Jodi and That Husband of Hers do a little early spring sunbathing (Photo submited by Jodi)
Ah, springtime! The season of budding flowers, warmer weather, and the melodious symphony of songbirds serenading us from the treetops. But behind those sweet melodies lies a world of avian antics and feathered folly that would leave even the most seasoned birdwatcher in stitches. It’s both a beautiful thing and a difficult thing to wake up to birdsong. It sounds so lovely but it can disturb sleep.
As the sun rises on a crisp spring, North Dakota prairie morning, the chorus begins. First up, we have the early risers, the robins, greeting the dawn with their cheerful “cheerio” calls. But don’t be fooled by their polite demeanor; these feathered friends are the pranksters of the avian world. With a mischievous glint in their eye, they engage in a game of “tag” as they chase each other through the trees, much to the amusement of onlookers below. And to the amusement of all of my cats in my sanctuary! I find it especially amazing that these birds just simply appear. They are gone all winter and tah-da, they are back in number!
Meanwhile, the blue jays make their grand entrance, their vibrant plumage and raucous squawks announcing their presence with all the subtlety of a marching band. But it’s not just their flashy appearance that garners attention; these feathered divas love nothing more than putting on a show. From on-the-spot dance routines to dramatic reenactments of Shakespearean tragedies (albeit with a few creative liberties), the blue jays are the undisputed stars of the springtime stage. They’re also kind of mean and their mamas never taught them how to share with other birdies – apparently!
But let’s not forget about our feathered fashionistas, the finches. My favorites! With their colorful coats and impeccable grooming habits, these avian trendsetters take pride in their appearance. As they flit from branch to branch, they engage in a game of “avian catwalk,” strutting their stuff and flaunting their latest accessories – whether it’s a sprig of fresh foliage or a particularly fetching feather plucked from some other passing bird.
Of course, no springtime spectacle would be complete without the humble sparrow. While they may not possess the flashy plumage of their avian counterparts, these unassuming little birds more than make up for it with their endearing antics. From their acrobatic displays of aerial ingenuity to heartfelt renditions of the latest chart-topping hits (albeit with a slightly off-key twist), the sparrows remind us that sometimes, it’s the smallest performers who steal the show. Re-read that last sentence and memorize it!
And let’s not forget about the mourning doves whose haunting serenades have inspired poets and lovers for centuries. But behind their cries lies a tale of unrequited love and avian drama worthy of a soap opera.
Hear that honk? We mustn’t be deaf to the geese! Those silly, loud lovies are so very important to us having a visual that spring really is!
But with all the laughter and the lighthearted antics, we better not forget the true beauty of springtime songbirds: their unwavering resilience and boundless joy in the face of adversity. From the smallest sparrow to the grandest goose – each bird plays their part in nature’s symphony, reminding us to embrace the whimsy and wonder of the world around us. And I don’t know about you but it also reminds me to feed them!
Like birds, it takes all different kinds of humans in order to make a world of opposing but uniting things happen. If we were all robins, it would make for a very mundane existence in my humble opinion.
So, the next time you find yourself strolling through your neighborhood on a sunny spring afternoon, take a moment to stop and listen to the birdsong. Who knows what tales of feathered folly and avian adventure you might uncover? If only birds could speak and tell us things they’ve seen and heard.
I bet the birds are wishing humans could learn how to translate bird song into human speak for then they could tell us the mighty things of the world!
“Dear God. Make me a bird.” Happy Spring!
The Blonde on the Prairie is a lover of ND. She is an author and motivational speaker, owner of “Monkey Balls” food truck and Joyologist to the elderly, the disabled and, now, also to children wherever she is needed.
