Bird watching can help in dealing with winter

Although we are now halfway through the month of January, there are still a lot of winter days ahead. Even if we don’t have a lot of snow to deal with so far, the cold will be a reminder. As a true Minnesotan, I can usually start most conversations with “weather talk.” If I am driving through the countryside on a cold, sunny day, I get a warm feeling inside. Whether it resonates from the heater in the vehicle or the heater inside of my body, it gives me that feeling of serenity and that life is good.

I have enjoyed watching the birds at the feeders for quite a few years. I have always been fascinated with watching wildlife, but it has only been in the last 20 or so years that I have been obsessed with bird feeders. I’d guess it was around the time that we first bought the land to build our cabin that I have re-acquainted myself with being up close to nature. I have always been fascinated with seeing a critter in the wild, but when I have seen such a variety of wildlife near and around our cabin, it made me appreciate even more the beauty of nature. I also appreciate the opportunity to observe many of God’s creatures in their natural environment.

There was an incident that changed my way of thinking as a youth and also as an adult later on. I was roaming the slough south of our home on Bridge Street, with my trusty Red Ryder BB gun when I saw a bird perched in a tree slightly hidden from sight. I raised my trusty gun and fired; the bird dropped to the ground. As I approached, I realized that it was a Flicker, and instead of feeling good about my shot, I was overwhelmed with guilt. I realized that this bird in all its beauty would never fly again or be there for anyone else to ever observe its beauty. I felt so guilty that I never aimed my BB gun at another bird again. I am reminded of this incident each time that I visit our cabin because there are many Northern Flickers in and around our wooded acreage. Each time that I see one take off, I am reminded of that time and feel a deep appreciation for being able to observe this beautiful bird in flight. All of the birds that frequent our feeders at the cabin or at our home are entertainment at its best.

My son Brian and daughter-in-law Kim have been going to Helmer-Big Island State Park a couple of times a week to walk. They have enjoyed the nearly snowless weather, maybe not the cold so much, but they take advantage of this whenever they can. They enjoy the outdoors and spotting an occasional deer or eagle whenever they come upon one. In the summer they bike the trail to Hayward and back. Brian loves the outdoors, as does Kim, so they do this sort of thing quite often.

Until next time: I am not able to do as much outdoors adventuring as I once did, but I do what I can. I am aiming for more outdoors activity this coming year. No, I don’t make any News Year’s resolutions, so it is just a goal. I have observed quite a few fish houses scattered about on Fountain Lake this past week, but I haven’t heard how the fishing has been. My grandson, Trevor, was out on the ice a couple of weeks ago and said he caught quite a few small perch, but that was about it.

Please show your support for our troops who are now deployed. These service men and women are making that sacrifice, so that we may have the many freedoms that we enjoy today.