The day before, in the late afternoon, I was working in my yard when I glanced up to see a Rose-breasted grosbeak sipping water from the birdbath. It took my breath away, not only by its striking colors, but my shear surprise at seeing it. This sighting lasted only for about five seconds, as I had taken a couple of steps closer for a better look, when it flew off. I watched and hoped to see it again. This morning, around 7:15, I saw it at my feeders. It appeared unable to reach the sunflower seed, which is in a squirrel-proof feeder (a tube feeder with a cage around it). It is a rather large bird, being in the same family as cardinals. I had just ordered a new tube feeder (not squirrel proof) yesterday and I was wishing that I had it already. This time I was able to view the bird for a couple of minutes through my binoculars and it spent some time foraging on the ground around the feeders; although I had not yet sprinkled seed around as I do each morning.
I do not believe the Rose-breasted grosbeak is a resident here. I was privileged to see it, knowing that it was most likely just passing through on its migration northeast to its summer breeding grounds. Nature can delight us in so many ways if we are observant. I am anticipating the caterpillars and butterflies that will hopefully visit my garden when it gets growing. I love finding caterpillars and then trying to figure out which butterfly or moth that they will later become. I am thrilled whenever I discover a bird’s egg, a bird’s nest, a praying mantis egg case, or a baby snake (non-venomous). Each morning as I sit here at my desk, a young squirrel sits or naps on one of the lower branches in the tree, oblivious to my presence behind the window. Each morning I put peanuts out on the deck railing so the blue jays can snatch them one by one. I hope to plant some evergreen here, as well as berries and perhaps a fruit tree, or two. I know the more inviting I can make my small habitat; the more species will drop in or even take up permanent residence.
Every day there is something amazing to see, or to hear. Somewhere in the bible it talks about becoming as a child. To be filled with awe and enchantment and to feel enraptured within your soul, feels like a flower opening up to the brilliance of a new day. To greet the morning with a sense of expectation, knowing that it will contain unexpected gifts, is to live with the innocence and purity of a child.
