This week, we've had bitterly cold weather in the Northeast. As Wellesley's unofficial weatherman, I've been tracking temperatures as low as -5F (without wind chill) and -20F with windchill.
I've provided extra safflower, sunflower, and thistle to the winter birds that frequent our yard - Carolina Wrens, Juncos, Nuthatches, Flickers, Doves, Hairy Woodpeckers, House Finches, Cardinals, and Blue Jays.
We've provided a source of drinkable water by heating a bird bath.
An interesting side effect of becoming the food, water and shelter magnet for birds in our neighborhood is that we've also attracted 3 birds of prey - 2 Red-Shouldered hawks and 1 Coopers hawk (above).
While writing about Meaningful Use this weekend, I looked up and saw a cardinal eating safflower. I looked up again and saw a Red-Shouldered hawk eating the cardinal.
Although I'm a vegan I can appreciate that this is the food chain in action and respect it.
Winter is a remarkable time for mindfulness - to steep yourself in the events of the moment, watch the birds against the snow, and appreciate living in the present.
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2 comments:
This made me smile. Thank you.
Good that you take time to enjoy nature. I believe that is an important component of a healthy lifestyle.
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