wondering

Jones4381 · Thu May 18, 2023 10:34 am

The devotion towards this species in here is without question, yet it does provoke the thought of; Who needs who more? Do you need "your" birds every passing year or do they need you? How would you answer?

C.C.Martins · Thu May 18, 2023 12:04 pm

wow good one!!
Twofold answer to prioritize: id say first they need me. One day they won't have our site, worry where they would go.
2. I need them, brings peace and happiness and gives me focus.

millerjr88 · Thu May 18, 2023 12:17 pm

When I first started out I thought they probably needed me. Turns out I need them just as much if not more. My kids say I worry more about my martins than I did about them when they were still at home. Nothing more relaxing to me on a summer evening than sitting in the backyard watching the activity at the martin house for me.

Jones4381 · Fri May 19, 2023 8:22 am

I agree with you both, as I think most in here come to understand, that we begin this trek to provide shelter and help to a species that is in need of housing. In the end, its ends up being us that needed the help all along...and in each of our own ways get it from our guest that brings healing, hope, and purpose in our shared world. Peace and thanks for your replies....

Dave Duit · Fri May 19, 2023 9:11 am

Both. I'm attached to my martins to the point where I see each and every martin as my individual pet. I realize they are wild birds, but darn it, we are entitled to have a piece of purple heaven in our lives. Without the martins in my life is would not be the same. I enjoy taking care of them as family and I believe they take care of me in a weird sort of way.

paule · Fri May 19, 2023 9:21 am

When I first thought about this and posed the question to my wife she convinced me we need them more. We are very protective of our southern friends. We provide heat when they arrive. This year it was not necessary. We provide food when they start hovering in our face. We prenest for them before they arrive helping them to stay warm and dry. We provide such things as nesting material to help keep them from harm and provide oyster and egg shells.

Then the last two days I did a non scientific survey of my fellow landlords. One is down 90% of his birds they had at this time last year. Another is down about 80% and another is down about 50%. The best one is 25% down. We have exactly what we had last year at this time. Is this because they are healthier for their fall migration? I personally don't know. But it does make me rethink on the original question of "Who needs who more?"

Paul