Published in 1994, The National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds, Eastern Region is a lovely book. The first half includes four-color photos of birds, names, size in inches, and a page number leading to the last half of the book with a full description.

It was a very hot, humid day in Central Illinois when Uncle Max tilled the ground for Dad’s Garden. The plaque was a gift from a family member.

We purchased our bird bath from a local landscaping company. It looked very similar to this one found on Amazon.

Being close to the woods, many trees, and squirrels, we soon replaced our first bird feeder and bought one that was advertised as “squirrel resistant.” Still the squirrels came. We finally found one which helped to keep squirrels from entering.

One of our very generous caregivers brought her shepherd hook from her garage for us to use with these early birdfeeders. Soon we were gifted with a second birdfeeder by another caregiver and her family.

So grateful for these thoughtful gifts! …especially when I would see Mother singing to her birds.

In the book, we used red tabs to mark those birds which frequently returned to the feeder. We kept it close to the window where Mother is standing so that we could look up those we did not readily identify.

As we observed the turnout of an array of diverse birds at the birdfeeder, we began to see a connection between the kind of bird food du jour – and the size of the turnout!  We made quite a number of changes over the years to see which product brought the largest and most diverse turnout to the “table.”

From the kitchen sink, we had a wonderful perspective on the birds at the feeder and we did not really need a hat. If we had needed one, Mother’s hat would surely have been a great pick.  Or this one from Amazon which looks like a great multi-purpose hat. I would still be wearing it in my all-new environment south of the border.

We were so close to the birds that we did not need binoculars!  But if we had been able to get out into the woods, we would have searched Amazon for this set.

One of many long-lasting memories of nature surrounding us at the ranch was witnessing a most magnificent cardinal! I just happened to look out at precisely the right moment. Being the most brilliant shade of red, he emerged as only a tiny speck from the top of the green leaves of the tall trees close to the highway. He was strong, beautiful, and gracefully propelled as he swooped in, creating a huge dramatic arc. And he landed right in front of me – on our birdfeeder – heartily partaking of our offering. An indelible memory! I was awe-struck by being back close to the wonder of nature. Mother’s still-present interest in bird-watching which had prevailed since her undergraduate days had re-awakened me to the drama in nature.

During a couple of our years at the ranch – in the mid-2000’s – caregivers began to arrive talking about their new GPS. It sounded quite novel to me, but I knew I would not be needing a GPS for my road travel to and from Chicago. For caregivers, however – those who travel within a region to deliver care to an always-changing caseload – this would be an ideal gift.