Birding is something my husband and I became interested in soon after we met. Young lovebirds ourselves, we enjoyed nature walks together, poring over our bird guide to decipher one warbler from another and which sparrow we’d just spotted.
When we made our home together over in Rindge many springs ago, a bird feeder was installed straightaway. Beautiful songbirds and brightly colored species came often to greet us. Orioles, evening grosbeaks and handsome purple finches were some of our most-thrilling visitors. A woodcock even found its way to a soft grassy spot under the old crabapple tree that spring.
Of course, it was only about two months after moving in that May when a sizable black bear decided it was his turn at the feeder, which we had quaintly hanged on our back porch. That’s right, we had our feeder out in July. In New Hampshire. On our porch.
In a panicked call to Rindge Animal Control Officer Larry Harris, we were promptly advised against hanging a summer bird feeder. And while we were at it, he suggested, ditch the backyard compost pile, too – bears can’t resist a free meal.
Through the years, we’ve maintained an interest in birding with our growing family. It’s such a simplistic pastime, always there to enjoy. Lazy summer days in the yard? Look! The great blue heron is flying over to Converse Meadow. Snowed in? Let’s gaze at the streaks of color flying to the feeder for a snack. Anxious for spring to arrive? I see a robin in the yard!
So, when I learned recently of the annual New Hampshire Audubon Backyard Winter Bird Survey, I promptly registered. For the weekend of Feb. 11 and 12, bird-watchers were asked to count and report the species they could visually identify from anywhere on their property. Since we’ve had such a variety of avian guests over the years, I envisioned this to be both fruitful and educational.
With the weather looking good and our bird feeder full, we were ready for a steady influx of birds to count. I expected the usual suspects: chickadees, cardinals, juncos. But I was also hoping for a few clingers, like the woodpeckers and nuthatches we often see darting about. Regardless, I was prepared for a strong turnout.
Well, the backyard bird survey weekend came and went. In the end, our time as amateur ornithologists didn’t reap the bird-sighting bounty I’d hoped for (and possibly promised). I couldn’t believe how quiet the skies were over those crisp, sunny two days. Only a few familiar faces crossed our airspace – a couple crows, a pair of black-capped chickadees, twin juncos and one red-tailed hawk. Not quite the color palette I’d envisioned for our bird-counting weekend.
Oh well. We knew our feathered friends would be back. And while I missed them during the survey weekend, I did indulge in the time with my family – the ones I love most – outside, together. Picking up fallen pine branches, swinging on the old playset, walking in our woods. Not bad at all.
Naturally, our bird feeder was hopping again first thing Monday morning.
“Little Women”
Project Shakespeare presents Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” adapted and directed by Deborah Shakespeare Thurber. Come enjoy this production performed by talented local youth performers. Showtime is 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 4, at the Rindge Congregational Church, 6 Payson Hill Road in Rindge.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under, and are available at the door 30 minutes prior to showtime.
Rindge Recreation programs
The Rindge Recreation Department will be offering fitness programs for residents this month, including a barre workout class and a Pump Up Strength class, both taught by Kara Beall. For information on times and fees, visit the Rindge Recreation Facebook page, or call the department at 603-899-6847.
Send me your Rindge stories at rindgecommcorr@yahoo.com.