THE FEEDING FRENZY IN MY GARDEN

With the first major snow storm here, a feeding frenzy began. The birds obviously could not find food, so came to my feeder. A number put out feeders in the area, but I was pleased to see so many birds. The Blue Jays who come are around six, and scatter seed as they feed. I thought it wasteful, but a friend offered the suggestion that they select the seeds they want and dispense with those they do not. They 'rule the roost,' so to speak.

Next, come the Mourning Doves. I have counted twelve roosting in the trees. They are pairs, and stay somewhat together. There is one pair, a soft pinkish-brown--beautiful. The rest are varying shades of gray. They are patient birds, waiting upon others, mostly ground feeding, although they use the standing feeder as well. I love their gentle sounds, but now with windows shut tight, I cannot hear them. I shall in the early spring.

Ah, the Cardinals. What would we do without them in the dullness of winter? They are indeed bright spots--well, four bright spots usually come with their gentler-colored females. They skirt the Jays, the males less nervous than the females. In a crowed feeding situation, the females bully each other, but never the males. They appear to feed first, and the females fit in, usually ground feeding, whilst the males prefer the large feeder.

The smaller, hanging feeder, is the province of the smaller birds--sometimes Juncos, although they are mostly ground feeders--the Chickadees, the Nuthatches, and the Sparrows. The larger birds flit there to eat from time to time. There is a Cardinal ring for perching, but the male Cardinals prefer the larger feeder, the females the ground.

Then there are the Squirrels. They are grays in this area, and tend to stay where they have been born. I don't see the old one so often. Occasionally he comes for feeding, sits in a tree and glares at me. We have a history. I tried in vain to keep him off the feeders until I got a 'Squirrel Buster,' my hanging feeder, and got smart enough to trim the branches he used as a launch pad. Always there was a baffle, but he sometimes managed to leap to it. The two younger ones ground feed and gambol about chasing one another, and appear content.

Once the storm settled, so did the birds. They come leisurely now, as they need during the day. They no doubt come first when I am abed, but there is a flurry of feeding before their bedtime.

Such drama! I love the frenzy; it is most enjoyable.