Dad's Birds...

Brynwood Needleworks - Dad's Birds

 

My love of the outdoors was forged at an early age, spending time with my Dad. He always loved to hunt, and provided many meals for his small family when times were lean. As I grew up, I learned about how to forage, what was safe and what was not, and more about the natural world in southeastern Wisconsin from him.

Dad retired as an educator in the school system about ten miles from where Handsome and I now live, and when I was a pre-teen, he taught outdoor summer science courses. My best friend, Cyd and I took those classes for a few summers. They were glorious days in my memory, as we trudged through marshlands, up glacial formations, and into woodlands behind him and the other instructors in the group. We learned about native wildlife and birds, and their habitats.

Years later, Dad's influence on Cyd inspired her college studies into outdoor education, where she eventually led groups of college students into Puerto Rican rain forests, and sailing forays to faraway places. His influence on me, led me to teaching other young people and adults about the outdoors, as well, and then becoming a representative in a state legislated organization to help protect Wisconsin's natural resources and hunting/fishing/outdoor heritage. He's had a profound influence on both our lives.

Dad doesn't get outdoors much these days. He has trouble walking more than short distances, so my sister set up a bird feeding station outside his bedroom window. From there he can see birds, squirrels and other critters who come to visit.

Yesterday, I sat with him as we talked about family memories and ancestors. As we spoke, we also watched the feeders together...something we both enjoy. We chuckled watching the red squirrel doing gymnastics as it worked its way to the bird feeder, and Dad pointed out the cardinals, blue jay and finches. Then, he said, "Look, Donnie! (his nickname for me) There's a red-breasted grosbeak!" I'd never seen one outside a birding book or in pieces of wildlife art. We sat together, watching as it took seed from the suet my sister had put out. Such a beautiful bird, and a gift the two of us could share.

I told Dad about the indigo buntings that will soon come to our feeders, along with the current lineup of birds that visit every year - including the bluebirds that have, again, returned to the farmhouse. I told him that, even though I've had feeders out, the hummingbirds had yet to appear.

Before I headed home, Handsome sent a text to me. It read like a Western Union telegram, 

"Breaking news!! St. Cloud, 3:15 pm. Hummingbird on feeder. That is all. --------------------30---------------------"

The perfect message to come on the day I visited Dad this week. We finished our visit at about 4:30. I could see Dad was getting tired. I gave him a kiss and told him I see him again soon. I smiled all the way home. It was a perfectly wonderful day.