Nature - Friends and Foes

In the middle of the paisley shaped herb garden stands a shallow iron birdbath in the classical form of an open flower with a filigree base, and its daily visitors are many and varied. My wife’s response to the several crows that perched simultaneously to drink one morning was, “Eew, yuck”. I remained at the window, peering through the sheer lace curtain that kept me obscured from the penetrating and ever watchful eyes of the crows. I attempted to explain the complex social order and language that make crows so fascinating to me, but she remained unimpressed.From the kitchenette bay window we watched the Ruby-throated hummingbirds last summer. They seemed to be quick to spot us in the window, cautiously approaching the feeders until quite certain we were out of sight before setting their minds to the business of squabbling over the two feeders with their plentiful perches. I was therefore pleasantly surprised to discover one morning, while squatting to tend one of the fig trees, that the hummers would visit the feeders only five feet over my head, seemingly oblivious to my presence as long as I remained still.

European starlings are disturbingly adaptable and extremely versatile in their choices of nesting sites and take every available nook and cranny from tree cavities to buildings. They will perpetrate hostile takeovers of purple martin houses, as I’m sure you’ve observed. Additionally, they are omnivorous - eating everything in sight, making them a threat to the more desirable species of native birds, as well as to fruit growers. I’ve watched in awe as a large flock of starlings descended in a feeding frenzy on a mature pear tree loaded with ripe fruit, literally stripping the tree in about thirty minutes time. I was reminded of the mythological Harpy of Greek literature, sent to torment mankind. I’ve called starlings harpies ever since. I find it incomprehensible that the sympathies of animal rights activists extend to loathsome creatures such as these when they clearly don’t belong on this continent. The English sparrow is also an aggressive immigrant that has integrated into American bird culture.I’ve had conversations with environmentally conscious administrators who are in positions of authority over entities such as nature conservatories, who candidly concede that they consider starlings to be nothing more than “Rats with wings”. I would have no objection to an organized program for the extermination of European starlings in this country. Commercial advertising signs are attractive roosting sites for these birds. The construction of similar roosting sites for the purpose of attracting and collecting these birds in mass for humane disposal is a possible solution to the problem. A grassroots movement of backyard collection sites used during seasons that harpies congregate, would also be quite effective in reducing these vermin to manageable numbers. After all, we have rat control programs in this country.

Very recently, I was summoned to the window by the raucous cries of blue jays. Some cat, I thought, is making a tour looking for fledgling birds or perhaps rodents. After all, it is stupid season. In the middle of the backyard, and about three yards from my view, a Cooper’s hawk plucked a mockingbird on the ground. Then, looking about to acknowledge its’ audience, proceeded to dismember the hapless liar, downing even the head and feet, leaving only a pile of feathers. My wild backyard never ceases to amaze me.

As I have previously attested, the birds absolutely love our yard. However, make no mistake; this is a curse as well as a blessing for the small fruit grower. At the first sign of ripening color, those little beaks are testing the fruit. As we have the only edible landscape within perhaps miles, the droves of birds that lay claim to our little plot of ground have in the past wreaked havoc, and do so now, except the fruit trees are kept trimmed to accommodate bird netting. I must remind myself that I have chosen this battle.