The Birds at River Oaks Drive

The birds here at my new house at first might look the same,

rats with wings, fleeting things, although not quite so tame.

They may fly, sing, soar and squawk and even sound the same,

But the birds back at the old place, put these new ones to shame.

Yes, they may be more colorful, plentiful and varied.

But I'd trade these yellow finches for the way the robin carried

her dignity, her poise, her noise, the way she never tarried;

building a nest on my back porch for the lover she had married.    

These new birds live in the woods and come soaring down for seed.

They play and fuss and sometimes fight, all to feed their greed.

The blue birds chase the cardinals who have gathered here to feed,

They chase them off but can't eat now, with the finches filling their needs.

They remind me of corporate raiders, and the plots they often hatch,

But instead of penthouse suites they make their plans from a nest of thatch. 

So I really miss the old birds, the ones I used to watch. 

Though the new ones might be colorful, they're simply not a match....

The Cardinals Nest

For whatever reason, our homes have always attracted various animals. Squirrels, doves, wrens, lizards, turtles, frogs, and even Midnight the cat, have all made themselves comfortable with us over the years. But the latest addition is really exceptional.

A family of cardinals has just taken up lodgings in the creeping vine which grows between the back porch and the downspout. They are only feet from me when I sit out back to play music, or just to lie in the sun. I usually find the chirping of birds distracting, especially if I can’t see them, but this family; let’s call them a Council of Cardinals; are exceptionally entertaining.

They are currently in the process of moving in and building their nest, and it seems that everyone in the family has a job to do. So far as I can tell, the family consists of three; so far no sign of Papa. So, basically it’s Mama and her two hatchlings doing all the work.

They fly in with material and then turn right back around after dropping it off. After several sorties they all congregate inside the vine, atop the rain gate , and then there is  incessant chirping as they each debate their own visions about how the nest should be constructed. In the end, I’m sure, Mama will win out.

They’re still a bit wary of me; it’s probably the banging of the screen door as I go in and out which startles them. They are probably wondering who the hell I think I am, living on the side of their new home? But they tolerate me. After all, the cat is friendly and when the bird feeder next door at Chip and Anne’s is empty, they can always wing over to Midnight's bowl for some cat food. In a unique sort of way, it’s a self-sustaining eco-system. It should last forever. Well; as long as I supply the cat food.

If you enjoyed this story about the wildlife in my backyard, you might also enjoy this true, but sad story from 2011;

http://robertwilliamsofbrooklyn.blogspot.com/2011/03/lovers.html