My husband and I used to go out with the pastor and his family on birding forays, with Peterson's guide and the works. I got a lot of birds on my life list, and it was fun and education, as I'm a nature lover anyway. We live in Central Florida. But i never was a major bird person. But this year the drought has been so bad I started feeding the birds around. To my astonishment, they have become quite the little beggars. I didnt realize they're that smart. I feel bad I've ignored them all these years. Now, when I go buy groceries I find myself getting some extra for them. I'm such a softy. The gov passed a law recently that we cant feed wild animals. I live next to the Wekiva State Park and there are many wild animals that go thru my place.

Restin, welcome to our bird site.
That was an interesting post about birdlife in your area.

I know that here, if I start feeding the birds, they are there every day waiting. They soon get to know. We talk about birdbrain, but I have never found a bird that lacks yet.

Interested in the law passed and wondering what was behind the no feeding wild animals.

The only time I have seen that is when pigeons hang around outdoor cafe's, and I can understand that!
Infact I was visiting a major city here, and was sitting outside having a muffin and a herb tea, observing them. They were so cheeky they were all over the tables and sitting on the backs of chairs - waiting for a crumb or two!

What about squirrels? Or do they have to fend for themselves.

ROFL the birds in my area know to come to my house for food. I have several feeders. The jays and the squirrels also know that If they knock on the correct window, out will come peanuts. . One squirrel even comes looking for me in other windows if I dont respond to the knock on the feeding window. Just the other day while I was out in the yard gardening, a female crow was clucking at me from the eave. So I told her to just wait a minute and I would get her some nuts. When I came back out she had three babies lined up on that eave waiting. So birds are not the "bird brains' we often think they are.

Amelia

Amelia, how absolutely delightful!
Mother and babies!

What fun we can have looking after the many and varied creatures God has give us.

Tomorrow, I think I am aquiring another cockatiel.

It's owner has passed away, so it will be a pleasure to take care of it.

I think I will put it in the small avery.

Whenever I get out in the garden, the birds in both averies get very noisy. I have to talk, whistle, and call out all the time I am working. They just love company.

It must be so nice to have a squirrel in your back yard.