Living
Al Brown | Tracking the Seasons
Survival of the fittest
While carrying their breakfast of black sunflower seeds, a millet mix and a fresh suet block to the hungry birds, I saw at a distance what at first glance appeared to be corn flakes scattered on the snow.
As I got closer however, I realized I wasn't looking at corn flakes, but rather small feathers. Some grayish. A few pale browns, but for the most part cardinal red.
The feathers weren't fresh that morning. Had they been, they would have been blown away by the brisk morning breeze.
No, they were scattered there the afternoon before when the sun was warm enough to melt the surface snow and provide just enough moisture to grab and hold the feathers where they fell.
Now they were locked in place on the crusted snow by tiny, viselike ice crystals that had formed when the moisture from the previous late afternoon's snow-melt began to refreeze during the late afternoon.
Other than the feathers, there were no signs in the snow to suggest what might have actually happened to that bird.
Two days later, while watching the birds through my living room window, I got my answer. Resting on the crusted snow, squarely in the middle of what remained of the cardinal feathers, was a lone gosh hawk.
Motionless as a statue, yet alert as a palace guard, it stood alone like Moses on the mountain top or Jamie McMurray after winning the Daytona 500 NASCAR race.
Moments later, the graceful hunter spread its wings and silently flew to a nearby tree, carrying a hapless junco with its talons.
And life goes on. Within minutes, all manner of birds were back at the feeders, edgy and alert. But with a foot of crusted snow on the ground and sustainable food at a premium, a trip to the bird feeders is worth the gamble, even as the hawk dines on a snowbird within eyesight.
There are many lessons we can learn during these waning days of winter by watching the day to day struggles of the wild birds that share the land we call "ours."
When putting out feeders, be sure they are within a few feet of thick, brushy trees or bushes that can offer hasty protection from such agile birds of prey as the hawk.
If you must put the feed on the ground, spread it under a tree or bush that provides both cover and concealment from above.
Life is a gift ... and a challenge. It is seldom, if ever, really easy. And, like the birds we welcome and feed, some will die so the majority may live.
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- How new concealed carry law affects hunters
- Now's the time to hone weapon of choice
- Overlapping seasons create color conundrum
- Hunting calendar is upon us
- Weary anglers getting their chance
- Passing down knowledge of the hunt
- Appreciating the gifts of Mother Nature
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- Tag, you're it: hunting seasons approaching
- Fundraiser gives bird hunters a taste of what's ahead
- Rock River's banks a hotbed for local fishermen
- Fishing a great Father's Day opportunity
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- Getting out on the water pays off
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Posted Wednesday, Feb. 10 |
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News or Feature Story of the Week by Jim Stevens: Where do Lake Country's richest live?
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- Relay For Life of Lake Country Kickoff-Monday, February 13th
- Oconomowoc Newcomers & Neighbors Monthly Mingle Tues Feb. 14
- UW-Waukesha Continuing Education Classes Offered the week of February 12-18, 2012
- The Rock River Patriots Welcome G. Edward Griffin To Wisconsin
- Master Composter Training Workshop Offiered
- Sussex-Menomonee Falls-Pewaukee Relay For Life Kickoff Event Sunday, February 19th 3:00 PM
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- Anti-Bullying assembly
- Summerstage "Break-A-Leg Gala"
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