The first time I saw them they roosted briefly upon my hanging bird feeder: two of them, swinging and seeming to try to get my attention. I hadn’t ever seen birds like this, spotted backs and orangey necks and bellies. My daughter Emma declared me a crazy bird lady and suddenly I am spending more and more time gazing at my lawn, watching and befriending all the sweet birds who munch on the seed I lovingly place there. (Photo courtesy of Alex O'Neal via a Creative Commons License.)
My love has gone so deep I am starting to send daily reports to my twitter followers.
I have learned about and loved a flock of white crowned sparrows. I was familiar with starlings and jays, but this bird – this special bird brought an identical friend along and I was hooked. I was a crazy bird lady and there was clearly no turning back.
My favorite new “family” members are the Mourning Doves. As of today, I have seen five mourning doves on my lawn together, which means there must be a sixth one close at hand because they are birds who mate for life.
I went to my friend, Google, to see what this animal means. I discovered the dove stands for new beginnings, great expectations and deliverance.
The dove stands for peace.
And the dove is among the most common birds there is, specifically the mourning dove in comparison to the not-so-common white dove and the seemingly ubiquitous to the inner cities in our country pigeon.
I have noticed a brightening of my spirit lately.
I try to think if it coincided with the appearance of the doves in my eye-viewing.
I remember in the past I would say things like, “I hear a lot of birds in my yard, but I don’t see them.” Now, I see, hear, feed and love many birds.
Today one of the male mourning doves stood watch, off to the side, while the three female mourning doves ate. This makes me wonder if they are getting close to their time to lay eggs. If and when their babies start visiting, I might combust from pure happiness.
Since these birds have made my home their home I feel more peaceful. I feel a sense of unattached expectation and new beginnings.
I feel a strong call to God. I miss church and want to attend if not where I used to, at least someplace.
I miss the camaraderie and the intellectual pursuit.
Ever since the mourning doves arrived on my bird feeder, I have felt more optimistic than I have felt in a long time.
Is there a bird connection or is this coincidence?
Well, it seems intentional and divine simultaneously.
I have never bought bird seed specifically to feed mourning doves. I didn’t this year, either, but I did put food out. Just like in “Field of Dreams”, if you build it, they will come. I had my bird feeder for nearly a year before it had any visitors.
Recently I refilled it and delight filled by chest. I heard myself singing along with the sparrows and the starlings.
No matter what, I have made friends with a bunch of birds. I have embraced the name “crazy bird lady” and I feel a lot better. It all makes me smile.
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