Since the barn is in need of some repair before I can begin housing animals, I decided to pick up a hobby I enjoyed while living on the mountain… bird feeding. I was quite familiar with a variety of feeders and the process of attracting birds to my mountain garden. However, at this time of year, there were very few takers other than the nuthatches and some early Oregon juncos.
What I was not prepared for at this lower elevation was the “birdie broadcast” that went out across the wires the moment I hung out the feeders. Within minutes, my nyjer seed sacks were alive with the most beautiful shades of gold and yellow finches. And while every inch of fabric was covered with beaks and little feet, there were dozens more politely waiting on the barren branches for their turn.
So yesterday, while driving back from Lowe’s, I thought to stop at the feed store in the nearby town and pick up more seed since the little 10-pound “trial” bag was emptied within a matter of a week. “What size?” the clerk asked. As I pondered the price list and debated about the amount of seed I would realistically need, I opted for the bargain: 50 pounds! And then, without hesitation, I handed the clerk the same amount of money as dinner & wine at my favorite restaurant… and realized my destiny.
Millie's Farm 
I keep hearing the song “Feed the Birds” from Mary Poppins. You can justify the expense easily by recalling that golf and skiing are more costly pass times and they are not nearly as “green”.
What fun! I really enjoy watching the birds on the birdbath outside my kitchen window. It is one of the best gifts I have ever received. Yesterday, I threw some walnuts out on the patio because they had been dropped on the floor, then a little later, I saw a towhee eating one. I love towhees but had no idea they would eat walnuts! I expected to see a squirrel. I’ll bet you will have deer in your yard, too. The wild turkeys are beginning to be a traffic hazard here. On Friday, there was a whole flock of them on the corner beside the P Hill BART station. They even made it onto the traffic report.