Delaware County, Pennsylvania Real Estate Blog

How My Enjoyment of Birds Took Root    

My father enjoyed nature.  He grew up on a farm and appreciated things that were wild.  I in turn took on that appreciation of nature.

My enjoyment of birds blossomed when I lived in a second floor apartment on 23 acres of land surrounded by many trees where I was permitted to hang bird feeders from the rain gutters outside my bedroom window, along with my suction cup window feeders and ground-mounted feeders below. 

I would be awakened in the morning by birds feeding at my window and I would spend many hours sitting, listening and watching many varieties of birds feed, fight and a few struggle to live with blindness that clung to the feeders for food 24 hours a day. 

Because of this experience I can recognize the sweet calls of goldfinches as they softly talk to each other as they feed.  I can recognize the boisterous call of the red-bellied woodpecker as it announces its presence from afar.  I can recognize the banter between cousins: the tufted titmouse and chickadees as they quickly pick their seed from a feeder and fly to a nearby branch to tap away at the cover of a sunflower seed.

This wonderful setting did not have house sparrows, starlings or pigeons, which, to me, tend to dominate a given setting.  There were owls at night and hawks to be wary of if you were a bird or squirrel.  And there were hummingbirds.  That situation was a gift to me that I will cherish forever. 

How did your enjoyment of birds take root?

(Written by Gloria)

Hildacy Farm, Media, PA

Join The Great Backyard Bird Count!  February 18 Through Monday February 21, 2011

Mark your calendars and plan on taking part in the Great Backyard Bird Count(GBBC) that takes place all across the continent starting Friday February 18th through Monday February 21st. 

This count helps scientists and bird enthusiasts to get a better picture of what is happening with the bird populations during the winter months.  Such a picture cannot be gained without the help of bird enthusiasts of all ages all across the continent.

All that is required is that you sign up on line and devote a minimum of 15 minutes per day to count the birds you see in your backyard, a nearby park or any place you choose.  You do not have to be an expert; you just have to have a desire to look for birds and share what you see.

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual event led by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, with Canadian partner Bird Studies Canada and sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited.

The information gathered during these four days is very helpful in understanding what is happening with birds across our continent from year to year.   

To find out more about this event please open this link: http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/whycount.html

If you are interested in being part of the Great Backyard Bird Count please open this link: http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc/howto.html

Happy Birding!