On September 26, two hummingbirds circled my head, over and over again, chirping their last fair-well before migrating south. Their traditional visit to Golden was over for this season.
Left behind were thousands of their feathered friends, such as the house finch, woodpeckers, song sparrows, gold finch,and robins. Those are only a few of the hundreds of bird species that winter here.
Did you know? Birds seldom freeze to death in the winter, but they do starve to death, especially when their natural food is covered in snow.Did you know that England has a "Ban the Bang" program to discourage and outlaw fireworks, because of the many newborns and hatchlings that die each year from the shock of the horrid noises? We make those same noises.
http://www.looking-glass.co.uk/campaigns/
banthebang.htm
Did you know, it is said, that birds begin to mate on St. Valentine's Day? Just watch! You will see!
Did you know that birds commune in families, and that both the male and female take turns feeding their tiny, wide-open-mouthed hatchlings?
House finch (red males, brown females) love to nest on houses, and they love to seek human attention. That is how they got their name!
If you'd like to learn more about birding, or get individual help identifying, or asking any question, the bird forum section of "GardenWeb" is an ideal source.
http://nature.gardenweb.com/forums/bird/Birding is an inexpensive, yet highly fulfilling hobby graced with wonderment and awe for children and adults. Teaching youngsters to respect nature should be paramount, as one of our most urgent responsibilities today.
There is much to be learned by us human folk, that bird and animal watching can easily teach.
Wildlife belongs to each of us, and it is our responsibility to preserve this sacred part of nature.
Please remember to never put traps or poison out for rats ormice, where non-target animals may become victims.
Sadly, this summer, in my hood, squirrels and birds were found poisoned, and a chipmunk was found, dead, in a mousetrap that was stationed outside!
On a much happier note, on Sept. 30 this year, this yearling raccoon (photo) was stuck in a near-empty dumpster on my street, and freed by a Golden policeman.
We, as intelligent human beings, have a big responsibility to not allow any harm to come to all bird, animal and plant life.
If you feed them, they will come. And, they will thrive, if we are responsible and diligent in our doing our part to be kind and caring to all living things. Yes,to all creatures great and small.
Helen Casteel is a resident of Golden.