Pinterest

Monday, May 11, 2009

The Garden Crier

Blog 127 – Thursday, May 7, 2009 Hot and sunny, temperatures nearing 90.
The L-shaped configuration of our house allows visage to my garden area from three rooms. At any given time, one can witness birds, butterflies (bees too), and squirrels visiting this sanctuary that has been created for all our pleasure. Among those who visit daily for sustenance and refuge is a large raven I have fondly dubbed "Heckle" (a title taken from my childhood past when, I would sit on the floor of the TV room and watch the cartoon antics of Heckle and Jeckle - two crows). At first, he would swoop down and grab peanuts from the squirrel box on the oak tree and fly away. As he became more comfortable with his new fast food site, he would perch on the edge of the birdbath and dip his newly acquired tidbit into the water. Time passing, he could be seen stuffing up to three peanuts at once into his beak – awkwardly flying to the garden wall to eat a full order at a time. Heckle is a member of the "Garden Club" now and, waits on the electric wires, which stretch just beyond our property, for my entrance each morning and afternoon. I can hear him calling as I shut the screen door – walking through the garden to the various food boxes, trays, and feeders. He has a specific greeting when I turn the corner to deposit peanuts into the box – as if he is telling me that he has been waiting for me. If I come out to sit in one of the Adirondak chairs under an Oak, he chatters and scolds, as if to say, "Hurry, feed me now – you know this is my meal time." I look up and call him by name, assuring him that dinner will soon be served – he turns his head and looks at me with his sharp black eyes. Moving closer but, not too close he waits – calling not only Jeckle (yes, there are two!) but the gentle family of turtledoves and a small group of mockingbirds and nervous little finches. He is the town crier for this garden of mine – gathering everyone to the table to sup in harmony – what a sight it is to see these birds and the squirrels too – all inhabiting the same area to feed. Peace is in my garden oasis and all is well with my little corner of the world. God bestows upon me the best of gifts and blessings – this is one of those.

1 comment:

  1. It certainly is a blessing for you as it has always been.

    ReplyDelete