The Birdfeeder

Although I proceed from a great bird lover, my own interest and understanding of our feathered friends has been a little slow in developing. I have distinct childhood memories of my mother's "birding" adventures down to Cape May Point where some of the best migratory bird sightings in the country are possible and I know I have mentioned her famed "bird book" in which she documented annual sightings of such favorites as the elusive Kinglet. Little did I know that coming to the UK would unearth a whole array of new birds to enjoy. Since living on Orchard Road, I've wanted a birdfeeder. Our next door neighbors have one, but it's a little too far back to really enjoy the creatures it attracts. Several weeks ago while at Poundland, I discovered exactly what I was looking for -- a window birdfeeder that attaches with a suction cup. I purchased a bag of seed marked "meal worms" and proceeded home excited about the flock of feathers I would now draw to my kitchen window. Unfortunately, the meal worm seed turned out to literally have dried worms in it. Ugh. Was not expecting that. The seed sat in the feeder for days on end without so much as a nibble. I was getting discouraged and thinking that either I had selected the wrong feed or the birds were happier with our neighbors. But then, just a few days ago, I spotted our very first visitors pictured here. From my online investigations, they appear to be starlings. OK, so they're not the prettiest birds in the world or the rarest, but it's a step in the right direction. I have high hopes that the spring and summer months will bring with them many more winged patrons.