Backyard Brawl

Even in Paradise

Maybe one of them simply woke up in a “fowl” mood. Or maybe it was an off-the-cuff tweet. We’ll never know exactly what started the ruckus. Whatever the cause, the two Goldfinches were not backing down.

I saw it all with my very own eyes. It happened while I was visiting my mother and stepfather, whose backyard is a bird’s paradise. Yes sir, it’s food for life over there if you’ve got wings. It doesn’t matter what your tail feathers look like, or how long your beak is, or whether you claim Northern- or Southern-hemisphere allegiance.

You’d think that — being in such a backyard paradise — there would be no disharmony amongst our feathered friends. Then again, come to think of it, I recall there once was a paradise in which we humans also went astray.

Even in paradise, sometimes things just don’t go as expected!

Just Curious

The Redbird

I couldn’t help myself — I was curious. I wondered whether the redbird I wrote about in the Birds of a Feather post would be waiting for me if I ventured up to Shallowford Square again.

Sure enough, as I approached the Veterans Memorial yesterday morning, I spotted the redbird singing away at the POW-MIA monument! I couldn’t help but smile at that animated little creature.

I know very little about the habits and instincts of birds, and this experience has piqued my curiosity. So I have TWO IDEAS:

IDEA #1
If you’re a birder, can you shed some light on the territorial instincts of birds? I’m particularly wondering whether the redbird’s behavior is typical. Please share your knowledge in the Comments section.

IDEA #2
If you’ll be passing through Lewisville and feel a bit curious yourself, how about stopping by Shallowford Square for a few moments and see if you spot the redbird on or near the POW-MIA monument? (The POW-MIA monument is at the base of the black-and-white POW-MIA flag flying at the Veterans Memorial at the Square.) Then report back here in the Comments section and let us know if you saw “Red” — or not. I think this would be a fun experiment!

It’d be great to hear from some of you! Now, for one last photo, please continue to the NEXT SECTION. CLICK to see Red giving me the eye

Birds of a Feather

Looking Everywhere

Clouds were moving in, and I was getting a little desperate to capture at least one good photo. I’d already been to several locations around Lewisville and had taken a few half-hearted shots, but I knew that none of them was particularly outstanding. The overcast light simply left most subject matter looking bland.

Even the beautiful trees in Shallowford Square that were in full bloom looked dull. Still, I walked around the Square, scanning the area for photo possibilities — and I felt my anxiety rising with nearly every step I took.

Creatures of Habit

As I approached the Veterans Memorial, I spotted a redbird sitting on the POW-MIA monument. When he saw me, he immediately flitted to one of the nearby oak trees. I didn’t think any more about him, and continued surveying the area, looking and hoping for something that could become an interesting photograph.

Moments later, the redbird flew back to the monument. All the while, he was twerping the cardinal’s melody. Then he flew to a tree that was only a few feet away. I thought, “I wonder if he’ll fly back to the monument.” Sure enough, he did.

I began to think that perhaps this little redbird was going to provide the shots I needed for the day. So I sat down on the ground, about 20 feet from the monument, focused my long lens on the top of the monument, and waited.

What transpired for the next 30 minutes or so became a drama of two curious creatures watching each other! To read more of this tale (and to see a few more photos), please continue to the NEXT SECTION! CLICK for more on this fine feathered friend

Wildlife Habitat

A Loving Tribute

Did you know that there’s a wildlife habitat in Lewisville? Although it was established 15 years ago, it had escaped my attention until a little over a year ago when our new library opened. The wildlife habitat is located on Lucy Lane, across from the library, tucked along the edge of a small wooded area.

The marker standing along the front of the habitat reads:

In memory of Jeanette E. Messick
The Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat
Dedicated 1994

I’m told that Jeanette Messick was a beloved teacher’s aide at Lewisville Elementary School who died of cancer. Her passing was such a loss to her students and colleagues that the wildlife habitat was established in her memory.

The small patch of land that makes up the wildlife habitat features birdhouses, birdbaths, benches, and a variety of plants, flowers and trees. Following the meandering pathway through the small habitat will take you over an attractive brick-lined bridge. Along the way, you’ll see some small statues of children and animals. Sadly, it appears that a sundial is missing, most likely due to vandalism.

Did You Know Jeanette Messick?

If you knew Ms. Messick and would like to share something special about her, feel free to do so by CLICKING on the Comment link below. I’d love to hear more about the lady who inspired the wildlife habitat.

Photo Gallery and Google Map

MORE PHOTOS of the Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat are available in the photo gallery. Plus, a GOOGLE MAP has been created to show you the exact location of the wildlife habitat. Simply CLICK the links below:

Photos: Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat Photo Gallery
Google Map: Jeanette E. Messick Wildlife Habitat Map

Update on 3/25/09: Jeanette Messick’s daughter, Susan Messick Luebchow, contacted me in response to this blog post. Susan clarified that the wildlife habitat was built by family and friends. Be sure to read Susan’s comments about her mother and the impact she had on so many.

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