Eating In
While scouting for flowers to photograph, I spotted this bluebird sitting at the entrance of an old birdhouse in Lewisville, North Carolina.
Mother Bluebird
Allow me to introduce you to “Mother Bluebird.” She was getting ready to feed her little peeps inside the weathered birdhouse, when she noticed a stranger about 40 feet away. She’s not very used to having visitors at the house. Most of the time, folks just keep on driving by in their big cars.
I could almost hear her thoughts as she eyed me intently. Her babies were hungry, but should she leave them unprotected while a stranger lurked nearby?
More than the other birds I’ve photographed in recent weeks — the redbird and the goldfinches — this bluebird appeared to be very unsettled by the nearness of a stranger. (For more on those previous encounters, read Just Curious and Farewell to the Finches.)
But then it occurred to me that maybe the bluebird’s jitteriness had more to do with the protective nature of a mother than with her particular species.
Taking a Chance
The ever-increasing cries of her hungry brood were more than Mother Bluebird could bear. “I’ll take a chance,” she thought. “I’ll fly away for food and return as quickly as possible.” In an instant, she was out of sight.
Nearby, sitting almost motionlessly with my camera aimed at the birdhouse, I waited for Mother Bluebird’s return.
To read more on the encounter with Mother Bluebird — and to see a few more photos — please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK for more on Mother Bluebird
Farewell to the Finches
This male American Goldfinch rests for a moment before vying for space at a popular bird feeder in Lewisville, North Carolina.
Where Have They Gone?
It’s a lonely sight these days — the bird feeders that once were the focal points of so many famished goldfinches. Anywhere else, their constant chatter and all-out gluttony would have been fodder for endless gossip.
Now, the bird feeders just hang in a sort of sad silence. All that’s left are the memories of avian fellowship and, of course, the occasional feathered feud. (Remember Backyard Brawl?)
But then there was also the outrageous thistle seed expense. Unfortunately, no stimulus money whatsoever was allotted for goldfinches. For swine and rodent studies, yes. But none for the noble goldfinch. Not even a billion dollars.
What’s a Gal to Do?
Alas, the goldfinches’ departure has left such a void that I found myself digging through my goldfinch photos and staring longingly at them. In case you’ve missed the goldfinches, too, I thought I’d share a few more photos with you in the NEXT SECTION.
To our beloved goldfinches: May you flourish and be well-fed — wherever you are.
CLICK for a few more goldfinch photos
My Mother’s Rose
For Mother's Day, a red rose signifies respect and undying love.
A Tradition
Here in the South, it has long been a tradition to wear a rose on Mother’s Day. According to tradition, if one’s mother is no longer living, the rose should be white. And if one’s mother is still alive, the rose should be red.
For this Mother’s Day, I’m thankful to be displaying a red rose in honor of my mother, who — like so many mothers throughout the ages — has always demonstrated unwavering love for her children. CLICK for more on My Mother’s Rose
These Hearts
The flower, Dicentra spectabilis, is also known as a bleeding heart.
Some hearts are cold and closed — but these hearts are tender and free.
