Teeny, Tiny Birds!

  For the past few years, we have been battling termites.  They came in with Hurricane Katrina so many years ago and decided that since they liked the Coast so much, they would stay.  We are not the only ones facing these little demons.  A good many homeowners have been fighting the same battle as us.  These "homeowners" are not just human.  A lot of my animal friends have had to deal with the same menace.  Some have benefited as they feast on the insects when there are huge swarms.  Lizards, frogs, birds, other insects all can be found having a hearty meal during the swarms.  But a lot of animals have lost homes to the wood-munchers.  Not only have my birdhouses been demolished but trees (dead and LIVE!) have been totally destroyed by the insects.  Recently, all of the arbors and the garden fence had to be removed.  Yep, termites in all of the posts.  I was heartbroken but it was a necessary chore to tear down the whole lot.  Then, I realized that the wooden bird feeders had also been attacked.  NOTHING is sacred!  Egad!  To remedy that situation I merely started putting birdseed on a small outdoor table near the garden benches.  The birds seemed to be accepting so now I have a clear (and near!) view of the birds.  This afternoon after the feeder (uh..table) was filled, I sat down to watch my friends enjoy their dinner.  A good number of birds came but none were so sure that I would not hurt them as the Tufted Titmice who would literally wait on the arm of the bench for their turn to visit the seedy buffet.  

  Titmice are some of the tiniest birds on the Bayou yet they are some of the bravest.  Weighing around a half of ounce and being about five inches in length, you could easily hold one in the palm of your hand.  They are calm little birds but are feisty if the need arises. I have seen them attack a four foot long rat snake raiding their nest and have watched as they would chase squirrels from their food cache.  Male squirrels are notoriously lazy and would prefer to eat someone else's stored food that go find their own.  Titmice are equally noted as "preppers".  They work hard to store food for lean times.  Carrying one seed at a time, they will stash the food in crevices of trees.  Each seed is carefully hulled before it is put in their "larder".  

  Titmice nest in holes in trees or bird houses, if available.  They do not create the tree holes but use naturally formed ones or will use a vacant woodpecker hole.  Once they choose a nesting site, the birds will carry in twigs until a snug home is made.  Then, the nest is lined with hair!  Animal hair or even strands of human hair can be found inside the nest.  These tiny birds will go so far as to pluck hair from pets!  When Ms. Ezzy, the Bayou Dog, was alive, several times I witnessed the titmice land on her back as she was napping outside.  Ezzy was a kind soul that loved all animals so she did not mind the titmice "grooming" her loose hair.  Back and forth between dog and the small bird house on the rose arbor, the birds would go.  They would busy themselves gathering their nest-lining as long as the old dog was sleeping.  

  If you are one who fills the bird feeders in your yard, take a seat nearby and get to know your outdoor friends.  It won't take long before the birds and squirrels will know that you can be trusted.  They will all come to the feeders to get their daily meal.  While doing that, they will definitely entertain you with their antics!