The Birds

This could be the summer of winged wonder

Ihave lived in my cabin on Point Windy in Jacksons Gap for 10 years this month. As I reflect on countless stories, one thing I realize is that Lake Martin living is really about learning to live with the birds. There’s a bird for everyone, and everyone has bird stories.

Geese are the most annoying. The first week at the cabin in 2013, John and I were blasted awake by loud honking. After living in the city, this was a new noise. I peeked out the window, and there were at least 15 geese in the side yard. This was an issue for years because our Great Dane, Mona, was incredibly lazy.

Culture Shock

Ducks are always willing to put on an X-rated show. I was sitting on the dock one afternoon and watched two ducks try to drown another duck. I thought they were being mean. Quite the opposite. Feel free to go ahead and YouTube that to get a science lesson. I’m sure it inspired the design of a wine opener.

Blue herons are my favorite. Long legged and regal, they pace the seawalls, methodically planning their aerial attacks. You learn a lot about patience by watching them fish and about how long you are willing to sit there and watch them. I consider it a good omen when the blue heron is in my yard or flying by.

Eagle sightings will forever be the most exciting and American thing that happens. It never gets old. As your vision begins to fade, you will increasingly debate whether you are looking at an osprey or an eagle.

The white pelican flyovers are a true sight to behold. The Blue Angels have nothing on that. Speaking of beach birds, there was a great seagull migration. They are still friendly and not giving Alfred Hitchcock vibes currently, so please don’t start throwing chips or French fries at them.

The oddest bird that ended up in our yard was a massive owl one morning, not night. I was not present for that, but he was apparently quite ferocious.

Birds will inevitably get inside your house because someone will leave open a door. If you do not live in a gated community, there’s a strong possibility your neighbor has chickens. Which you will not mind because who doesn’t love fresh eggs? You might even have a neighbor named Rooster.

I rarely see crows at our house. John said that’s because all the crows are at Willow Point. It is their hangout, and over the years, the crow calls are indistinguishable from golfers. The hawks hunt from the powerlines at the river bridge; the kingfishers skirt across the water the way a smooth stone skips; and the loons dive deep into the water again and again. The martin eats its weight in mosquitoes, and the happy hummingbirds visit if you put out a feeder.

Last but not least are the Lake Martin buzzards. The thankless servants who help keep the roads clean from possums and such.

As your summer kicks off, keep a pair of binoculars by the window and always be looking up. You will be amazed at how many bird stories you will have by September.