Each morning I wake at dawn.  I listen to the morning music made by the birds outside my window.  In an orchestral glory, a myriad of songs erupt from the feathered musicians tweeting their daily anthem.  In my mind, they call to me to wake and rejoice, a new day is here and there isn’t a minute to waste.  Slowly, I make my way downstairs to  look out the large window in my living room.  Each morning, I’m greeted by swooping, foraging, and singing.  It’s like the birds knew I would be there and that the show is on!

I first thing I see are the Robins.  These friendly birds with their rust colored chests, are always looking for worms and hopping around with a joyous prance.  These birds seem to say hello and to like my presence.  They are ever present when I garden, always a few steps away to grab the tasty morsels unearthed by my work.  The Robins act grateful for my work and give me a sweet song for my effort.  Each year, I become a bit more attached to these melodious birds, and I welcome them back each year. 

The yard is alive with birds, from morning through night.  Each bird has it’s time and schedule. The brilliant red Cardinal and his somber-colored mate attend the morning feeding.  They enjoy my fertile soil in my greenhouse and the other treats in my tiny ecosystem.  They act like royalty among the birds, with their bright beaks and loud song they see to be immune to the other coming and goings of the other inhabitants of the yard.  They perch with nobility and purpose, as if posing to be dramatic or artists.  Cardinals are certainly the most recognizable bird in the back, but not the ones.

Blue Jays come later in the morning.  These are some of the largest birds in the area and can be a bit territorial.  The Jay calls are loud and recognizable, and seem to be the lead singers when they join the bird chorus.  Swooping and chasing unwanted guests from the lush garden, these birds are the peace keepers of the yard with their stunning blue and black feathers.  The other birds of the yard seem to appreciate the efforts of the Jays and give them first crack at the bugs. 

The yard is full of other birds.  Starlings, House Sparrows, Grackles, Black Birds, Seagulls, but the ones that seem to enjoy the flower patches the most are the Mourning Doves.  These large lovely birds sing a beautiful cooing song and enjoy foraging for seeds and bugs.  When these birds take off, there wings make a unique slapping sound and, because they travel in groups, the sounds are quite surprising as a flock swoops to the sky.  Doves are an important part of my backyard symphony, and they are dressed for the part. 

I do my part.  I have planted flowering trees that produce fruit the birds like.  I have a large garden that exposes a ton of dirt, these worm hunting areas are the favorites of my feathered friends.  I never use chemicals or any products that can cause harm to my bird neighbors.  All organic and all delicious!  The birds are my partners and I protect them from predators like stray cats - these animals are quickly chased from my yard as they are unwanted visitors! 

There are musicians in my backyard chorus that are unseen, but can be heard loud and clear.  At both dawn and dusk, the sound of telltale hooting can be detected.  I know there are barn owls in my area, but I never see them.  But their call is loud and clear, as if to tell the other owls that it’s time to hunt.  Another unseen resident of my backyard can be heard but never seen.  The rapid fire knocking of Woodpeckers punctuates the cacophony of bird calls.  There are three types of local Woodpecker, but they are extremely rare to see, yet the knocking sound is unmistakable.

Yes, my windows show another world.  A world of natural beauty and seasonal change.  It is only through this seasonal cycle that we get to observe the great natural glory of life.  Now is the spring, and life is waking up and getting on with the bounty of the warmer months.  Birds are making nests, collecting food for new young, and living a life of endless flight.  The sheer majesty of birds has me smitten and most times all I can do is watch like this amazing ballet was staged just for me.  Take a moment and be part of the world around you and say good morning to all our feathered friends.