Creating a wildlife habitat sounded official.
We sent a formal application with some money. A few weeks later, a metal sign arrived at our door. It declared that Winterpast is now a certified wildlife habitat, offering food, shelter, water, and nesting areas for birds and pollinators.
They forgot to mention the wayward and destructive little friend, the squirrel.
After finding the perfect spot for the sign above the shed doorway, it seemed the birds understood it right away. The hummingbirds began hiding in the Happy-Go-Lucky rose. The robin made her nest on the patio. The finches arrived in cheerful little flurries. The doves settled in like they owned the place. The quail didn’t miss the invitation, either.
Meanwhile, the squirrel sat plotting from the neighbor’s yard, studying the slick fiberglass fence and wondering just how he might make it over or under.
That is the best part about creating a wildlife habitat. I get to watch their stories unfold from my desk.
Each morning, Winterpast wakes with me. The quail hurry across the yard. The doves coo from hidden places. The finches dance from branch to branch. Robins hunt through the grass. Hummingbirds hover like tiny miracles. Occasionally, a hawk passes overhead, reminding everyone who is really in charge.
Just like HHH and me, they have found a little piece of paradise.
If all the animals aren’t enough, the sound of water soothes all of us. In 2020, I needed the soothing sounds of a fountain. It wasn’t long before I found one at the only real hardware store we have in town. The store carries little of this and a little at different times of the year. They know what the residents of our little town want and need.
In the spring, day-old chicks and ducks arrive for a short stay. Keeping egg-layers is a big thing in any rural town. Ours isn’t any different.
From sun dresses to fertilizer, this place has everything. That first year, they had a three-tier fountain that found its way home. Those first few seasons, it sat on the patio by the back door until the pump stopped. For two years, it provided water to the bees, but remained silent.
With the invention of solar pumps, all that changed this year. With three beautiful fountains in the yard, we are beginning to sound like one of those fancy nurseries that sell water features. In the bird world, news has gotten out that we now have three deluxe bathing pools and a great buffet.
We hope they plan to stay awhile.
Well, most of them, anyway.