Early Bird Politics… Sunday Musings
There’s a rhythm in the desert. We humans think we’re so different from the other critters that roam this earth, but not really. If we watch how they interact, we’ll find great insights into ourselves and our instincts. Such is true this warm Sunday morning.
During our desert summer I struggle to get up earlier than usual. I hear how beautiful it is in Phoenix at 4 AM. I may see that if I stay up… but I won’t be getting up that early unless I’ve got a flight out.
Yet, even at 7 AM, it’s stunning out here on my patio. I fill the birdfeeder and flood the nectarine tree. It’s fun to watch the birds play in the water, getting the desert dust off before they find shelter for another sweltering day.
The Jaybirds are standing on a low branch and jumping in, just like little kids at a watering hole. They tower over fledglings who are learning how to stand on the tiny perch next to the seed bounty they’ve discovered.
It’s interesting to note how well they all get along. All shapes and sizes of birds flock to my tree. They know that only a few months ago it was filled with sweet nectarines. They peck at the remaining dried fruits I’ve left till the weather cools.
One by one they stand in the water up to their knees – do birds have knees? They dip their heads under water and shake. The babies try it. One stepped in too deep and a mom bird of a different kind nudged it back to safety.
Now we have a lineup: a dozen fuzzy babies have figured it out. It looks like a wave at the stadium. The first one dips and shakes, then the next, and the next. They don’t want to leave this wondrous miracle of cool water. If this water didn’t soak in, within a couple of hours it would be too hot for the tree and the birds. So they grab their baths while they can.
Now damp, ruffled Jaybirds stand guard while the others eat and play. A warning chirp sounds a fire drill and all birds scatter. They stand in perfect rows along the back wall. One by one they fly in and resume their pecking order at the feeder. Everyone gets a turn. Some stick their beaks in and scoop seeds to the ground for waiting babies.
This is the meditation. This is when I remember why I live in the godforsaken heat of Phoenix summers. I understand why early settlers here adopted the siesta. You got up early; enjoyed the day and got the heavy work done. Around noon to 4 you slept in front of a fan with a wet towel draped over it. When the sun set, you would go outside again and get the rest of the work done.
Not the birds. These are desert birds. They know to grasp each gift as it comes. A birdfeeder here, a bath there. A giant gray pigeon stands on a branch, then hangs upside down trying to reach the feeder. Oh Wow – He’s got the feeder swinging and another pigeon pecks at the opening as it comes his way. Now that’s teamwork! The other birds scatter and wait. When big grays fly off, the little birds resume their pecking order.
Funny how birds figure this all out. In some way it is political – there IS a pecking order after all. But I doubt they hold debates over the best backyard, or the best watering hole. They don’t take up arms to defend their position – well, unless they are hummingbirds: those little suckers are warriors, and argue loudly! So do the Jaybirds when provoked.
Still – through my binoculars from my perch on the patio, it’s a peaceful scene. They know their place. They have a system figured out. They take turns.
If we humans could only pay attention and learn from this. Some do. Some of us are good at taking turns, allowing others to share in the bounty. Then again, we are the most insecure of all the animals. I doubt that birds have conversations like, “Do you think I’m getting too fat? Do these feathers make my thighs look heavy?” For them, fat is a good thing!
Ok Ok, I’ll stop rambling. See what the heat does here? It is now hovering around 100. Time to go in. The birds are grabbing the last remnants of the seeds. The water has soaked into the ground. And they are smart enough to get out of the sun. Time for me to do the same.
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday!
Beth
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Beth Terry, CSP, is a Certified Speaking Professional, Author and Corporate Trainer. Find out more about Beth here.
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