Backyard Birding During Quarantine
By Marlene Meyer
Last January, I had knee surgery. Unable to walk, I began my own personal quarantine before the arrival of this horrible virus, and found that I was prepared with activities to both keep me from going stir crazy and help lift my spirits through a long encampment.
I was prepared: Three hummingbird bird feeders hanging in separate locations on my back porch, flowering current bushes, two hanging “squirrel proof” bird feeders, one ground feeder (not squirrel proof), and a locked strong box filled with bird seed (squirrel-proof).
I always enjoy watching birds in my backyard, and yet as the days wore on, I became mesmerized by their activities and voracious eating habits, thankful for my husband’s diligence in filling and cleaning the feeders. One sunny day, my son suggested that I sit on the porch with my camera. He helped bring out a chair for me as I hobbled out with my walker and camera.
I ended up spending two hours watching and photographing the show. There were:
Three speed-demon Anna’s Hummingbirds darting from feeder to currant plant. We estimated they drink a cup a day!
Several excited Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees flicking between trees and feeders
The dash of a Nuthatch
Spotted Towhees and Black-eyed Juncos scurrying across the ground
A few House Finches flashing their red chests
And two Northern Flickers, not daunted by the small feeder openings as they used their long-pointed bills to grab some goodies.
What a treat! I was addicted. So, out I went the next day, with my walker and surgery knee, to see yet another amazing show. My husband is a great cook, and he seems to also know how to please the birds with good seed and suet. It’s a 5-star restaurant for the birds in my backyard. Species of birds that I had not seen for years began to appear: A sunlit Townsend Warbler, a tail-up Beswick Wren, a huge demanding Crow, and a Song Sparrow. Then, suddenly, they all disappeared. I looked for the cat. Then, there was a woosh to the top of our trellis. A Goshawk, staring down at the feeders. Needless to say, my camera was clicking with excitement.
I share with you my fun photos. There were 14 bird species in all and a few squirrels and rabbits. So, I encourage you to sit in your yard during the quarantine. The birds will refresh your spirit just as they did mine. And, maybe, whether you use a long lens, a cell phone, or just your eyes, you will see and capture a world of wonderment.
