Disposition of Birds

Disposition Bird-wise Earl Plato

Five years on the Sherkston family farm were well spent nature-wise.
On one mid-January day I remember watching the birds at our feeders day after day. I have written before about my perception of the disposition of certain of our feathered friends. This is another recollection that late nature writer Ed Teale inspired.
That morning a small flock of cedar waxwings alighted in the top branches of our evergreens. They are one of my favourite birds. I had seen a similar flock a month before in the Stevensville Conservation park feeding on the wild olive trees. These birds at the farm too gave the impression of being amicably inclined. They came as a group and they left as a group. Beautiful birds that they are, they seemed to enjoy each others company.
However, in contrast are those flocking birds, the bluejays and crows - cousins - that bicker and quarrel. They were prone to explode into cawing or screaming melees at any provocation.
I quote the late nature writer, Ed Teale, as he said, “ Some birds by temperament concentrate on their own business. Others like the little house wren concern themselves with everybody’s business. Some like the wood thrush and brown creeper are reclusive.” Yet others in Niagara like the catbird and robin build their nests close to human dwellings. What do the visitors at your feeder display as a usual disposition? Call me at 905-894-2417 or e-mail me at plato1@vaxxine.com and share your observations. ***
Most of you know him well. On the family farm he was a regular visitor at the suet ball. Now living in town I miss him. The Downy woodpecker
is sparrow-sized. He’s the smallest of our woodpeckers. He’s a black and white patterned bird. He has a red patch on the nape of his neck.
Listen for his ‘pik-pik-pik’ sound. Our Downy was approachable. I would consider him almost tameable. While the nuthatches and browncreepers would disperse the Downy stayed at the suet feeder as you came closer. He seemed to have no fear of big humans. It was in a small woods at Wellfleet Nature Center in central Cape Cod we experienced a Downy woodpecker fest. I stood amazed as a dozen of the downies flittered through the trees feeding on insects. Downy woodpeckers on migration? - Could be. it was late August. What a Downy fix ! To see a dozen of these neat little birds was a treat.
Bird watching has become the second most passive sport (after gardening) in North America. We understand that over 30,000 million are now bird watchers. Secure a bird guide and enjoy. Many of us have taken the next step - setting up a bird feeder. Local stores often have information about avian nutrition. It’s worth the effort. Just one caution - once you start a feeder be faithful in supplying seed and food including a watering place. Adopt a Downy if you can.