Learning to Trust

   Redwing Blackbirds are some of my favorite birds simply because they are brave (or daring) little birds.  The male is so protective of his territory that he will attack just about anything that ventures too close to one of the nests.  This is quite the undertaking because Redwing Blackbirds are polygamous so the male can be protecting up to a dozen or more nests at any given time in "his" territory. Once the females create nests, lay eggs and fledge the broods, it is solely his job to protect them all.  (Don't go feeling too badly for him as it is his idea to have this many wives.)  Anyway, the bird thinks nothing of divebombing the cat, a hawk, a snake or a human if any of them wander into the territory. He does a good job of keeping the females and little ones safe.

  The General ll takes his job just as seriously as did his forerunner THE General.  For several years, General kept the marshes pretty clear of any marauding critters.  After he passed, General ll took over and accepted the duties.  The first General and I had become good friends.  He knew that I would never harm any of his wards.  This came from my daily visits to the pier.  I would talk with the bird as if he could understand my every word. The bird would cock his head to the side and listen intently but would never leave his perch other than to strut his stuff on the pier boards.  General ll has not gotten to know me as well.  He is still wary of my presence but will, at least, sit atop the pier post or on a dead limb and listen to my prattle. We are slowly making progress.  

  Early this morning, General ll surprised me by flying from the dead limb to greet me.  There was no divebombing nor scolding.  He knew I was heading to the end of the pier so he flew to the post and started his song.  This is the first time he seemed to be fully relaxed.  He is getting to know my habits and is beginning to show a trust in me.  This makes me happy as I figure we had better get along since we will be seeing a lot of each other.  Welcome, General ll!  I look forward to our visits!

Gimme Breakfast!

  Since my early mornings are limited to the garden area until I get the ok to venture further, I have discovered a whole new pastime.  I watch who comes to the bird feeder.  The feeder is not actually your normal, cutesy bought feeder but an overturned glass tabletop set atop of an old wicker end table.  It works, in a fashion, and the birds do not seem to mind.  They only fret over the quantity of seed and the pillaging squirrels.  In fact, the birds will start to call if I am ten minutes late in filling the tray.  

  One of the earliest visitors is a male red-winged blackbird.  This handsome fellow will perch himself on a fence post or a low branch and screech until the seed is poured.  If I do not move quickly enough, he gives me a good fussing.  I am assuming this is the new "boss" of the blackbird world as the others will linger on their branches until he has eaten his fill.  Then, they come to dine. 

  This is not the Old General that has been here for years.  This is the New General.  The change of command took place this spring.  I was truly sorry to see that my old friend was no longer with us as he and I became quite close friends.  The bird was rather tame and, as a commander, was always fair.  The New General is still a bit leery and is ruling with severity.   Perhaps he will mellow once the others cede to his powers but, for now, he still has to declare his leadership occasionally.  There have been a few spats among the birds for territory but, as it always does, it will work out to be satisfactory on all parts.  For now, I shall be happy with having him as my first morning visitor.