So, anyway, I am antsy for something to tend. Our sweet Toby-dog died a year ago February and my Cooper-cat followed month later. I miss those members of the family, of course, but not their respective species' sharing space with me. No dog "doo" in the yard or mounds of shedded retriever hair on the carpet; no litter pans to clean or embedded cat fur on all the furniture. No pet food to buy and/or make (we cooked for allergy-prone Toby for years), no vet bills, no worrying about getting home to walk or feed, no sitters or boarding fees while we are away for vacation. It's been freeing, for the first time in over 35 years, to not have an animal companion in our home.
Hub reminded me of all of this the other day when I mused that I was sort of thinking of getting a dog or a cat again. He turned a bit pale and spoke to me very slowly, trying to gently recall my addled brain back to some contact with reality with the reminder of all the ways in which we have had a worry-free existence in the past year. It didn't take me long to agree with him…but still….
I tried a bird feeder on the front porch late last summer, and enjoyed all the sweet little birdies, but boy, it was a mess. Seed hulls everywhere and more wildlife than I knew we had started to hang out right outside the door -- squirrels, chipmunks, mice -- too many rodents for my taste. Also the neighbor's cats seemed happy that I'd baited the birds for them. So down came the feeder.
In the frigid days of this past winter I noticed a hummingbird under the neighbor's eaves. I love hummingbirds, but have not been too successful at attracting them. I figured this one was desperate enough, so I hung a feeder on that front porch hook and sure enough, the little guy found his way to my house and brought some friends. I've been keeping them well stocked with nectar ever since. But I can't really see them from inside the house, so it's not a very satisfying relationship. Feeder full, feeder empty. I feel mostly like a waitress.
So today, I made a trip to Wild Birds Unlimited to see if I could find a hummer-feeder that would attach to my deck rail off the kitchen sitting area, where we spend most of our time. A bank of windows there looks out on a green ravine behind our house -- bird heaven! Wild Birds Unlimited is like a toy store for bird and nature lovers. I just like going in there -- dozens of bird and squirrel feeders of all types, huge bags of specialty seeds, suets, wind chimes, door decals, gardener's hats and gloves and clothing, books, books, books! Kids toys and games. Photos and wind socks and the big 'old mellow store cat who lives to be petted. Love it! The big drawback is the price. But I guess you pay for the ambiance?
I looked everything over, priced the various items I thought would work for my deck, and ended up going the simple economy route: A suction-cupped window feeder with four feeding "stations" and a raised mount. Very sweet. I came home and assembled it, cooked up a batch of nectar, and mounted the feeder on my back window. I assume it will take awhile for the hummers to find their new food source, so I am being patient, but hopeful. (I was assured they won't smack themselves against our window to get to it.)
I realize hummers are a pretty low level "pet" to have, but it seems to be satisfying my desire to attract and care for a living being without too much fuss and muss. Plus, I estimate the feeder was made with about 50-cents worth of plastic and only cost me $24.99! Cheaper than a lifetime of vet bills and Purina Pet Chow! Win-Win!At least, that's the view from here… ©
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