Weekly Green Practice - Get to know the birds around your house

No matter where you live, there are birds of some sort around. We go through life, often, not even noticing them. It can be a wonderful thing to simply watch them and listen to them chirp and sing. Here are ways you can help the chances of seeing them and ways to make it spiritual.

• Put out a bird feeder: You can make a bird feeder or buy one pretty cheap. They are easy to put up or hang, and you can watch birds from your porch or window. You may want to keep it out of reach of squirrels and cats, but otherwise set back and enjoy the different types of birds that come to visit.
• Put out a bird bath: Having any kind of consistent water will draw birds. It can be the fountain type that circulates water, but a simple bowl will also draw the birds in. This is another item, when properly placed, you can watch even from a window.
• Erect bird houses. There are many types of bird houses out there. Bluebird houses are popular. Martin houses are popular and, I’ve heard, help keep the mosquito population at bay. What is also neat about putting up bird houses is that you know birds are raising their young there. I love knowing that these life cycles are going on right under my nose.
• Try to get to know these birds as you watch them and become more familiar with them. You will notice certain birds move in different ways. You will recognize songs and calls. If you have a bird book or knowledgeable family member you can start picking out what types of bird are visiting you. You can read up on them and know their behaviors and what they do.

Finding the Spiritual in this Practice: It is said that Saint Francis of Assisi preached to the birds. Here is something attributed to him:

My sister birds, you owe much to God, and you must always and in everyplace give praise to Him; for He has given you freedom to wing through the sky and He has clothed you... you neither sow nor reap, and God feeds you and gives you rivers and fountains for your thirst, and mountains and valleys for shelter, and tall trees for your nests. And although you neither know how to spin or weave, God dresses you and your children, for the Creator loves you greatly and He blesses you abundantly. Therefore... always seek to praise God.

I like to imagine this image of sharing God’s love even to the animals. I also think this is a great opportunity for Sabbath time. This is a time to rest the mind and body, simply being in God’s creation with his creatures. I recommend taking this time daily and putting everything on hold for whatever amount of time you decide. Sit outside or by your window. When you begin this time, spend some time in prayer. Take time to look up scripture on the birds of the air. There are plenty in the Psalms, or the creation story in Genesis can get you started. Let those words resonate in your head as you watch the birds. Feel the connection you have there by providing something for them. If your experience is anything like mine has been, you will begin to notice birds everywhere you go where you did not before. You may also feel more urges to praise God each time you notice them.

Scripture: "Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them." Luke 12:24