Just like my last lake cottage experience sitting and reflecting on the nature around me always seems to well up inside me a need to create. Here are the words of that creation.
The wind blows furiously. The treetops bobble up and down, to and fro. The porch swing sways back and forth. The vines intertwined along the support poles of the porch scraping the ceiling. With each new gust of wind the porch groans its acceptance of the blow. The hummingbird feeder waves wildly, caught in a whirlwind. The clouds and wind create a daytime strobe light, blinking off and on. The shadows on the porch come and go with the swiftly moving clouds. Under the cloud cove
r the wind blows cool across your skin leaving goose bumps in its path.
The wind hurries atop the trees in omnipresence, rustling the upper most leaves and swishing the tall grasses below. A hawk harnesses the wind hovering in the sky. His wings are spread wide and his tail feathers keep him anchored to the air with little effort. His head scans the ground looking for movement. The chorus of leaves yells loudly as the wind whips them around. As fall converges on the land the wind breaks off the dying leaves and sends them hurtling to the ground with speed and force. No mercy is shown. As the gusts mount, the gardens purge themselves of their flying flowers. No bird songs are heard. The crickets’ hum is barely audible above the slapping of the leaves. Only the highest pitches break through the cacophony of the treetops.
Thousands of small waves dot the black waters while the shore reeds are thrashed about, their roots being tested. The docks creak against their supports. The spider webs grip the corners with all their strength. Some are ravaged by the wind. Along the shore the purple martin condos perch atop metal poles appear strong and unwavering. Without occupants they look out to the water as overseers of the land. The air is refreshed as the wind catches the water flinging the drops into the atmosphere. The sunspots on the water reflect the hidden sun. The clouds form dark pools over the water. The horizon is bright with the promise of light.
The wind changes directions finally catching the ropes supporting the tree swing. It begins a fitful dance in the air. The branches sway the chords at the winds’ command. As the current dies down the butterflies and dragonflies begin their promenade once again. The clouds slow and the suns peeks out, it’s rays immediately penetrating the land.
Did you know there is a ‘most wanted’ list for birdhouses. Can you imagine such a thing? Cornell University has a great ornithology department. Their website “The Birdhouse Network” mentions the usual birdhouse occupants: Eastern Bluebirds, Western Bluebirds and Mountain Bluebirds, Tree Swallows, House Wrens and House Sparrows but they are eager to learn more about the other “cavity-nesting” birds that don’t show up on their usual “Top 10″ lists. So they have given the public an assignment. One I am sure avid bird watchers will take quite seriously. Please if you want to help Cornell in their research department they are eager for you to set up bird houses a.k.a. nesting cavities for the following birds: Mountain Chickadee, Purple Martin, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Eastern Screech Owl, Great Crested Flycatcher, Bewick’s Wren and many more. Check out http://www.birds.cornell.edu/birdhouse/outreach/most_wanted and see the birds and what kind of cozy home you can build for them!!
Build a birdhouse…Save a bird!
Big birdhouses, small birdhouses, wooden birdhouses, decorative birdhouses…there are just as many different types of birdhouses as there are people.
You know the saying ‘pets often look like their owners’…well the same applies to birdhouses. We pick birdhouses based on our personality.
*If you like to decorate in the shabby chic style an elaborate but tasteful birdhouse hits that pleasure spot!!
*If you are very down to earth you would probably pick a simple wooden birdhouse.
*If you are a little more artistic then you would probably own a painted gourd birdhouse.
* If you love action and conversation a purple martin birdhouse would be just right for you.
*If you are like me part artistic, part down to earth and mostly melancholy then you would have an authentic turn of the century ceiling tile birdhouse that had been scientifically tested to only attract bluebirds!!
The list goes on and perhaps one day I will create a test that matches personality style to type of birdhouse but for now I encourage you to pick one or 2 birdhouses and enjoy the show!
Send any questions, comments, pictures, stories and more to cs@everydaybirdhouses.com
