December has started out with rainy days. I see lots of birds moving around in the brush nearby so pull out my binoculars to take a peek. Believe it or not, we always have year-round Robins along this lake-shore. It is no exception today that they are there pecking on sumac and other weeds. Of course, Chickadees, Finches and Cardinals are among them, too.

Eastern bluebird; credit: Bill Thompson/ USFWS

This summer we finally got a pair of Eastern Bluebirds nesting in one of the two bird boxes that were mounted on the end posts of the North Vineyard over 20 years ago. There had been many attempts in the past, but they somehow always lost their fight against other species. So when I first noticed that there was a pair of Bluebirds hanging around the box, I was anxious if they would make it. There were House Wrens that had won last year, and ever so aggressive Tree Swallows all over the place. But by the time I kept seeing them hopping around the box for two weeks, I came to accept the fact that they managed to establish their home there for the first time. I never saw their chicks, but had to believe their being as the parents were busy bringing their prey to the box all day long every day. They appeared to quit going in and out of the box by late July though were seen around there frequently rest of the summer. I thought the chicks had left the nest with their parents.

Now in December rain I walk out and still find the Bluebirds' chat in the bush at times. This is another fact that they do over winter along this Lake as well. I hear them more than actually sight them outside the brush such as on my Shop's roof or power wires --- we just need to know their modest nasal voice to recognize their existence. If they are a symbol of happiness, I hope one day their voice will encircle this planet where we all started, and will ultimately return someday. Wishing at this time of sharing and caring, and always.