1. Birds add joy to Christmas
By Gail McMahon
From the time years ago when birds first soared through the skies, these
feathered beings have brought beauty and songs wherever they fly. Of
course, those birds looked different from wild and pet birds of today! In The
Awakening: A Tale of Avian Evolution, Mark Jones relates an imaginary
account of that relationship between those ancient birds and today’s
feathered creatures. He tells of “Yellow Streak,” a primitive parrot that lived
through the passing of the world she and other parrots knew, and awakening
to a renewed earth. They struggled through changes, laying the foundation
for “Angel,” a cockatoo that lived years later. While facing and overcoming
difficulties in her life, “Angel” enriched the lives of several humans she
encountered. In her passing, “Angel” joined her mate, while leaving her
humans with joy. She truly had a wonderful life and made a difference.
While this book is a novel, our pet birds and the wild birds are indeed
descendents of those original birds! How they too have made a difference in
our lives! Our reality, especially during this holiday season, lies in living with
canaries, budgies, cockatiels, finches, and many other species of pet birds
and celebrating the lives of these wonderful creatures; receiving holiday
cards featuring a cardinal perching in a snowy tree surrounded by holly
berries and bare tree branches; and seeing that beautiful cardinal, titmouse,
or woodpecker enjoying a treat of suet in our bird feeder.
During the late winter blizzard of 1993 when deep snow covered the ground
in many cities, wild birds were unable to find food easily. During that time,
many people threw berries and bird seed on the ground and provided heated
birdbaths for the birds to have food and drink. While winters are warmer
now, wild birds still enjoy human help in the form of birdseed wreaths hung
on doors, refreshing drinks of unfrozen water, or energy-producing suet
cakes.
Just as wild birds enjoy a special food treat during the holidays, so do our
own pet birds. Creating a special wreath of pellets, providing a toy that
encourages the birds to forage for food, or giving a new playstand will be
appreciated by our special birds.
Often, we find birds giving back to us! Some may be “angels” that appear in
our lives during sad times. Beth had just lost a canary named Sergi, who
died while being shipped from a breeder shortly before the holidays. Headed
for a sad holiday season, Beth was surprised one day when she received an
early Christmas present—a budgie named Francis. Francis quickly settled
into a routine, learning to sit on Beth’s shoulder and whistle Christmas carols
while they played on the computer. Francis lived a live full of meaning,
bringing joy to his human.
Perhaps others have had a special “angel” bird that came at just the right
time. What better time than the holiday season to celebrate the lives of our
feathered friends—whether they live in our homes or outside our window.