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This summer's bird-watching ritual has grown into a full-fledged lesson on the order of life. Our bird feeders have attracted more interest than usual with a wider array of winged creatures visiting.
To our delight, the Baltimore orioles returned right on schedule to dip their beaks into the rich grape jelly we provide. The uniquely designed jelly feeder allows the birds to rest and eat at the same time. The only downfall has been the intrusion of a pesky squirrel and a pair of overweight raccoons.
After several attempts to block the unwanted jelly thieves, we simply remove the feeder at night, leaving the furry friends content to clean up the scattered sunflower seeds from the other feeders.
At the seed and suet feeders, there is a definite pecking order as to who eats what and when. The smaller song birds and cardinals have learned to move aside when the larger blue jays swoop in. You would think the jays would be at the top of the bird heap simply based on their size, but not so.
Even the bluejays have met their match when the assorted woodpeckers arrive. Watching the antics of all of these feathered freeloaders proved without a doubt that the woodpeckers rule the bird kingdom. These beautiful God-given creatures with their redheads and powerful peaks have given us hours of viewing pleasure.
However, the woodpeckers also can be annoying as they announce their arrival by pecking loudly on whatever noisemaker they choose. Unfortunately that is often at the crack of dawn just outside the bedroom windows.
Of all, the most entertaining of our bird friends has to be the tiny hummingbirds who enjoy the sugar water I brew for them nearly daily. Once the word got out, the number of hummers began to increase. As a result I added a few more feeding stations to accommodate my summer guests.
During the recent heatwave, I found myself refilling their feeders more often. It's the least I can do as I sit on the porch and watch them swoop here and there like skilled acrobats. It's a show only nature can provide.
All of the birds have taught us more than just the pecking order. We learned there is loyalty and love between some of the bird mates. We watched a large male woodpecker feeding a female who sat patiently awaiting the suet he dug out of the feeder for her.
The same occurred when a pair of mourning doves stopped to feed. Their weighty bodies barely fit atop the feeder but they managed to share their meal before flying off.
Experts say many birds mate for life. Now I can see why. Suet cake, anyone?
Heather Ziegler can be reached via email at hziegler@theintelligencer.net.