Jay Learns to Step Up

Jay-Jay, being female, is not as eager to step-up or interact with the humans. The last week, however, she stepped up for the first time. Millet was involved, of course. Jary and I were eating greedily, and Jay-Jay knew we would get it all, unless she took action.
G.

Furby's Feeder

Hi, "Keets:
I haven't heard back, so I guess that your mouse problem has "gone away". Did you see the body when they took it out?
I've decided to become a bird watcher, like you guys, and we erected a "bird feeder" in the bushes in the front yard. It's one of those rectangular blocks of seed hung from the top of a wooden stake. Because it is surrounded closely by a thick cover of evergreen bushes, I am sure the birds will feel comfortable enough to accept my invitation for a meal. We put it in the ground yesterday, as there is a cold snap predicted, and it would be hard to get the stake in if the ground is frozen solid. Of course the cold weather will mean the wild birds will need additional nutrition. I watch the birds through the front picture window, while reclining on the top of the ironing board. The two-legger Mom has put a pad on it, and my favorite blanket. I am very comfortable, and I'm really looking forward to starting my "life list". May I send pictures of the birds I see?
Enthusiastically!
Furby

"Cajun Cardinal"

The mature female has become exasperated with the amount of birdseed the squirrels are eating. It is appalling. They'll eat as much as she can put out--pounds a week, if provided to them. They are hanging on the feeders all the time, and the desirable birds cannot get a toe-hold. In fact, the birds had practically given up--even the juncos, who are hardy and persistant. Early this week, she returned from the garden store with a big bag of sunflower hearts, coated with jalepeno pepper powder, called "Cajun Cardinal". She filled the feeders and then we got to watch the show. Several squirrels came running, leaped on the feeders, and got a big surprise! When it comes to profanity, nothing can beat a squirrel.
Geoffrey

I Think That I Shall Never See....

They are taking down the Christmas tree. It was lovely, but it is dying and doesn't drink water anymore. Geoffrey says that they will put it out behind the fence, where other birds can enjoy it. The outside birds hide in and among the branches when the cold winds blow. Eventually, it will compost away. I wish we could keep one as a pet.
Jay-Jay

Reply to an Unjust Remark

I DID NOT HAVE HYSTERICS!
Jay-Jay

"The Exterminator" Replies

Dear Jary:
I would still recommend a cat, but human exterminators can do the job. They have no finesse, but I guess elegance isn't your primary concern.
Regards,
Furby

Questions for "The Exterminator"

Yo--Furby:
We had a scary night. The mouse got inside. Jay-Jay had hysterics, and woke up the females with her wing-beating and squawking! The people set a few traps, but they haven't sprung, even thought there's peanut butter for bait. I think this furball is a pretty smart cookie. Once a month, somebody comes in here to look for and kill termites. Can these people do mice, too? Sep won't get a cat, but we can't hack another night like the last one!
Jary

Birdwatching 8

RE: Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus)

Big flocks of these are visiting the feeders. The females look nothing like the males. These in the photo are male. They have an attractive call, but tend to be thuggish at the feeder. Allowances must be made, though. It was 18oF this morning at dawn, and it is difficult to be polite when very cold and ravenous. By way of illustration, I append a verse from Wallace Stevens' justly famous poem "13 Ways of Looking at a Blackbird".
Geoffrey

XIII
It was evening all afternoon.
It was snowing
And it was going to snow.
The blackbird sat
In the cedar limbs.

2008?

We wish you a Happy New Year--if you are human. Birds do not pay attention to these things, except when forced. We were "forced" last night....somebody in the neighborhood was shooting off fireworks in the wee hours, and woke us up. There was shouting and raucous noise. I suspect alcohol was involved.
We hate fireworks, and are cranky this morning.
Great way to start a new year.
Geoffrey