It has been a couple or more years since we have seen them.
The fact remains that the large tree, back of our house, in which they used to regularly build their nest, high up in its branches, was riddled by the tornado four years ago.
Out of sight, out of mind. I hadn’t really missed them until early this spring when I saw them once again attacking a large disgruntled crow, which was complaining about them attacking the back of its head as it flew across the territory they had claimed.
They had chosen this year a lone-standing wild thorn apple tree that had established itself on the steep hillside just across the low-lying valley from where my birdie bungalow was built.
So I am in the area often, and I stop to watch them for a moment or two on almost a daily basis. They are a neat bird to watch, as they have a peculiar way in which they fly up and out if they think there is an infringer on their territory.
But this past day, the male gave us a real treat. We were sitting around a little round table on three chairs, which we have placed for convenience at the back door of the barn. It is around this table that we solve all of the world’s problems as we watch the young kid goats frolic and play in the paddock.
During a slight pause in the often boisterous conversation, the handsome male kingbird dropped down and sat for a long moment on the tightly stretched top wire of the paddock fence. He was little more than 10 feet from our noses.
What a beautiful bird it is! Short pointed beak, bright beady eyes, white throat, breast and belly, with a dark black head, wings and back. He showed no sign of fear as he watched us watching him while scanning the ground for a favourite insect.
A short moment later as we discussed his why, where and what for, he flew down to the ground and picked up a choice morsel from a well-trodden area and flew in the direction from where he had come. I can imagine he has four or five babies to feed at this time, as well as an anxious mate waiting for his return.
It has been a long time since I resided in an area where kingbirds were present, but I do remember a pair that nested in a tall pear tree that grew along our back lane fence. During the nesting season, it was not unusual for one to dive down and clip the back of my head, as I rode our dappled grey mare Babe, bareback, out to bring in the cows for milking both morning and night.
Little things such as this make me realize that I have been blessed with a life that has come full circle.
I grew up in a bird-watcher’s paradise and have returned to one and the same.
What more could one want?
Take care, ’cause we care.
barrie@barriehopkins.ca
519-986-4105