On a warm, moist New Year’s Day, I’m gifted with many birds at the suet feeder, hanging from a soon-to-be-flowering Prunus mume ‘Bridal Veil’. The multi-branched, open structure of the tree allows each species to wait their turn with plenty of space in-between. It’s most surprising to me because I’m sitting on the daybed, under the back porch, to witness it all. Remaining still, I’m unable to capture an image. I’m in the moment; you’ll have to trust this is real. 

For one moment, the suet feeder is unoccupied, with three different birds wondering when to take their turn.

The brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum, is first—she swoops in to grab her goodies. All the while, a male Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis, is to the right of the feeder, with keen eyes waiting for his turn. How do they know who’s next? There isn’t any angst to chase the others away; they perform like impromptu dancers.

Next, the Eastern male towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus, alights the feeder after the brown thrasher returns to her branch to finish a gift of fat-rich suet. As the two birds enjoy their food, the bluebird feels free to dive in for his meal back on their respective limbs.

The dance goes on for a while; I remained still to watch the show. It gave me great hope for the new year. Alas, I also know that the turn of the calendar’s page, while widely celebrated to put our COVID-19 year behind us, still we face many challenges. 

My New Year’s wish for you is to be still. Listen, watch, and feed the birds. Smell the roses, grow a meadow. I feel very fortunate; I have my garden to bring me so much joy. I hope you and yours can find some comfort in what Nature brings YOU in the new year.

Until soon,

Helen

#WeCanAllBeeBetter