Article Contributed on: 1/5/2007 11:11:06 AM
There he was, my beautiful one legged House Finch.
Today, in yet another blast of snow and cold, I looked outside, and saw him there. Perched with his one remaining leg, he was leaning steadily with his right side onto the feeder. He was plucking the Black Oil Sunflower seeds to survive.
Birds sometimes lose one leg. It can happen when they fledge from a tangled nest, or they may get a foot caught in a bush. I've had the joy of freeing a couple of them, thus sparing them from a life of limping. But, they can, and will survive very well, if they lose a leg.
Noticeably, this little guy was alone there, today. The other birds stayed back, to allow him to eat first. It is so amazing to watch the civility, and very courteous displays of wildlife. The more I witness and learn, the happier I get about enjoying the gift of birds.
Recently, some Dark Eyed Juncos have joined my feathered guests. What a thrill to see these newcomers, socially advancing with the old familiar flocks.
When we feed birds in the winter, especially during deep snows, we help to propagate stronger, healthier, and more beautiful songbirds. It all pays off when the winter has passed. I'll delight seeing the bright red male House Finches! The brightness of their color is determined by the quality of the nutrition they consume. The female House Finch (brown) chooses her mate by the depth of his color, and the strength of his spring song.
Birding is a trip! The more you watch, the more you learn and grow to admire how they commune, and survive, and flourish.
Whatever YOUR favorite species, whether it be the robins, goldfinch, chickadees, blue birds, jays, or whatever ... please remember they are SO hungry right now. All of their natural food (seed) is engulfed in snow.
If you feed them, they will come. And, in their survival, the promise of their beautiful songs for us, in the coming spring, is guaranteed. New hatchlings will emerge from their nests. And, you will have contributed to the wonder of it all.
Thank you! (on behalf of the hungry birds).