Breathe, find a happy space

[indusurb]

I realize that the country is going down the toilet, our retirement savings(if you're lucky to have such) are going up in flames, we're on the brink of a recession or worse and that our country is racing from zero to complete authoritarian in 6.2 seconds. I get it, I'm there with you. But you've got to take a break from it all now and again.

Years ago I put up a bird feeding station, four main feeders, a suet feeder, and two hummingbird feeders in season. It has become the twenty four hour hot spot of the local animal community. Not only for song birds and such, but squirrels, rabbits, deer late at night along with raccoons and possums. My neighbor's guinea fowl, some of the most ridiculous creatures, come over, announcing their presence with loud squawking. Their muscovy ducks, so ugly they're cute, soon follow. In the winter, with snow on the ground, so many cardinals are perched in a nearby tree it looks like Christmas time, full of red ornaments.

I have spent a lot of time watching what unfolds at my feeders, the little dramas, the comedy, the pure joy, and occasionally sorrow. I interact with these animals, talking back to the wrens and others deep in yew bushes who are scolding me for being late to feed them. I listen, and to a certain extent, learn their language as the relay the message across the countryside that the feeders are being filled, or warning that my dog is outside with me. I keep reaching the point of almost making friends with the deer in that they don't mind my presence within five feet of them, but any closer and they'll casually trot off. It's not that they really fear me, just a distrust of humans in general.

I cherish this community, so very much removed from the ongoing problems of humanity. They care nothing about markets or governments, and only give thought to humans about whether they're friend or threat. Watching the goings on of these animals brings me great joy and relief from the insanity of the human world. It keeps me sane.

So I highly recommend that you folks do the same, get out into nature, or if that's not possible, get a couple of feeders and bring nature to you. It is a marvelous escape from the insanity around us, and will help with your own mental health. Plus it will benefit our avian and animal friends immensely.

[CTyankee]

1. Yes, I watch the birds who feed near my house every morning. I have named some of them: Fat Robin and

Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal. It gives me satisfaction that the world does go on and we aren't the only ones in it.

[redstatebluegirl]

2. We have them too!

Last year year a mama cardinal made a nest in the large bush next to one of the feeders. We have a fence to keep our dogs away from the feeders. I t think she felt safe.

It does calm me to watch them.

[CTyankee]

3. do the male cardinals feed them?

[redstatebluegirl]

4. Yes he did. He feeds mama too!

[Bayard]

5. We have 3 feeders outside the kitchen window

I counted 15 cardinals in the crabapple tree a few days ago, lined up and waiting for their turn. The little chickadees are my favorite. We also get titmice (titmouses?) purple finches, and bluejays. Woodpeckers on the suet feeders. Mourning doves clean up what falls on the ground. Haven't seen the goldfinches yet.

Better than TV!

[marked50]

7. Things in Nature are some of the most rejuvenating things there are.

That's why it is so important for us to preserve those spaces. No matter where they are. Close and Far.