There was much to do this past Fall. I was getting the main structure ready for occupancy inspection and had to shore up the 250′ fence, in addition to the usual chores of buttoning up the grounds and handling firewood. I didn’t manage to stack it all, and so much of the wood was still in a heap with a hodge podge of tarps over it. So now, when I go get firewood, I need to wrestle a heap of tarps that have logs and frozen blocks of ice weighing them down and connecting them in some primal geometry of gravity and cheap tarp permeability. We are expecting a foot of snow the next couple of days, and I needed to haul in several loads of wood. So, this morning, I tried to untangle that mess a bit and swore on pains of my frozen toes and fingers, that this year, I will not neglect the firewood! Now, sufficient wood is hauled, the dogs are exercised and fed, and I can have the cup of coffee that’s been inspiring me to finish my morning chores.
After my coffee, I usually visit Sarek and Dirac, the starlings. Sarek, who has imprinted on me, loves when I visit her in the Aviary. She sits on me, pecks around my shoelaces. Flits between my shoulder, my knee and some of her favorite perches. On rare occasion, she will even take a nap while one-legging on my wrist or shoulder sometimes. I like to spend time in there daily, besides rushing in and out with her carry out, so I have started doing my Latin in the aviary. She likes when I hold still and chat with her, and conjugating verbs seems to do the trick. Here’s a little video of her on my head, helping me out. She’s saying “civilization,” and yes, she poops on my shoulder. You can hear Dirac singing real starling songs, and Odie barking at some XC skiers also.
Note: In many states, Law requires special permitting to keep starlings. I work on permit with a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center to protect these non-releasable birds from euthanization. Check with your local game commission or DCNR before keeping starlings.