About 2 years ago, my dad suggested getting a bird feeder
for the backyard. At the time, my mom
thought it an odd request, but dutifully went along.
Little did she know, that this would set forth a course in which
she herself, would become the bird Nazi.
As it turns-out, the feeder has been a source of great joy
and entertainment for my Mother.
My Father?
Well he probably spends more money on bird food than he does
on beer; he can frequently be seen in the backyard, bathrobe and slippers,
dodging sparrows whilst filling the feeder (as per gentle reminding from his
lady); and he has been summoned on more than one occasion, to provide hands-on rescue
services for window-slammers. My Father?
On the flip side, he has learned SO much more about bird
breeds than he probably ever thought he’d care to.
Feeder regulars include “The woodpeckers”, “The Cardinals”, “The
Finches”, and “The Sparrows”… you know, the happy gang. Like any local pub, the gang pretty much gets
along, everyone adding a little something to the ecosystem of the tranquil
backyard.
But then something happened this spring, turning my mother into
a totalitarian dictator.
“Those damned Red-Winged Black Birds”
And so, with her regulars under threat of invasion, she has
taken to standing at the window with a towel, waving it into the air in an
attempt to shoo those commi black bastards away.
As I sit typing this, there are 2 big suckers chowing down
at the feeder while the little guys wait their turn, watching tentatively from
the bushes.
So my wish is for a feeding system that offers acceptance
for all kinds of birds, equality for all… as it were.
And what about the squirrels!? Can’t we have some compassion
for those dudes? I mean they really try
hard, and all we do is put obstacles in their way.
Can’t we all just get along?
 |
|
|
