A brilliant, melodious song wafted over our yard. It captured my attention since it highlighted a new song that I had not noticed on the farm before. Its music punctuated the chirps of sparrows, and the tunes of robins and various other birds. The regulars in the birdy-choir making their homes on our farm greet us each morning, but our new neighbor adds a touch of color to the cantata we enjoy.
My curiosity was aroused. My husband suggested that our new neighbor might be an oriole. So I checked out the oriole in my encyclopedia. The male oriole is decked out in an orange and black ensemble.
We have had orioles visit before as they looked for some nice high tree to settle their nests, but none seemed satisfied and left for other destinations. So my expectation of him staying with us was low. However, he did not sing just one day or two. His song echoed through our trees several days.
One day, as I worked in the house, I heard a thud at my bay window. I guessed that a bird had hit the glass. Outside on a near shrub in close range I spied a fat orange-breasted bird. “Could that have been an oriole?” I thought. Soon the avian visitor left, having delighted me with his little social call.
“Could our little orange friend be singing to attract a mate?” we questioned. I hoped that he found a lady friend and they would both like our territory for their family. And then it happened. A tap sounding at my window attracted my attention. I heard it again so I stood looking at the window where the sound originated. There he was! Mr. Oriole grasped at my window frame. What a beautiful sight he was in all his colorful splendor.
Being careful not to move so as to startle him, I stood very still and enjoyed the spectacle. He fluttered up and down showing his interest in the sight reflected in my window. After a short while came another tap at the window… there she was. His mate appeared! What a lovely couple.
They danced their ballets at our downstairs windows and at our upstairs windows for several days. What a treat.
Since then they have withdrawn somewhat. My hope is that they have established their nest and their family is growing.
Mr. Oriole shows interest in one of our vehicles. It is a red car which is not stored in a garage. Mr. Oriole visits the car almost daily. He leaves his white tracks on the car just below the side view mirrors. We figure that either he is a vain little guy that likes to look at himself, or he thinks his reflection in the mirror is his enemy and he is trying to shew him off.
So, to tastefully discourage him from leaving the white traces of his presence on the car, my husband wrapped the side mirrors with plastic bags that can shut off Mr. Oriole’s reflection.
Ah, but we still welcome our newest neighbor. He is a talented singer, he is a beauty and his family will be, too.
Pizza With a Hamburger Crust
Heat oven to 425°F.
Mix together:
1 pound hamburger
½ cup bread crumbs
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon oregano
½ cup tomato sauce
Press meat mixture in ungreased 10 inch pizza pan.
Pour ½ cup tomato sauce and 1 can kidney beans (8 ounces, drained) on top.
Cut 3 slices cheddar or mozzarella cheese into strips and place on top.
Bake uncovered 20 minutes. Makes 4 servings.
Recipe credit: Marge Vogel