Birdwatching

also known as birding

Our bluebirds this year

It’s one of my favorite times of the year; the birds are nesting in our birdhouses. This season we have a family of bluebirds, and I’m also hoping for titmice, but you never know until you watch the parents bringing food to the young.

I only became a bird watcher after we moved to Cool. We had a few birdhouses that we had purchased when we lived in Montara. They only served as decoration in our yard, as no birds ever took advantage of them. When we were unpacking in our new home, we set one of the birdhouses on the porch rail, and the following day, birds had already begun building a nest in it. We experienced a learning curve that first year— birdhouses must not be within reach of cats/raccoons, etc.

Rick set out to rectify that problem the following year. He placed them atop poles and added a cone underneath the houses so animals could not climb the poles. We have had successful bird families every year since.

The birdhouse is in the distance right above Rick’s head.

A few years back, Rick and our buddy Lalo built a small deck under the trees where I could sit to watch the birdies at work. It has become one of our favorite spots to relax late afternoon as summer heats up, as it’s shady, and typically, we can enjoy a slight breeze. We’ll be spending time on the deck in the next few weeks watching these tiny creatures hard at work.

I connect with some basic life principles when I can slow enough to enjoy watching the birds. A few thoughts taken from Mind Fuel Daily - Lessons Learned From Birds.

Flock together

Birds seek strength and sustenance from one another. Keep friends and family close by as you navigate the days.

Be confident

Birds learn to trust themselves before they take off in the sky. So have faith in your abilities and know that you will find a warm current to soar in.

Spread your wings.

Eventually, all birds must leave the safety of the nest and become what they are meant to be. Have no fear of falling, and start flapping.