A small gift with large meaning…

There are times when life boots you up the backside so hard your unsure while your flying through the great blue yonder in which county you will land in, since February I’ve been forever free falling,

I’m Not sure if you can remember or not but back throughout the long winter months, I took to feeding the wild birds,(I was pleased to see my old friend, white feather was still making his presence well and truly known, I’m somewhat convinced he thinks his king of the bird table) for a Blackbird of no large stature his a feisty wee devil, Scars upon his dumpy body are a tell tale signs his been in more than a few wars and still lived to sing out about it…over months hes plucked up the courage to get nearer, as I sat out on those rare occasional sunny winter days, wrapped up warm against the chills,with a coffee close at hand. i would scatter suet pellets upon the grass for him and my little companion obliging ate while sat ridgedly still watching him feast.

After some months he took to following me about the gardens, sitting upon the fence while I went about chores, hanging out my laundry, although he flew away if I became a little too near for comfort, I have in fact seen this plucky little bird chase off one of the many local cats, singing out his indignation at a feline on his manner, the poor cat ended up cowering under a car😁, we had been enjoying coffee mornings together for some time, when I noted him following me while I walked locally, (now I know what your thinking,it could have been any old blackbird right?, but no I know this wee man from the others, recognising a scar upon his cheek, the odd white feather in his wing, plus the way he looks about us in order to chase off rival male birds. I’ve no illusion that it’s because he has formed a bond, hes just protecting his meal provider…😁

But after a while white feather was joined by other diners, he was not amused at this audacity at first, but when he realised they were not in fact interested in his suet pellets or dried meal worms, they all settled down forming a healthy respect, his new Dining companions were none other than my flock of cheeky pigeons. I say cheeky because these guys are brazen😁. I can move about, wave things around and there they sit, heads cocked, for a moment watching me before they carry on eating ignoring me totally 😁…

The flock went from just 15 regulars, then expanding with into growing numbers, now bringing down their youngsters, I could tell each and every one apart by their colouring, wing Patten or in several of their cases their nerve…some willingly feeding about my feet, So of course they now had to have names..😁,

The longer I’ve been feeding my merry band of birds, the more attached to them I’ve became, rarely seeing anyone other than Jesse in phone land, it tells on me greatly at times, solitude is fine in small doses, but it does become tiresome over time, . It is though only what I myself have done, over the years my trust slowly worn away, eroded with abrasive hurt and pain…so my little flock became not only entertaining, but real live sentient beings where previously there was nothing.

I would tell Jesse about how close Dave came to me while feeding that day, or that Red had a baby out with her that looked almost identical, .I don’t gossip about my neighbours as many do.. No my days were filled with stories about my bird friends and their antics..

Well as I started with, over the weeks things have been somewhat overwhelming, I try to keep a positive frame of mind, but some days just are harder than others..(today being one of these days.. Earlier on I sat outside for a while watching the sun set below the local houses estate, trying to pluck up the energy to water my plants, it’s been a somewhat busy day today, Busy days are ok when you have the energy to go with them 😁, and I certainly didnt! So I took the opportunity to relax some while it cooled down, and as I sat in silence, one of the pigeons flew down at my feet, I knew who it was instantly…it was Walter, his bigger and braver than his counter parts, there’s no fear there as his shiny beady eye meets mine expectantly, I talk away to him, his head tilts looking up at me…his not interested in conversation of course 😁, he just eyes the seed bucket beside me, as I reach out and grab a hand full he watches my every move intently, I lowered my hand down ready to scatter his food. He boldly pushes up to my outstretched palm, I feel his soft downy feathers against my hand, he reaches out and takes the proffered seed, I,m holding my breath,frightened that any sudden movement will shatter this moment and scare him off, but over the months he has grown to know me better, trust has been formed unspokenly, a bond betwixt two entirely different species grown.

This privilege never fails to overcome me with emotion and gratitude, from the times Ive worked with young abused horses spending weeks, months, gaining their trust, or sharing my home with a multitude of waifs and strays, Each and every time catches me in the chest, Each time is always precious and that Gift. ❤