Birds

In the mornings I enjoy watching the early rising birds from my kitchen window.  I live in the country so a wide range of wildlife flourishes around my house, especially since there is no fence to keep them out. Most creatures disappear with the approaching sunlight while birds, on the other hand, make their appearance.

As I observe their activities, I see patterns unfolding. At first, the small flock is taking refuge in the row of lilac bushes that line my backyard to the west. When the sun rays become more direct toward the flock’s hiding place, they seem to arouse the restful birds, as though the rays bring anticipated energy.

Once awakened, the eager ones and perhaps most hungry dart from their protective hedge to begin the search for food. Their little legs move quickly as they scour the ground for any remnant of scraps I had thrown out the night before. In this case, dried bread crumbs greet their arrival.

I notice that sharing can be a problem. When one finds a morsel, another bird moves in to investigate while still another decides to grab it right before their eyes and flies away. Sometimes, however, a larger remnant creates a communal effort.

In this case, an oversized bread crumb is discovered by one of the gathering sparrows. It pecks at the morsel briefly, flies away and then returns. This time the sparrow tries dragging it, but it’s too large to drag so it stays with it momentarily but soon loses interest and leaves. Then, another bird takes its turn and before long several have arrived to find nourishment in the larger piece. Each takes its turn until the crumb is small enough where it can be dragged to the edge of the bushes and enjoyed in the safety of its enclosure.

However, during all the various feeding antics, everything stops when an unexpected noise or movement interrupts their meal. Some scurry into the protective covering of the bushes while others fly completely out of sight. But as soon as the danger passes, one, two or even three courageously come into view for more food. Eventually, so do the rest.

As I observe the actions and reactions of these birds, I can’t help but compare them to humans. With the rising of the sun, most of us are energized and eager for the day, but as the day progresses, our energy and eagerness wane with unexpected interruptions and challenges. Then, too, when it comes to sharing, we, like the birds, have difficulty. However, if we put our selfishness behind us and work together as one body, we accomplish much. We can learn valuable life insights by observing birds and their behaviors. Perhaps that was part of God’s plan when He created them.

“Then God said, ‘Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens.’”  Gen. 1: 20