Birds

Nerd alert, nerd alert!

I like birds. Some of my friends like to tease me about it - but I don't care. I like them. - and I'll tell you why. Birds make you think. Next time you think of it - whether you're walking to your car, out in your yard, out on a walk, sitting on your balcony - whatever - stop and and watch the birds. Seriously, I think they're pretty much the smartest animal.

The more you watch them - the more you'll notice things around you. The more you'll notice all of the different kinds of birds, trees, clouds, people - everything. You'll become more aware. Seriously. Did you know that right now - wherever you are at - if you look out the window, you'll likely see something like at least six different kinds of sparrows? Take a look.

In my backyard, at any given minute there are probably a dozen different kinds of birds. It's like National Geographic out there. What's even better than that is when you watch them long enough, not only will you see dozens of different kinds of birds, you'll begin to recognize the same individual birds in your backyard.

We've named them. I know, I know...it's the kid in me. We've got Ralph and Gwen, the pair of eastern kingbirds. There's Chip, the little chipping sparrow. Spike, the eastern bluebird comes around a lot. There's Jenny, the little wren who has her nest in the telephone pole. And don't forget Pete, the red-headed wood pecker. We also have a gold finch named Miss Piggy who's been coming around lately.  Her name is Miss Piggy because she'll sit at the feeder for about twenty minutes oinking down food regardless of what's going on around her.

So the next time you're outside - think about this post - and stop for a second and watch the birds. I guarantee, it won't be too long and you'll notice one you've never seen before.