Opinion

Wonders of the wildlife

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Cold weather and the snow are famous for bringing some entertainment to the back yard. It's kind of like the Field of Dreams theme -- "if you build it they will come." In the case of the birds and wildlife, we can say, "if you feed them, they will come".

During the recent snow flurries and sleet, I felt like Noah's Ark because birds of all kinds were coming, but there were more than two by two. One thing for sure is that there is a pecking order.

I looked out the other morning and there was a big fat dove on the ground eating away and this one apparently didn't remember the Bible story where you are supposed to carry an olive branch. When the dark-eyed junco got too near him, the dove pecked at him until he left.

Meanwhile a hundred yards to the south, there is feed for the deer and the larger birds. I noticed as the weather grew more severe, a hawk took to sitting on top of a tree and he seemed pretty serious about what might be his next meal.

Looking out the windows after a recent rain, the robins had completely covered the yard. I can't believe there are that many worms for them to eat, but they are sure trying.

Some fresh water, some feed, and you can prepare to be entertained by watching the wonders of wildlife out your window.

Dick Hedges is the former mayor of Fort Scott and former president of Fort Scott Community College.