I love waking up just before sunrise, sitting on the deck with a cup of coffee, and watching the birds appear one by one at my feeders. There's a whole pecking order--no pun intended (or is there?)--as they busily feed first thing in the morning. Size does matter in this case. The tinier birds, even though larger in number, still make way for bigger birds.
First to feed are the red-topped Acorn Woodpeckers. Very skittish, they slowly and painstakingly make their way to the suet feeder, looking around constantly, ready to take flight with even the slightest of movement. Their undulating flight back to their home tree across the way is a joy to watch. Like dolphins in water, they dip and rise and dip and rise.
Next to come, and in large numbers, are the Lesser Goldfinches who cling to the thistle sock feeders even in the fiercest of winds. One day I counted thirty-five at once! Like bees swarming at a hive, they fight to find a spot on the feeder and won't let go, except to take turns getting a drink of water.
Once the Northern Flickers arrive, the Goldfinches step aside--literally! Usually they take flight to the nearest branch or wire, but sometimes they line up on the deck railing and wait their turn. (See them lined up to the right.)
When all's clear, they swoop back and feed.
While our stunning though noisy Stellar Jays make an occasional appearance on my deck, they prefer to find their own food, stopping by for a drink now and then.
And even though I have a hummingbird feeder, wouldn't you know, they prefer the more natural source! My hibiscus--which did so beautifully on my deck through summer and fall, with blossom after blossom. I intend to buy several (from Lowes) next year!
Just recently I've been visited by some new guests that, like the Lesser Goldfinches, travel in large groups. They are called Band-tailed Pigeons, a species once reduced in numbers due to overhunting, but now coming back strong. They struggle to get the seed from the feeders--so I toss some on the ground for them. They also take turns at the water bowl.
It's late October now, and I can't help but wonder how much longer the birds will stay, and which, if any, will remain through winter. I can't imagine how any could survive. But I'm ready to watch and learn...and write!
