We made a big mistake and put a birdhouse not far from our front door. All this summer we had Mr. Aggressive Wren building a nest in there, terrorizing anyone who came near and scolding us whenever we tried to weed in the garden or come anywhere near his nest. He advertised the nest quite noisily for weeks and I think he finally found a lady to share it.
But alas, in the last few days, he has not been protecting his spot. I think the heat has taken its toll and the house, which does get some direct sunlight, is too hot for him. We had plans to move it later this year to a spot in the trees farther away from the garden which will hopefully be a bit more conducive to their needs. And a spot that will be quieter for those of us who sit near the window where he chides anyone who comes near the window, which is 10 feet away from his home (that appears to be his Safe Zone).
Of course, we'll have to make sure we don't put it where the deer like to relax in the heat of the day. We have a regular group who come and lie in the undergrowth under the trees (we have a very heavily wooded lot). There's a couple of moms and their kids who hang out during the hottest part of the day. They poke their heads up now and then so I can see them among the brush. Can you imagine how hot it must be for them? Fur coats and all.
It's at times like this that I really appreciate my ancestors. They were pioneers, settling here in the Midwest in the early 1800s. Imagine that -- traveling miles away from all you know and going into a strange land. Heat, cold, back-breaking labor, illness, and misery. Talk about courage and perseverance!
I wonder if future generations will have as much admiration for us? Or will they wonder at the choices we're making? Will there be casualties because of choices being made now?
I tend to think this way because I'm working on a series set in the future, an alternate future that has been shaped by decisions made today. It's really made me aware of the ripple effect we all have on the world.
Like putting a birdhouse in the wrong spot in the garden...
8 comments:
All things to think about, JL. None of us live in a vacuum. Your new world sounds fascinating.
Our lot must be on a deer pathway. They meander through in the morning when I'm getting the newspaper and cross the road, heading for another thicket. As dusk approaches, they come back the same route. Our living room sits at the back of the house and one likes to peer in the window to see if I'm in my recliner writing. I call him my "deer editor."
Looking forward to your new series. I have a wren who nests above the window on my proch. We finlly blocked it with a piece of wood over the winter. i miss them.
Hmm, I'm not sure we're as tough as our ancestors. Hopefully we make up for it in intelligence, but then I turn on the TV or look in my FB feed and have severe doubts!
Yes! Where trees are planted around a house is another example of 'not thinking ahead.' THEY GET BIG! As for the future...Perspective is so important. We think today's music isn't as fun/good as, say, the music of the 70's. Can you name a song you like from America's 1800's? Imagine what the music will be in 3000. Anyway, I like to think about how the future will look and feel, too, especially if we nurture the world properly in present times. Good luck with your new series, JL!
Well, at least you put the birdhouse up for them, which was considerate! I have a wonderful symphony of birdsong every morning (somewhat ruined, admittedly, by next door's rooster and geese) and a woods I could put the little house in. But the darlings, as lovely as they are to listen to, are also messy, if you know what I mean. As for our future shaped by today's decisions, well, I almost feel like asking, 'what future?' Maybe that's too negative, though...
I would never survive life as a pioneer. I'm sure I would have expired from heat, or cold...or having to skin and clean meat. Your wren sounds like a character!
I wouldn't have made a good pioneer back in the old days. I like my creature comforts too much. Hope that bird family found a new home.
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