Bullies at the Bird Feeder

While eating Lance Toast-Chee Crackers and drinking my Diet Coke for breakfast this morning, I was also checking emails, and watching the birds in the backyard.  Okay, I'm a multi-tasker; some habits are hard to break.  I have been among the ranks of the unemployed for four days, and so far the only things I miss are my friends and the paycheck. 

After yesterday's trip to Aldi's for fresh fruit and vegetables, I found a bag of shriveled apples in our fridge's produce drawer.  I don't know how long they had been in there, but based on their condition, I would say a pretty long time.

Feeling a bit guilty about throwing out an entire bag of apples, especially with my new awareness of frugality, I decided to core and slice them for the birds, squirrels, and rabbits, and toss the rest in the compost bin.  Yeah, I have a compost bin.  Aren't you proud of me?  I don't exactly know what to do with compost once I have it, but....

Anyway, back to the bird story.  So I took some of the apple cores and rolled them in birdseed thinking that would make a nice treat for the birds.  I placed them on the ledge of the bird feeder, in perfect view from the sofa in our den.

For many years I worked in the office at a school and child care center. Believe me, I've had plenty of opportunities to observe adults and children's behavior, both good and bad.  While watching the bird feeder this morning, a small finch flew up and began eating one of the apple cores.  He was really enjoying himself, when a large daddy cardinal flew up and shoved him off.  I didn't know our beautiful state bird is such a bully.  And while I write, there is now a grey squirrel hanging upside down on the bird feeder, pushing all of the remaining apple cores to the ground. 

You know, I've discovered something; wildlife is very similar to the workplace.  There are always bullies who want to steal your apple core!

Copyright 2011 Charlotte Laney