eBirdseed.com Wild Bird Feeding Blog

Standing in my kitchen in early morning, with the screened sliding glass door open, I have a clear view of my wild bird feeding area. I have already put out seed and fresh water before sun-up.

First to arrive are the little brown birds. The familiar larger brown bird hops across my concrete back porch. One small bird perches on the edge of the water bowl for a drink. Here come the quail from out of the underbrush to scamper across the lawn. Extremely skittish, if they detect any movement while feeding, they retreat in a flurry of simultaneous movement. Every now and then an aqua blue parakeet stops by. In all probability he somehow escaped captivity or was turned loose. I marvel at his adaptability and survival skills.

Soon my favorite, whom I've come to call Mr. Scrub Jay, announces his arrival and the others quickly depart. Mr. Scrub Jay grabs some seed and takes off with his familiar swooping flight across the yard and over the bushes. I go about my day, and return late afternoon to find the seed gone, the water dish dry. I replenish it all for late afternoon feeders.

While observing the wild birds, realize that they have come to rely on the food I put out as much as I have come to anticipate their daily arrival. The wild birds have provided me with much enjoyment as well as great photographic opportunities. I must have at least a hundred images of Mr. Scrub Jay. He is not only photogenic, but he loves to pose! What a great bird! I would certainly miss him if he no longer visited me! This human-wild bird interaction benefits both. Like I said in my first blog, I used to think people who took an interest in birds were slightly goofy. Well, call me goofy! I now find wild birds to be unique, interesting and intelligent creatures! We can learn a lot by providing them food and just observing them.View image

Thanks and I welcome your comments!

California Kathryn
Fallbrook, CA