- While on the topic of birds….
- April 13, 2008 Filed under: Birdhouses, Birds, Wildlife
Before I started the birdhouse project I really had no conscious interest in the subtle sounds and behaviors of our feathered friends. Since, however, I have become somewhat of a casual birder.I have on occasion stored a number of the birdhouses you will find in the shop, on my back patio. Almost immediately the prospect of a new, safe dwelling attracted a number of birds–the Bewick’s Wren in particular. The birdhouses had a number of new inhabitants within days and suddenly the patio became a thriving neighborhood.
It’s amazing to me what a little conscious awareness can bring to daily life. The birds have always been around, of course, but now that I’m tuned to them I have learned to identify voices and individuals. It’s a thrill to watch the whole cycle, from nest building to hatchlings, to leaving the nest.
Over time the wrens have gotten used to me, too. A month ago, one male had no problem walking over my foot on his return to the house with food. Nobody seemed the least nonplussed if I came within a few feet of their apartment. I would have been more disturbed if I was paid a visit by a nosy landlord.
Did I mention I have a bird dog? He’s grown used to the inhabitants, too. Occasionally he’ll give chase when one of the wrens is pecking at the ground but it’s more of a game to him than anything. As quick and sly as he is, he doesn’t have a chance. I think the birds have come to enjoy him. He keeps the cats away.If you live or work in an area where you don’t have easy access to the soothing chorus of birds, check out this site. This 24-hour broadcast streams recordings of woodpigeons, greenfinches, wrens, magpies, blue tits, and others (including the sound of an occasional cow or sheep). Birdsong radio was created as a test prior to the launch of Classic FM in 1992 and was rebroadcast on occasion in the years following.
The site claims it is only broadcasting its repeating loop temporarily. It’s a shame. I have come to know the birds there, too.
