Bird Watcher

Summer is upon us. How quickly my backyard environment has changed! A week ago one of my fruit trees was raining apricots. At least seven bird varieties were feasting both in the tree and on the ground, pecking away at fallen fruit. Most mother birds were attended by two chicks larger than themselves. It was humorous watching the babies ruffle their feathers, begging for food and attention. The moms patiently showed their young how to eat apricots and how to take a bath. I leave a shallow plate of water for the birds to quench their thirst and to cool off. With temperatures rising, the water bowl is filled twice a day. Now the fruit is gone and the quantity of birds has drastically diminished. I will need to wait a year to once again enjoy the entertaining show of birds enjoying spring.