I think I am officially a little old lady.
If I was not certain of my elderly status before, my recent backyard birding adventures have sealed the deal and specifically marked me as a little old, crazy bird lady.
It started innocently enough. One morning back in the Fall, I was just sitting on the back patio, enjoying the pleasant morning weather and a nice cup of coffee, when I saw an unusual-looking bird light on the fence separating our property from our sweet neighbor’s backyard.
Now, I am a Mississippi girl through and through, and because of my nature-loving sons, I have seen just about every animal that lives in our state – some of them way too up close and personal. And believe me, Mississippi is home to some of the most beautiful birds in the nation.
Various state wildlife experts say that over 400 species of birds make Mississippi either their permanent or migratory home. Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Carolina Wrens, Northern Mockingbirds, and Red-bellied Woodpeckers are just a few of our state’s most common birds.
But this bird was not a common Mississippi bird. It was strange, and I had no clue what it was. My first thought was maybe it was just passing through on its migratory journey from some cold place up North to its winter home in Florida – or even farther South. I just was not sure.
So, I did what any red-blooded American grandmother with an iPhone would do: I googled it. And come to find out, it was not a native Mississippi bird or a feathered friend on its way to a warmer climate.
It was a canary and a beautiful little specimen at that. I searched around on Facebook among the pages of some of my slightly older, “crazy” birder friends. (I do regret that description now, especially since I am now a solid and proud member of their ranks.)
After a bit of social media investigation, I learned that this little birdy had escaped from a nearby home and was making its rounds throughout the gardens and backyards of our fair city.
Now, I never saw this beauty again, but something about that unusual sighting solidified my interest in the birds that visited my backyard. It became my morning ritual to sit on the patio, drink my coffee, do my daily Bible reading, and watch the birds.
My husband noticed my new fascination and brought me a bird feeder and plenty of high-quality birdseed. He thought it was really funny when he got me a bird feeder made in the shape of a steepled church since my kids and grandkids love to call me an old church lady.
I thought my bird church was very appropriate since my new feathered friends reminded me of God’s creativity and His graciousness in allowing me to share in the beauty of His creations and creatures.
It also reminded me each morning (even the tough ones of late) that if God cares enough for even the tiniest sparrows to faithfully watch over them, then He is faithfully watching over me as well.
Soon, my bird church was full, so we added a new-fangled iFeeder to my backyard bird sanctuary. Now, when a bird (or squirrel) visits the feeder, it snaps a picture and will even scientifically identify the guest.
Wow! This technology is amazing. And it officially and forever marked me as a little old, crazy bird lady.
So, tomorrow morning, I dare you to wander outside in the cool of a Mississippi morning and simply sit and watch the birds. It’s mesmerizing and restful beyond description.
But be careful! Before you know it, you might be a crazy old bird lady (or man) too.
If so, no worries! Just join the rest of us online at the various birdwatcher sites, such as the Facebook page for Mississippi Birdwatchers.
