Patio Diaries | Bird watching in the morning

 I like to come out on my patio every morning, mainly to see what the weather is like that day, but also to ground myself. There is a lot of activity in my yard this morning.

The two things that caught my eye the most was a baby blue jay and a woodpecker. I saw a bird chaotically flying back and forth between two trees. Only when it flew to a tree closer to me did I realize it was a baby blue jay. I have never seen one before! I could tell because the hair on his head wasn't fully fluffed out yet and he was chirping and whimpering like a little baby bird. It seems like he may still be trying to get his footing (and flying) in this big old world. I wish him nothing but the best and I hope to see him again. 

Then off to the side, mostly out of site, I heard a woodpecker. I was able to see him at the base of a tree and then he flew to the tree closest to me. I don't know what it is, that is so magnificent about birds and bird watching. Maybe it's because they are all so unique and different and they each have their own little quirks. And of course every day is different and you never know what you'll have the opportunity to witness. 

Then a lady ran by on her morning run and she was listening to what appeared to be a sermon out loud. That made me smile because when I'm in nature, I am in awe. Nature as a whole feels magnificent, like a work of art, and each little thing is an intricate detail. And although we don't always look at ourselves that way, we are part of nature, we are part of this masterpiece, and I think that's why we feel so connected to it. Being in nature, appreciating it, having gratitude for it, being in awe of it is like a living prayer for me. Nature is my church.

Next thing I know I see a chubby brown and beige bird land on the tree in front of me. It rubbed his head on the branch a few times like he was trying to scratch an itch. 

The next bird I saw, which I typically see off in the distance most of the time, is a small brown bird with a yellow tummy. 

I would say it has been a good morning of bird watching and I have only been outside for about 20 minutes. I love sitting out here first thing in the morning to see the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood, the sun kiss the tops of the trees with light, the wildlife, people living their lives, breathing in fresh air, the grounding vibrant hues of nature around me... I should do this more.