Bird-chirping Weather by Christine DePetrillo

I recently read a meme that said, “Bird-chirping weather is my favorite weather.” I agree, and May has wonderful bird-chirping weather. I’ve been enjoying writing in The Outdoor Writing Office ever since I opened it back in April, but the bird chirping has only just reached full capacity this month.

I have two feeders in my backyard habitat, which has been specifically designed to attract birds (and butterflies). I frequently have visits from crows, blue jays, cardinals, robins, doves, finches, black-capped chickadees, warblers, sparrows, nuthatches, grackles, wrens, acorn woodpeckers, and my favorite guest, the northern flicker. I live for the moments when a sampling of all these birds are in the yard at the same time, singing their songs and enjoying the buffet I have put out for them.

We have a small, husband-made stream and pond in our yard too. 

Robins love to swim in it. They dunk themselves under the water, flap their wings, sending a spray all over their bodies, then fly up to our peach tree to preen. They don’t seem to mind that my German Shepherd is in the yard as well, watching their every move. He doesn’t seem to mind them either. They have an “understanding.”

The squirrels are not so lucky.

I like to think that birds are out there in the neighborhood telling other birds to stop by the DePetrillos for a bite to eat and a bath. As if I’m running a bird resort of sorts. I welcome them all and invite them to sing their songs for me. I usually listen to music when I write, but not when I’m outside.

When I’m outside, the birds provide the tunes and it’s perfect writing music. No words. All natural. Totally inspirational.

Learn to GARDEN FOR WILDLIFE HERE if you want to attract birds and other creatures to your yard.

Learn more about BIRDS HERE.

What’s your favorite bird? How would you describe the weather in May where you live?

Toodles,

Chris

www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com

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The Outdoor Office

I’m off from my regular job during the summer so I get to spend my sunny New England days writing, writing, writing. It is, of course, the most wonderful time of the year. Christmas pales in comparison to two months of being in The Outdoor Office with my characters.

 


The Outdoor Office is located in my backyard, which is a National Wildlife Federation-certified backyard habitat. That means that it has four basic features conducive to supporting local wildlife: food, shelter, water, and places to raise young. The yard is not huge by any means. I live in a suburban town where the houses are pretty close to one another, but you’d be amazed at what you can create in a small space. Bird feeders attract everything from cardinals, sparrows, finches and bluejays to my favorite woodpecker, the Northern Flicker. Their music provides a natural soundtrack while I write. It’s fun to watch them splash around in our birdbath too.

Butterfly bushes bring in the Tiger Swallowtails, Monarchs, and dragonflies, who are a sign of a healthy ecosystem. A dry creek bed, rock walls, and wide-leafed plants provide areas for chipmunks, squirrels, moles, and mice to live and play hide and seek. Catmint gets all the neighborhood cats high. I love to look up from my laptop and see cats rolling in the catmint like nothing on Earth would give them more bliss. Makes me want to try it.

We’ve also got fruit-bearing plants, such as blueberry bushes, grapevines, and my absolute favorite—a peach tree. I’ve caught more than one neighbor and a few garbage men stealing the peaches when they are ripe. Can’t say I blame them. I think Eve would have brought Adam over to the Dark Side even quicker if she’d had access to this peach tree.

Tall grasses swoosh in the warm summer breeze. Potted flowers add splashes of color amongst the green. A wooden swing and Adirondack chairs built by my husband offer places to get lost in a book. And when the neighbors’ kids aren’t screaming their heads off, this yard is the perfect place to write a romance novel. A natural energy permeates up through each blade of grass. A golden hug of sunshine offers support from above, and all around me, life thrives. I feel connected to it all. My mind is clear, my heart is open, and the words flow onto the page. I love it out here.

And yes, I do grow roses. 

To see some of my habitat, watch this video interview one of my publishers did. The backdrop is my yard.

Where’s your favorite outdoor space? What do you like to do there?

For some stories that include some fun outdoor spaces, visit me at www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com.

Toodles,

Chris