Feed the Birds

I was never much of a bird watcher growing up. Birds then were more of a pest - like pigeons. Then I met David, and he was one of those who participated in the annual bird count, so whenever we went out he would point to a bird and tell me the species, and if it was indigenous to our area.

At first it was a yawn for me, and I was thinking “What a geek,” but soon I started to pay attention, and it wasn’t much later that we started amassing birdfeeders.

I knew that some birds flew south for the winter, but what was more interesting were the ones who stayed, and how they survived in our cold, Michigan winter climate.

I particularly liked to watch the cardinals and the finches. The distinctive bright colored feathers of the males, and the unusual but equally beautiful coloring of the female cardinal, with her brownish red feathers and bright orange beak. If you take a close look, as we have been able to do with them feeding, you can begin to tell them apart.

We have followed one cardinal family through generations in our back yard. The beautiful original pair started to bring their young to our feeders, and soon we lost sight of the older ones as the next generations brought their young. I often wonder whatever happened to the first pair we took to heart.

Yellow finches are the most common here, and I never knew that their feathers got darker as the cold approached, and then came back to the vibrant yellow as warm weather set in.

I wonder if birds discriminate? I have seen different species of bird feed from our feeders, and I have seen seen some become more aggressive with other birds, but I have never seen a red finch feed with a yellow finch. Perhaps it's because we don't have many red finches, but the ones we do have don't associate with the yellow ones - at least not from my observations.

If you really want to enjoy nature, put up a birdfeeder, birdhouse or birdbath outside the window you normally sit at. You will then understand that bird watching is not a “geek” hobby, but actually a study in society of other species. What an education!

On Being a Grandmother

Six weeks ago my baby had her first baby. It was beautiful to watch the birth, and amazing to see this miniature person emerge and tell the world he has arrived. There is nothing more awesome than to witness the miracle of birth.

This is my second grandchild, and I am lucky that both children are healthy and well developed. I watch in amazement as each day they develop more skills, and their physical appearance changes. My oldest daughter has a little girl who is now 4, and she has been a wonder each time we see her.

Unfortunately, my oldest daughter lives with her family in Lansing, which is a 2 1/2 hour trip each way, so I don't get to see my granddaughter as often as I would like. Periodically she will come for an extended stay, and we will get some alone time to have tea parties, plant flowers and go for short outings. Her vocabulary is extraordinary, and because she is an avid observer, has taken on the mannerisms of those around her. I never knew I used the word "actually" as often as I do, until she started correcting people with "Well, actually......." It's amazing to see your reflection in other people.

I love being a grandmother. It doesn't make me feel old, like I thought it would. It makes me feel younger, and more energized. I have an opportunity to help mold another being, but I don't have the pressure of being solely responsible for them. This frees me to enjoy them more, and teach them things I never had time to teach their mothers or aunts and uncles. I can look back and see mistakes I made with my children and pass them along to their parents. I also get a chance to be a person their mothers turn to for guidance. It's amazing how much smarter we get as grandparents than we were as parents (in the eyes of our children).

My grandson and his mother will soon be moving in with me. It is, unfortunately, a necessary move until finances are better for both of us, but I am certain each of us will be working toward independence as soon as possible. Being a grandparent is a wonderful experience, but the biggest pleasure is that you only have the children for short spurts to energize you, and then can send them home so you can regroup.