Apparently bird feeders are optional. We have spent plenty of time making sure there is seed in the feeders, suet in the logs, and fresh water in the fountain. We have watched the birds figure out which feeder belongs to whom, only to discover that none of them seem particularly concerned about our intended assignments. If there is food available and they can get to it, apparently that is enough.
This afternoon, this little flyer decided none of those carefully provided options were necessary. Instead, it landed inside the fence near the fountain and began quietly searching through the grass. I am not entirely sure what it was finding down there, but it clearly was. A little peck here, another there, then a few steps forward before searching again.
Eventually it seemed to settle right into the grass, perfectly content with whatever tiny treasures it had discovered. There is something I love about that.
We put things into this little space because we think we understand what might be useful. The fountain is for drinking and bathing. The feeders are for eating. The fence is for keeping the dogs contained. The grass is simply the grass.
Except the visitors keep reminding me that usefulness isn’t always determined by the person who provided the thing.
A fountain can become a seat for a toad. A woodpecker’s suet log can feed a cardinal. A patch of grass beside the fountain can apparently provide dinner for a tiny bird who never bothered checking the feeders at all.
Maybe providing something doesn’t require us to decide exactly how it must be used. Sometimes it is enough to make a little room, put a few things in place, and allow whoever arrives to decide what meets their need.
Today, apparently, the grass was on the menu. And judging by the amount of time this little one spent there, the service was excellent.
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