FAR: WE DON'T NEED TO GO!

Nowhere in our fair land will we fail to see wildlife

We'll[ view flocks of birds on-wing...
We'll scent wild orange lilies and goldenrod
bordermg our country roads.

We'll see deer, so graceful, seeking woodlands.
That We Should Be So Favoured!

What we cannot see, we shall hear:
The fish, jumping, splashing in wavy waters.
The frogs croaking in the still of night.
The birds flying home to roost,
While offspring await their lullabies.

When morning came, at 5 A.M. a chirping bird wakened me
In response was a mate in a far-away tree..
Soon, dozens more flew onto the hydro wires
Relaying plans for their daily day.
That Was What Seemed So Favoured!

Dwelling here in Southern Ontario,
We needn't go far to Mother Nature see;
To our avian friends, we offer birdhouses; also seeds and suet.
Photographers snap pics around the RBG ~

And with cameras, also 'round our numerous trees.

For the birdies, we offer feeding stations
And, in return, we welome Robins, Blue Jays,
Sparrows...and occasionally a Starling or two.
And to many, Humans they do Trust and Favour!

So trusting, birds can be of humans:

For 2 seasons in succession, a pair of Mourning Doves

chose my 3^rd floor balcony to nest and raise their young!

Together, both male and female built their flat nest of soft grasses, twigs and straw,

 prior to laying of 3 eggs .Taking turns (by day and by night),they incubated the eggs.

So pleased was I to document their experience...so close was I ~

that one time, sitting next to her, she allowed me to touch her silky wing feathers.
Yes, it was a Sunday, when the first egg hatched .'Dad' hurried off to locate and bring home to her some food to eat. Within 2 days, all 3 eggs had hatched. Do not be surprised when I cite
 “Dad” did his share in feedings and 24-hour care in raising their hatchlings.

When, in about 14 to 16 days, the fledglings were taught to fly..
first to the chair arm...then to the balcony ledge.
 And when 'flight day arrived” “Dad” waited on the ground
 while Mom 'kicked them out of the nest'  forcing them
 to fly to the ground below... .and with a bit of 'bird-talk,''
when all disappeared into the trees.

The foregoing written by Merle Baird-Kerr...January 9, 2020

Comments most welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca