I see observe that let me know that summer is waining. The wild grape leaves are turning red. Hornets are buzzing round the jelly feeder that the orioles abandoned a few days ago as left for their winter home. Hummingbirds are hitting both the flowers and the feeders hard as they try to bulk up for their long trek over the ocean. Did you know they need to double their weight this month? I have not seen Robins in quite a few weeks, and I no longer hear the raspy metallic call of the redwing blackbirds.
I know about plants because I touch the dirt they grow in. I pull the weeds they compete with, and I water them. I have better understanding of my backyard birds because I feed them.
Today I noticed not as many birds at my feeders, and I wonder why. Is there a hawk in the area. Is it because of the abundance of seed and insects that my friends do not rely on my feeding station? I sit and watch and to see what is happening.
The high humidity reminds me it is time to clean my feeders since mold likes this weather to grow. I also know it is time to clean out the bird house since nesting season is over. Another bonus is that is much more pleasant to wash feeders and houses while it is warm outside. I don't like cold wet fingers. '-)
The plants in my garden and the birds at the feeding station allow me the opportunity to observe nature in a much more meaningful way. Instead of looking at a blue screen reading about the world as I am told it is. I am looking out my kitchen window seeing the world as it is. Observation is a wonderful thing. It is we learn from reality not from the thoughts of others. I read a lot to gather information, but it is only from doing that I actually know anything. To me everything else is a theory or a possibility.
I sincerely believe that everyone should have a feeding or a watering station near the window they look out as they have an early morning beverage or the place, they take a momentary break in their busy day to look out see what is going on around them. Taking care of the feeder or watering station puts you out in the world, an active participant. It does not need to be big or elaborate or expensive. Simple works just as well to hone your skills of observation. Feeding birds, bugs and creatures will improve your wellbeing, I promise. It will give you a sense of your contribution to life. It will let you know that you are needed by providing care of other.
Take care of yourself. I recently hear a quote. You cannot serve anyone until you serve yourself. '-) gretchen