Meet Mrs. Flicker!

Upon my return to the house last evening, I saw this guy…he looked like he had been through the mill…he looked hot…he looked weary…but, heck if he was going to give up!  The new House Sparrow couple were moving from fence to eaves to fence to eaves, chattering and shouting at the top of their lungs.  Mr. Flicker just panted at them and then took to the air, chasing them both deep into my back yard.  It was very dramatic and I said to my son, “I don’t know why he wants that vent anyway…he can’t find a Mrs!  There are no contenders!”

Evicted….after quite a dispute.

Well…it’s amazing what a new day can bring!

I made my pot of coffee.  Max and I got up early this morning so that I could attend 9:00 Mass.  I curled in to the red couch and scratched his ear for a while.  It is after this initial relaxation each morning that Max and I walk to each of the windows to see what’s going on in the neighbourhood.

Quite a change in weather!  It was both windy and very grey.  Rain clouds were gathering.  I decided to get Max out to the park for some ball-throwing…but, before I did, I took a look at the back.  May Day is sprouting green…so beautiful to see.  Soon her boughs will be covered with aromatic white blossoms.  Movement!  Are you kidding?  Quick, I whispered to myself…”Get the camera!”  If I don’t whisper, Max barks loudly, especially where Northern Flickers are involved.  He can hear one coming by a mile!

Readers…meet Mrs. Flicker!  I think I laughed out loud.  She’s a doll and I’m sure my readers will agree…and, she is a first for me as I’ve only ever seen males.  And, if she and Mr. settle in across from my kitchen window, I will possibly see fledglings for the first time, some weeks from now.  One thing’s for certain, Mr. chased the House Sparrows away.  Patience and determination are sometimes rewarded.