Yes, of all my feathered friends I’ve been feeding this winter the wrens are my favorite. Some of the birds even say Hi when I’m loading the feeders.
We used to have Martin Houses too, but the danged starlings kept pecking out the holes too big, and then took over. After trying several supposedly peck-proof barns, we just gave up.
I feed the birds outside of my workplace, and they tame easily. The Mockingbirds come within inches of my feet, and look up at me sideways with their wise old eyes, waiting for crumbs from the bird loaf that I bake. I throw peanuts to the Blue Jays, and they swoop, screech, and run off with the prize. Sometimes I will go out the door and a dozen sparrows will nearly fly into my face: “We’re Here!”
This year’s cardinal is a little stand-offish, yet.
I’m a cold-weather wimp, and the last two winters have been really hard in my usually pleasant climate. The birds keep me going.
On the way to work in the morning, we pass a swampy pond; and I tell myself every day, “Soon, we’ll hear that Red-Winged Blackbird, right here!”
Birds don’t doubt or worry; they inspire me toward Spring.
-JT