Time for the Pumpkin to Go

Toward the end of Summer, 2007, when all the new Fall garden accessories start to show up in the stores, I found this adorable terra cotta pumpkin bird feeder. There are two large sections cut away; leaving a perch on say the east side and another on the west side. I love to decorate for Fall so I thought I would extent my celebration to the birds. I hung it on a low branch of the pine tree, came inside and wondered how long it would take for anyone to venture in and dine.

Within half an hour the Chickadees were there. I was so pleased. They're so charming to watch as they hop around inside and forage. The sparrows, however, took quite a bit longer; several months to be somewhat exact. I was decorating for Christmas by the time I noticed a sparrow inside. I had to wonder, who were the few who finally made the brave decision to check it out?

Once they had though, I hadn't the heart to take it down. I left it there throughout Winter. And there would be two to three feeding at any given time. It hosted many who visited my humble sanctuary. I've looked throught my window on rainy days and found one or another just sitting in there; out of the elements.

I looked out one afternoon and found a squirrel stuffed inside. I noticed the south end first. A long fluffy tail hanged droopily from one entrance of the pumpkin, while the front feet and head rested comfortably just outside of the other. And no! I figured by the time I went upstairs and came down with the camera, he or she would be long gone.

Yesterday, now that Spring and Summer lawn and garden ornaments are abloom, I found a little hanging dish feeder in the shape of a leaf. I thought this would make a great substitution for the pumpkin; which desperatly needs to be cleaned and is, quite frankly, no longer in season. So, after I refilled both the cedar and thistle feeders, I emptied the seed from the pumpkin into the leaf and hung it from what's left of the same pine bough.

I haven't seen or even heard the Chickadees lately, so it's up to the Sparrow Clan. I'm waiting, albeit patiently, to see how long it takes for another little sparrow to think outside the box and light upon the brown terra cotta leaf and partake. The seed is as much in plain sight as the seed I scatter for those who feed exclusively on the ground. Today is Day Two. There are still no takers.

Thank you for visiting and sharing my thoughts, L.L.