R and I have had many surprising visitors to our backyard feeders. In the spring we have a big influx of many different birds headed for their northern breeding grounds. This summer we enjoyed repeat visits from two hen turkeys and their large brood of young. It was fun to mark their growth week by week, but sad to find their numbers dwindling. The wilderness is not a safe place for most wildlife. In the fall, migrating species pass this way and stop for a few days, eating and resting before moving on south.
On a beautiful mild fall day R and I were sitting on the swing in the breezeway admiring the colors of the tree line across the field when a female ring-necked pheasant darted into the tall weeds that edge our backyard. Since the field has been planted with corn, that edge of weeds isn't very deep and I didn't know where she'd go from there. We were really surprised to find that she had an eye on our bird feeder on the back patio! She cautiously worked her way across the open yard to the feeder while R and I very quietly and carefully, moved to a better vantage point.
Once at the feeder, she seemed more at ease. It's close to the house and out of the sun -- maybe she felt hidden there? She spent about 20 minutes pecking sunflower seeds up out of the tall grass (it hasn't been cut in a while). She was beautifully camouflaged for life in weedy fields. Her coloring reminded me of a tortoise shell and she had such large, dark eyes. I was thrilled when she finished eating because she stepped right up onto the patio and over to my makeshift birdbath for a long drink! It's nothing but a large plastic plant saucer with a rock island in the middle of the water (for smaller birds), but it has drawn lots of attention during this hot, dry summer.
The pheasant tried to escape through my herb garden, but realized that wasn't very deep cover. She was faced with a long run across the open yard! I could see her steeling her resolve, take a long running start and mount on wings for a desperate flight to the weeds at the back of the yard. She disappeared into the safety of blooming goldenrod and our drainage ditch.
The whole time I watched her, I thought, how sad that she doesn't realize that the seed and water have been put out just for her and any other birds who want it! I pose no threat to her and have done all I can to protect and provide for her kind. And how thrilled I am when they come and use what I've provided.
We are so much like that with all the blessings God has provided for us! He has provided a safe haven in Christ with many good things laid out for us! What better time to remember these than at harvest time? But we come skulking and sneaking out of the world, afraid that He will punish us for making use of what He's intended for us all along! His stores are not depleted one bit by our hunger and thirst! Is He thrilled, like I am, when someone comes near to take advantage of His blessings? Does His heart swell with joy to think that He has given rest and refreshment to some small, weary soul? How long does it take us to learn that He has only our good at heart; that
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)?
Our pheasant visitor learned her lesson quickly, returning again to feed with all the little birds that discovered long ago this yard is a haven for them. I pray that we might all recognize that about our Heavenly Father and step boldly forward to feed on the good things He has for us!
Love as always, Elaine (scattering more seed)
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