Watching a Bird Feeder
We have several bird feeders under our backyard Plum tree. I can easily see them from my easy chair. Barbara from her comfy spot on the couch. We don’t get into the real bird-watching stuff like recording the dates, numbers and kinds. I really don’t know all the different kinds. I know Cardinals, Blue Jays, Doves, Grackles, Finches and Woodpeckers. Beyond that they are birds. I do note when the Robins show up. I rejoice over that as it usually indicates warmer weather is on the way. Grackles arrival also mark the beginning of Spring but no one likes them. They are loud, obnoxious and come in numbers that run everything away even the squirrels. They take over.
Our most popular feeder is a box-shaped like a barn. The roof is yellow. The rest is green. It is large enough that it takes two ice cream buckets of seed to fill it.
When the big birds arrive the small birds scatter. The moment the large birds leave they return. They like to perch on a small ledge while they eat. I say small but it will accommodate a number of birds at one time.
I have noted several things about them.
They throw a lot of seeds on the ground. (The Doves love that). I don’t think they necessarily throw them out for the doves. I believe it is the seed they don’t like while searching for their favorites. The Doves get what is left after the others get theirs. —- Sounds like our society. First the “big birds”. Then the majority. Last of all the others can pick up the “leftovers “from the ground. —-
When the food gets low the big birds assert their strength and size to dominate the feeder making sure they get the choice of whatever is left. When the food gets too low, they leave. The small birds then flock in.
The amazing part is the small birds fight whether the feeder is almost empty or has just been refilled. I guess they feel insecure either way. As if someone will take their share. They are in constant motion pushing, shoving and pecking regardless of the feeder being almost empty or full.
Seems to reflect our society.
Where would you stand in bird society?