Bird Brain

Well, they say three’s the charm, so here is RunningBarb’s third post involving birds.

I was chatting with my friend, Biking J, about my joy in watching the hummingbirds at my feeder. She told me about a book she was reading, “The Backyard Bird Chronicles” by Amy Tan. You may remember Amy Tan as the author of many absorbing books such as “The Joy Luck Club” and “The Kitchen God’s Wife.” Did you know that in the past ten years she has become a bird aficionado? She began by watching our winged friends on field trips with birding groups. Then she realized she lived among quite the feathered community in her own back yard. She started learning about, journaling about, and drawing them. Feeding them, also, bringing many varieties up close and personal. Her book is a collection of her thoughts and observations as well as her rough sketches and stunning artistic images. Her gorgeous work inspired RunningBarb to get into the act: 

Early on she could identify only a few birds, but over time she became proficient in recognizing more and more, and becoming familiar with their habits. I think it is safe to say she is now a birding expert. 

While I can’t claim nearly the expertise that Amy can, I do have a few home birding experiences of my own. There was the hawk that built a nest in a tree next to my house and laid some eggs. As far as I know, the clutch successfully went off into adulthood. (No thanks to me. All I did was watch.) I invited my neighbors to come by and take a look. 

I remember a dramatic episode a few years ago when a fox came through our yard. Now, a fox prancing around here is not unusual. We have lotsa foxes in these parts. What was unusual was the reaction of the birds in the area. Normally the fox cruises on down the road without being bothered. But this one time all the birds in the vicinity went nuts. They were screeching and dive bombing the guy. They chased him out of the yard to who knows where. I don’t know what he did, maybe he had stolen an egg or something. But it goes to show, a group of committed individuals can get rid of someone they don’t like hanging around if they work together. 

We also have owls that live nearby. On morning I was out running in the early, early, early morning when one flew over my head on his way to a tree. He was so close I could practically touch him! His wing span was gigantic. It was the first time ever I was so near to a flying owl. I was lucky to be where I was at that moment.

So, yes, RunningBarb lately has had birds on the brain. They are everywhere and remind us of our place in nature. What specimens of beauty in our wonderful world.  

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