Where do indoor people find joy in winter? I love being outside, but there comes a time in life for some people when it’s simply too cold to enjoy being outdoors. I love where I live, and I cannot imagine spending time in the tropics, but some good sunshine and warmth certainly raises the spirit.
For many, a hobby can do the trick! Hence, bird feeding:) What a tremendous experience it is to feed the birds! Admittedly, because of prior close bear encounters, I relied on our gardens to provide food for our winged friends for many years, however, this year has proven to be an extremely cold winter, more than the past ten years or so. Thus, we made our wonderful pine cone feeders as Christmas presents for family and friends and here we are!
It began by using our own pinecone feeders that were quickly devoured by hungry blue jays and juncos. Ultimately, we decided we needed to throw some more seed outside since we attracted many birds with little food remaining. And so it began!
A solid $100 or so later, we are in a cold snap not looking to lift soon. Thankfully for us, our big and little birds remain consistent, even accepting a second round of food in the middle of the day (which I may do prior to lunch today!)
But why birds? They are life in motion. They have their own stories of survival through elements I would wither in quickly. Be it tiny as a black-capped chickadee, or large as a mourning dove, there is a fascinating social order to birds. Bring in the variety of woodpeckers and watch out!
This ideal and simply hobby requires a little money and effort. Even the dogs find joy in this, especially when our squirrels come out to snack for breakfast. We don’t mind. After all, they are Earth’s creatures, too.
Watching the animals is downright peaceful, and we can all use some peace. It can be a true challenge to sit still and simply be. This is what nature teaches humans, and I write this from the heart while I also navigate those swirls of questions and thoughts – am I doing enough? What am I doing? What am I supposed to be doing?
The answer is we are enough as is. Feeding the birds, observing nature, and taking care of those I love, including our wonderful home and the land around it, is exactly where I’m meant to be. And being still is nothing to scoff at! The creative ideas bloom here too.
Stories! The stones awaiting my return deep in the forest – they have so much to share. The trees, they support our company. How beautiful a thought on a cold winter’s day, to think about wandering among all beings, seen and unseen, and supported by a network of energy far beyond the imagination.
I’m ready for the imagination and the realities, a blend of human and folk stories. Perhaps our birds hold stories of what they’ve seen and endured, too. I am here to listen.
Breaking away from the daily busy-ness of life sounds wonderful, even easy; I encourage you to try it, and let the birds guide you. No words, no deadlines, no obligations other than stillness and an open heart.
I can do that.
