Dakota Beacon

If I were a cartoonist my feathered friends would provide a never-ending source of material. I would get my ideas observing the antics of the birds at the feeder and bird bath outside my kitchen window.

Gold Finches congregate like jolly gold bricks. The cocky little black cap tipped forward on the forehead captures their personality. First one, then two -- then six, seven, eight! The air is aflutter with gold. Unbelievable!

It looks like autumn leaves in the springtime around the feeder when House Finches breeze in to join the fluttering Gold Finches. Rich, wine-red hue of the House Finches contrasts with the bright yellow of the Gold Finches. It is as if the two finches were competing in a beauty pageant. There is constant activity. Each takes a bow and makes way for the other.

A Grackle invades the feeders like Darth Vader. At ten to twelve inches, this guy is big, black and ugly. When he lands, the branches rattle. Everyone makes way for the Grackle. He is neither polite nor dainty. No manners here. Seeds fly everywhere. I wave a towel from the kitchen window. Mr. Grackle is not easily intimidated. One wave, two waves -- and then he flies off.

Mr. Grackle may be a bully, but the small birds are not stupid. They just move to the ground and take the seeds Mr. Grackle throws off.

Several perky White Crowned Sparrows hop on low branches trying to make up their minds whether to dine at the feeder or on the ground. They look spiffy with white racing stripes on their heads.

Harris's Sparrow is quite dapper in his black hat, bib and pink bill. He looks like a "Mr. Harris" as he holds himself proud. He is also quite the gentleman showing courtesy to his friends as they hunt for just the right seed.

Mrs. Grosbeak drops in for a visit. She appears to have put on weight over the winter but I don‘t know how. She looks like a small chicken sitting at the feeder. Trying to keep an eye on the other birds, she doesn't turn her head. She turns her whole body, sometimes waddling from side to side, to check out the activity around her. Opps! Mrs. Grosbeak just took a nip at an intruding House Sparrow. I guess she does not like company for breakfast.

Later in spring the real antics begin. When the young ones hatch and leave the nest, they will follow their parents to the feeders and bird bath. Some of the greatest laughs come from their juvenile behavior.

Take, for instance, the common Robin. Last year, we hosted a Robin family for several weeks. Robins don't use the feeders -- they don't eat seed. However, they are greatly attracted to the bird bath. At first, Mr. and Mrs. Robin would drop by for a drink.  As the weather got warmer, they would step into the drink for a dunk. In time, the dunks became full-fledged baths. With feathers soaking, Mr. and Mrs. Robin would slosh off to preen on a nearby limb.

Watching the adults in the water was entertaining enough. The real kicker comes when the young, spotted-breasted Robins followed their parents into the water. They are just like kids in a wading pool. At first they were hesitant. As they got bolder, they could not get enough water on a warm summer morning. The greatest sport came when two youngsters both tried to fit into our small bird bath at the same time. One would bob and the other one weave. One would soak its head and the other would flap its wings in the bath. Water flew everywhere! By the time they finished, I had to refill the bird bath -- and dry my eyes, I was laughing so hard.

Other feathered families stop by for dinner. In years past, our old friends, the common House Sparrow, brought the young ones around to show them what good eating is. Mama and Papa convince me they do a good job showing the youngsters what to eat. However, they leave something to be desired in showing them how to eat.

Little ones, fresh from the nest and just able to fly, perch on the rung of the big feeder. One of the parents perches alongside. Without delay the parent begins shelling the seeds. Their youngster just sits there with its mouth open, squawking and waiting for a morsel. Very patiently, Mama shells a seed and places it in the youngster's craw. A quick swallow and the little one wants the next bite.

When does this routine end? Weeks later, what appears to be an adolescent House Sparrow still accompanies Mama or Papa to the feeder for a meal! The parent goes through the same ritual. I can imagine Papa's bird brain thinking, "When is this kid going to leave home?"

So goes the backyard entertainment.

There is never a dull moment in bird land.

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at P. O. Box 337, Stanley, ND 58784 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).