Bird People: The Ones Who Feed the Birds
There’s something magical about people who care for the smallest creatures—the bird feeders, the tender-hearted souls who pause to nurture life’s tiny wonders.
For me, feeding the birds became more than a simple task; it was a lifeline during some of the most challenging times of my life.
After years of longing for a family, I finally achieved pregnancy. It was a dream come true, but complications soon followed, earning me the title of “high-risk pregnancy.” At 22 weeks, I was placed on bed rest, a precaution that lasted until week 32. My days were long, and my worries were endless. But among them was an oddly comforting concern: How was I going to feed my birds? (Yes, displaced emotions were in full swing!)
Feeding the birds became my solace during COVID as well. In the stillness of those uncertain days, tending to the feeders brought me focus and joy. It even turned into a battle of wits with the squirrels in our yard—a daily game of strategy that involved a can of spray olive oil.
My son loved to tease me about my efforts. “You’ve domesticated the squirrels, Mom,” he’d say, as they perched on our deck furniture, mimicking human behavior. Some even ventured to our glass sliding door, accompanied by a wild assortment of other creatures: turkeys, skunks, raccoons—you name it.
I often think about how interconnected we were then, even as the entire world felt so disconnected. It makes me wonder: Is it that simple? Can we cultivate peace by focusing on what’s right in front of us, even when life feels so unsettled?
Perhaps caring for the tiniest creatures helps us care for the smallest parts of ourselves—the pieces longing for connection and nurturing.
The other day, I had my first-ever Northern Flicker visit the feeding area. What made this so special? These beautiful birds have a red heart-shaped patch on the back of their heads. They literally wear their hearts on their heads. Maybe we should try doing the same—wearing our hearts more visibly.
Cultivating a daily practice of joy and presence is essential, especially now. For me, feeding the birds is one way I bring joy into my life. What about you? What are you doing to call in or bring joy into your days?
