THE WINTER of 2007 and 08, we actually felt like we had moved into the land of snow. If I remember rightly, it began in November and never had a chance to melt until long into the end of spring, and early summer. We were fully dressed in a beautiful white frock which gradually turned into slush with tones of ugly brown with streaks of gray and white. Even though many were on their roofs removing a disaster waiting to happen the birds were out looking for their regular restaurant haunts. Some were still open as the owners would refill their feeders twice daily. Others, were apparently closed due to bad weather! I have heard that birds will return daily to the same food supply. I know Jim and I do!
WE NOTICED that the robins that year, were a little more plump than usual, but only to the point that we noticed. Nothing more! Did they know something we didn’t? At the time we had a small tree in the front that had red non-eatable berries. In the back we had a medium size red berry tree, of a different kind. Usually in the spring, we have to clean up these berries because the birds never touched them. Not so this particular season! A good size flock of Robins found our back yard, and it became their winter resort!
THAT YEAR their red/orange chests protruding almost to the ground, were amazing! One Robin took possession of the ground, under the wheelbarrow planter. When other Robins wanted to join him, he became aggressive and chased them away. The snow that had fallen off the roof created little mounds and the birds pecked their way through it to locate the ice berries underneath! Oh how much fun we had watching all the activity in our back yard!
INTERESTINGLY enough, we discovered that while eating the worms we grow in our front yard, the Robins stayed slim and trim. But because the worm café was closed, they were eating only dessert and believe me it was beginning to show. Not only the Robins, but much smaller birds were filling out as they ate right along with them. There is no segregation within the fine feathered friends at the dinner table, unless you are trying to eat off each others plate!
THAT particular winter we enjoyed ourselves while sitting in the warmth of our home, watching the birds pigging out under the berry tree. We were amused and amazed at the nature displayed in our yard. I usually worried a lot about the snow and the problems which caused dangerous situations, but that year the snow brought to the birds, joy, delight and of course berry’s!
THIS YEAR not so much snow, rain or any of the precipitation that is required for a productive growing season. The snow pack was sparse and so the water needed for the lakes to fill our canals, which carry the much needed water to the area’s farm land, is lacking. A drought has come to our area and the local news talks about the controversies as to who should get the water. This year the Indians lay claim to water that has served the surrounding area. Years ago it was to save the sucker fish. But what about the farmers, who feed the many, and those who rely on the water for other irrigation? God says; "Put your trust in me!"
"DO NOT be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink. Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life?" Matthew 6:25-27 "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day!" Matthew 6:34 Let us enjoy today! Don’t worry about what might happen. Solve what is happening today and don’t borrow from tomorrow. Instead, let’s feast on the berries of life with joy and anticipation. Worrying about tomorrow destroys peace. Praising God when the morning comes, brings peace!
By Jane Ann Crenshaw 7/11/14
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