lunch notes
A couple of months ago Diane hung flower baskets from preexisting hooks on our front porch. They really liven up the front of the house and add a lot to its attractiveness. Recently, a bird family has taken up residence in one of the baskets. We discovered the nest, and soon after found some eggs in it. Based on their coloring and patterns we found we had an Eastern Towhee family. We’ve kept an eye on the eggs since (as much as we can without frightening the mother bird) and a few days ago they hatched. Five baby birds were alternately sleeping and cheeping furiously whenever the mother was around. Diane expressed concern that when they decided to leave the nest, the concrete floor of the porch might be a hazard, and that concern was shown yesterday to be well-founded. Luke and I decided to play in the yard for a little while before supper, and as soon as I walked out the door I looked over and saw a baby bird struggling on the porch’s grey surface. Its little feather-less body and still-shut eyes were the most forlorn sight imaginable. I immediately asked Diane for a paper towel and scooped it up, placing it back in the nest. Diane found a blanket and we put it underneath the flower basket area. It was a moment of minor panic in the afternoon. I hope the birds leave under the auspices of their parents next time, when they’re ready. Goodness.
I love podcasts. I listen to them often here at work through iTunes and have been addicted lately to “Travel with Rick Steves.” It’s a quality program and full of a lot of insight about travel around Europe and the world at large. This morning I was searching the directory for a little variety and came across a whole swath of aviation-related podcasts. And…here’s one about aviation in French. Whoa. Like I said, this is technological progress I can relate to.
Diane and I were talking a few nights ago about music. Our conversation invariably turns to classic rock and touches on, if not a direct comparison of the two bands, at least a mention or two of Led Zeppelin and the Beatles, of which Diane and I are avid fans, respectively. The night in question, though, we branched out, started talking about the Doors and, in doing so, agreed that their music hasn’t aged nearly as well as LZ’s or the Beatles’ (the latter in particular post-“Ticket to Ride”). We agreed that the band was overrated and while being able to write anything coherent while on acid is impressive, Jim Morrison’s influence and work was overrated. We concurred that his legacy is a classic example of the “James Dean effect,” or the act of over-praising the work of an artist of any discipline instead of admitting their appeal comes mainly from the fact that they are just really good-looking. People don’t want to admit (to themselves too) their fandom is based on something as shallow as physical attraction, so they inflate the artist’s contributions, however meager, in their discipline of choice until they seem more well-rounded. James Dean wasn’t the first to produce this effect but he seems like a good archetype. As mentioned, Jim Morrison was another, as was definitely Kurt Cobain. A young death isn’t necessarily a prerequisite, but it helps. And it doesn’t mean the artists in question are completely devoid of talent, just that the fascination lavished upon them passed into the realm of being at least a teensy bit unmerited.
Towhees are bossy…and kinda mean sometimes. Especially when it comes to getting food. (Hm…that reminds me of someone…oh yeah…my pregnant wife! :-O )
We had a bird feeder right by our window on Wildwood Ave, Rocky Mount. The Towhees were definately in charge and at the top of the food chain. Occasionally a mourning dove would come crash the party, but while larger, they weren’t as aggressive as the Towhees. We never really did have any Bluejays, as they might have been a fair match for ’em…but all the other little guys would scatter when the Towhees wanted some feed. Ah. Brings back memories…
Cheers!
John D.
Our Towhee isn’t that bossy, just noisy and protective, which is kind of understandable… We’ve encouraged her to get back to her nest after our viewings, when she’d rather sit on a branch and chirp angrily. No more baby bird incidents, thankfully…