Spring must be here, at least, according to the birds and other critters. Nest building is in full swing with the songbirds. Both hanging baskets of ferns have nests (one with a wren and the other with a dove) and, today, I watched as the mockingbird scoped out the jasmine vine as a possible site. She must have approved the chosen spot because it was not long before the birds started bringing in twigs. Unlike the dove in the fern, the mockingbirds make incredibly sturdy nests and the jasmine vines will provide a good bit of protection from the elements. Some predators such as snakes can still access her nest but mockingbirds are well known as fierce defenders of their homes. These birds can be quite feisty!
I suppose it is because I spend so much time in the Small Gardens that the critters who visit have no fear of me. This pair of mockingbirds often seem to crave the attention that I give them. Yes, I talk to my birds especially now that I have no domesticated pets. The wild critters are substituting as my pets now and are subject to the same attention that I plied to my dogs and cats. The female mockingbird will often come sit by me as I rest from doing chores. It is not uncommon to find her just a few feet from me. She cocks her head to the side as I speak and will edge nearer and nearer until she is just inches away. We will stay that way for the entire time I rest. Then, as I rise to go back to work, she stares at me as if I am not supposed to leave her. If I am working in the plants, she often comes to seek out any flushed bugs. She and the mama wren work the gardens for their meals!
The birds are welcome to taste the veggies or fruits occasionally in return for their constant bug vigil. A few nips out of a tomato or peach is well worth the free pest control service they provide. It is nice to live in harmony with those around you. To bad humans cannot do that with each other. Life is good here on the Bayou. Life is good.
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