Life Giving Rain...Even If It Is Fake

  After a summer of nigh on daily rain, fall has come with a severe drought.  The fall garden was delayed for some time now but is finally planted.  After clearing the boxes of dead plants and planting the new ones, I figured the sprinkler could do its work.  The new little cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and collard green plants would appreciate a good soaking to get them started.  I had no idea who else would be thankful for the artificial rain.

  The sprinkler was not on for five minutes before several visitors came to visit and take advantage of the nice shower.  Thrashers and mockingbirds flew into the garden and started singing while showering. While the mockingbirds stayed high on the arbor, the thrashers kept well hidden under the overhanging roses.  Once the baths were finished, all of the birds started sipping the droplets of fresh, clean water from the leaves.  They truly seemed happy!

  The birdbaths were immediately cleaned and filled and several pans of fresh water were set out on the ground for other critters.  It is easy to forget about our animal friends' needs during times like this.  A shallow pan of clean water can make life a bit easier for so many wild animals. Watching the birds today made me realize that I have been negligent in helping the critters.  Since I had stopped filling the feeders due to the Cooper's Hawk making meals of my fine feathered friends, the birdbath had also sat empty.  The poor birds struggled to find fresh water and had resorted to using the brackish water in the Bayou.  This was probably not the tastiest of treats.  I promised my critter friends that I would be more attentive in the future.