For the birds

The sunflower seed supply needs to be refilled. I can't find whatever may have been left of last Summer's hummingbird nectar. The Daughter Person wants to try feeding orioles. I'm thinking about a hummingbird feeder that mounts on the outside of a window. Both red and gray squirrels are finding it too easy to reach the bird feeders, although Franco the Rescue border collie takes great pleasure in barking at them and chasing them away. I've noticed his protective barking also has kept tigers out of the neighborhood but there's one hen turkey that shows up daily to peck her way through the seeds that have fallen to the ground. It's time for a trip to one of our local bird feeder supply stores, probably Peterson's in North Branch. Hungry scarlet tanagers and rose-breasted grosbeaks should show up soon. Feeding birds is one of my least expensive vices and it's easier on my legs than trout fishing or dog walking. Besides, I'd rather hear a bird singing from a nearby treetop than from a cage in the house.

female blue bird on oak branch

Photo by J. Harrington

rose-breasted grosbeak on feeder

Photo by J. Harrington

scarlet tanager eating seeds on deck

Photo by J. Harrington

Caged Bird

By Maya Angelou 

A free bird leaps

on the back of the wind   

and floats downstream   

till the current ends

and dips his wing

in the orange sun rays

and dares to claim the sky.

But a bird that stalks

down his narrow cage

can seldom see through

his bars of rage

his wings are clipped and   

his feet are tied

so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings   

with a fearful trill   

of things unknown   

but longed for still   

and his tune is heard   

on the distant hill   

for the caged bird   

sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breeze

and the trade winds soft through the sighing trees

and the fat worms waiting on a dawn bright lawn

and he names the sky his own

But a caged bird stands on the grave of dreams   

his shadow shouts on a nightmare scream   

his wings are clipped and his feet are tied   

so he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings   

with a fearful trill   

of things unknown   

but longed for still   

and his tune is heard   

on the distant hill   

for the caged bird   

sings of freedom.

********************************************
Thanks for visiting. Come again when you can.
Please be kind to each other while you can.