“Mommy, who is that guy that looks like Santa Claus and is always standing under his tree putting seeds in those green things? Honey, that’s the ‘Birdman of Walker Way’ I read about him on the internet. He’s always posting pictures of his hobby on Facebook.
Oh so that’s Mr. Lalley?
No, Honey, Mr. Lalley’s obsessed with bicycles. The Birdman is nuts over luring our feathered friends to his window where he reportedly sits for hours a day just staring at them waiting for the next photo opportunity.”
That’s right, I am “Birdman.”
It’s not a title I’ve sought but, after ten years retirement, I needed to feel needed and, even though I’m not sure if I’ll be able to handle all the responsibility, I have knowingly and willingly become caretaker to hundreds..perhaps thousands.. of birds in our neighborhood; providing them with daily sustenance free of charge asking only that they let me watch them eat.
All are welcome regardless of race, color or creed.
“Red and yellow, black and white, they’re all precious in his sight.”
(Well, I confess to having little or no patience with bully birds like Crows and Blue jays.)
A Downy Woodpecker dines at some seed spillage.
I was motivated by the desire to attract Cardinals to my man-cave window..not only because they’re beautiful to behold in their scarlet splendor, but regular followers of this blog and my Facebook page know that Cardinals have a spiritual significance as well.
Cardinals..both male and female have become regulars at the Birdman’s bed and breakfast.
Anyway, since hanging my first feeder several weeks ago, a pair of Cardinals have shown up to dine almost daily.
The day after hanging the first feeder, this cardinal stopped by. I called Linda into the room as I reached for the phone camera..snapping a photo just as he flew away. I was sure I’d missed him until checking the gallery. Linda and I were both amazed.
Yes, I said first feeder. Last week, I stopped by the Wild Bird Connection on S. Minnesota to pick up more seed and wound up buying a vertical feeder that the Finches, (of all colors) Chickadees, Nuthatches, Sparrows and Juncos love. It’s clear, too, that after watching for a while, you understand where the term “pecking order” comes from as these guys regularly do battle over a spot at one of the four dining perches.
I used to have a feeder hanging from our big maple tree in the backyard. It was fun for a while but the darn thing soon attracted more squirrels than birds. I tried several measures to keep the furry rodents off..but was out smarted every time which is rather intimidating. But now, both my feeders are guaranteed squirrel proof and it has given me particular pleasure to see them stumped in their continuous attempts to crack the code. At least so far. But I can see the wheels turning in their little hairy heads and won’t be surprised if they eventually have the last laugh.
I’ve gotta hand it to them. They’re persistent. He now knows that if he puts any weight on the perch it will close the food gate. I suppose now the SPCA will be calling with claims of animal cruelty.
Others have resolved to settle for the leavin’s below.
Now, you can’t offer up just bird food without providing a source of water for drinking and cleaning up after dinner So I’ve been searching the web to find a perfect birdbath that will best suit the needs of my feathered friends and be clearly visible from my perch in the house without having to strain my neck.
I’d like to have one that’s heated for use year round and multi-tiered with a running waterfall.
I’m getting a little push-back from Linda on that one, especially after admitting that it might dig into our savings a bit having to hire both a plumber and electrician to make this luxurious avian spa possible.
Hey, I told her. Let me get a dog and we can forget about the “Four Seasons Hotel” bird bath.
She then explains once again the pros and cons of dog ownership in which the cons are more logical.
And, she’s right, of course. We do like the freedom to take a few mini vacations each year whenever and where ever our hearts desire and having a pet would be a problem.
Which means, I guess, I’m going to have to find a bird sitter if we ever want to leave the house again.
7 Responses
We have three pheasants, ducks, geese and several small birds outback. Saw our first squirrel today, we have enough here 4 years, so he must have gotten our address off the internet.
Doug, if you want to see how one thing leads to another in birdwatching, read “The Birds of Pandemonium” by Michele Raffin.
Thanks for the post and the photos.
You can keep the really smart squirrels away by posting a recipe for squirrel stew near the feeders.
You’re getting some great bird photos! Glad you’ve been able to outsmart the squirrels, for now. I’m thrilled to be hearing bird song in the morning now. I just love spring!
We found a non harmful way to discourage squirrels from climbing our metal poles to the feeders. Tie a metal slinky over pole at the top and let it hang. Metal slinkys are hard to find. Found some at Toys “R” Us at the Empire Mall.
Hey Daddy Doug, I bet mom has one in the basement 🙂
We have a wood duck that has a nest in a tree in front of our house. This is the third year that we have seen her and her mate. Last year we watched as the little ducks dropped down from the nest, about 6 feet, to the ground. When they were all out, she gathered them together and walked across the road, probably looking for the nearest pond. It doesn’t take much to entertain us old people.