22 COUNTRY-MAGAZINE.COM FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018My Feathered Neighbors
T
he bite of winter
lingers on this March
day, but seeing my
feathered neighbors
outside cheers me up.
I savor my coffee in the warmth of
a south facing window while they
gobble theseed and suet treats.
Today’s snow has brought a flurry
of activity, and I am captivated by
the birds’ quirky personalities. An
upside down dining nuthatch
arrives first, and he spreads the
word, “Breakfast is ready!”
Soon at least 50 birds are vying
for a spot, like diners with a punch
card they can’t wait to fill.
The cast changesthroughouttheBACKYARD BLESSINGSCheerful cardinals, chickadees and Carolina wrens
lift my spirits on a snowy spring day.
day. At noon a flock of goldfinches
comes to snack on the thistle seed,
while brilliant red cardinals prefer
tranquil, late afternoon dining.
Chickadees and titmice stay all day,
sampling every feeder, afraid they
might miss a tasty morsel.
Two tiny chipmunk birds share
a block of suet. They’re lively little
fellows with reddish brown backs
and white stripes over their black
eyes. Although the bird books call
them Carolina wrens, I think they
look like feathered chipmunks.
Most of my visitors are content
sharing—they occasionally flutter
and fluff at each other but then
settle down and eat peacefully.This harmony is only disrupted
by the raucous blue jays that
behave like cranky children who
don’t want anyone else to play
with the toys, even though there
are enough for everyone.
The bleak day speeds by as I
return to my cozy spot, delighted
by the outdoor entertainment. As
the light begins to fade, I venture
out to restock the buffet. Two
chickadees stay for a talk; perched
near my head they chatter, as if
to ask, “Where have you been?”
When the feeders are full, their
tone changes: “Chick-a-dee-dee-
dee,” which I translate as, “Thank
you for the yummy food!”BY DEBBIE KAIMAN TILLINGHAST Chepachet, Rhode Island
Cardinals and
an upside-down
nuthatch (left) are
among Debbie’s
frequent visitors.