Bluebird and House Finch
I woke up this morning and realized I have it. I've had it before, but I really thought I'd licked it. It's been known to strike people of all ages and hang on indefinitely, so it was foolish to conclude it was gone for good. When it didn't show up this fall and winter--more than fleetingly--I concluded that maybe I really would go on without it. There have been signs lately. Now, I think it's developed into it's full-blown state!
'What is she talking about?', you ask. 'Bird Itch! That's sounds too personal!', I hear you saying.
Yes, it's personal. (It's not contagious, so don't be alarmed). It's actually quite satisfying, though. I'm telling you this because you might want to get it for yourself. It's free--and it's available, right now--outside your window!
I've had bird feeders and a birdbath for years but it wasn't until I really took the time to look--rather than take just an occasional glance--that I began seeing the variety of feathered friends regularly stopping by to visit. When I added a couple of sturdy, squirrel-resistant bird feeders, a heated birdbath, and some nesting boxes to my yard, things really picked up. So much so that my birthday gift two years ago was a nice SLR camera, with a good zoom lens. Last years birthday gift was an outdoor Bird-Cam, as by then, I was blogging and wanted to share my passions with others. I'm getting ready to set the camera up outside, so be on the lookout for some live video that I'll be sharing in the months ahead.
If you don't have Bird Itch, it's okay. If all of my neighbors had it, I probably wouldn't have as many avian visitors as I do, and I'd be forced to share. But since it's free, and available in most neighborhoods, why not see if you can get a little of it for yourself?
I'm glad the disappearance of my itch was only temporary, as it really is pleasant to have. Thank goodness there is no known cure for Bird Itch!
--Today I am thankful that my 'itch' has come back;-)
Words and photos by Jan Huston DobleThanks For 2 Day.
Yes, Jan, lies dormant until another outbreak!
ReplyDeleteJan, That bluebird just takes my breath away. -Jean
ReplyDeleteJan, I have always had the "bird itch" and if I ever added my costs for feed etc., I would be a higher ranked bird enthusiast. My birds are spoiled. I am concerned, however, that neighborhood cats, are doing harm to our bird population. I never see cats on leashes so I know it is not the dogs. I wish cat owners would be more mindful that cats love birds and they too have more than a "bird itch" when they are stalking looking for my favorite cardinal. P.S. I guess the catbird is immune. :)
ReplyDeleteIt's an itch that's hard to control. Your photos are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteJan, I think it's the best itch to have. I just hung a new suet feeder outside my window here and I've been waiting for days... where are they?
ReplyDeleteGood to see your itch encourages photos of such wonderful birds.
ReplyDeleteI have feeders outside the kitchen window and do occassionaly mean to take a photo but I am not so good at catching them they only stay so fleetingly and then they are no were near as colourful or as varied as yours.
Beautiful birdies!!! Check out my blog for a chance to win a new feeder!
ReplyDeleteSuch great photos of the birds. I love the bluebird!! I, too, havethe bird itch, always, so I truly understand.
ReplyDeleteJan, what gorgeous photos! I can't wait to see the results of the bird cam. Have seen those in the specialty stores.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have the 'itch', I don't have much opportunity to satisfy it during the winter as it's dark when I leave for work and late when I get hime. I know they are out there because the bird seed keeps disappearing!
Jan, I've had bird 'itch' for a long time but I think it's because we just have no birds in the winter here. Some Stellars Jays and I haven't even seen any robins lately. I love your pictures - I see why they are so great now. I sure wish I could retain more about lighting and settings and all so I could get a nice SLR. Lucky the P & S digitals are getting better and better since I'll have to live with them.
ReplyDeleteI once parked myself on the couch for several weeks while recovering from a surgery. I had a great view of the bird feeders out front. I was amazed and thoroughly entertained by the great variety of birds that came by. Your photos are fantastic and remind me of those days I spent scratching my bird itch!
ReplyDeleteJan, oh I love the bluebirds. I wish they would stay around here all year.I put up another bluebird box this fall so there are two now. Maybe I will get more to hang around in spring.
ReplyDeleteAs always, great pictures!! I love watching the birds. That last one with the bluebird on wing is great!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures! I've just been thinking this week that I need to figure out how to zoom with my camera so I can take some bird pics. Yours sure inspire me!
ReplyDeleteBird itch is contagious, Jan--I caught it when I first started blogging. Now, birdseed and suet cakes are regulars on my grocery list. What a great gift the birdcam was! I've seen them in the stores before and thought how great they would be to get some really good close-ups. Your photos are fantastic!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful pictures. I am so glad I found your blog. Look forward to reading it in the future.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan... don't know if I've been "itching" (ha), but I surely have enjoyed the birds again this year. The colder temps and snowfalls have really brought them around - they're hungrier than ever. Which reminds me that I must head outdoors to replenish the food supply! Happy Watching! :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Jan. I have "bird itch" too! Although I didn't know what it was called before reading your post. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou have a great assortment of bird visitors (I think I've said that to you before?) My favorite shot has to be the bluebird tho. It's fantastic!
Hi Jan, thank you for the lovely gifts and card which I received with my gardening by letter package. I am paying a short visit to everyone to say Hi, you have a fabulous array of birds visiting your garden, none of ours are as coloufull.Thanks for sharing such great photos
ReplyDeleteHi Jan! I heard about your accident while moving! Hope you heal quickly! I love these pics of birds. The last one with the blue bird in mid-flight is my favorite!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely assortment of birds you have. I have to tramp on trails to find so many, but we do have our few steady customers at the feeders.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see all your birds! I have just started to have an interesting in birds and in two weeks time I have seen 4 new species for me since I started to look for them.
ReplyDeleteMB
What great photos~ I love birds too. I don't have a fast enough camera to capture pictures like your.
ReplyDeleteWell done~
Blessings,
Georgiann
so I LOVE that first picture you have posted of the blue bird and house finch.. so pretty and the birds are GORGEOUS! i wish we had some cool birds like those over here in CA.. :)
ReplyDeleteNicely said. I can't wait for the bird influx in the springtime, but I did see a bluebird on the deck this morning. Not only is this very early, confirming that they can overwinter, but we never had them come up to the house before. Great fun!
ReplyDeleteHello Jan,
ReplyDeleteI am very familiar with the 'bird itch' and I also am pleased that there is no known cure.
I have just returned from a couple of very pleasant hours bird watching, and the sight of our feathered wildlife going about their business in their natural environment is so rewarding.
I also have a couple of bird baths set up in my garden, and I am always delighted by the visitors that use them.
I'm glad I found your blog, thank you.
What a beautiful and inspiring blog you have here Jan!:)
ReplyDeleteThe photos are just gorgeous! :)
Thank you for taking the time recently to visit my blog, and for your lovely comment :)
I love watching birds as well, we have many around here, plus I have my pet ones.
We have cats but when they go outside, they have an outside enclosure they go into. That way they can watch all the birds, but can't get to them ! :)
Take care
Jules :)
Fantastic photos Jan!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing your bird cam 'captures!'
Great photos! And you get bluebirds at your suet feeder???? I see bluebirds in the yard, but don't recall ever seeing one at a feeder - thought I had to put out mealworms and I'm just not prepared to do that (LOL).
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