When was the last time you just stopped and soaked in the world around you? For us, it started back when COVID pressed the global pause button, and suddenly, we could really hear the birds.
Birds are always part of our lives, flitting about unnoticed. But in many native cultures, they’re seen as more than just feathered creatures—they’re spiritual messengers, symbols of wisdom, strength, and the forces of nature.
Now, imagine if we could invite a bit of their wild magic into our busy days. What kind of stories could they tell us? How might their spirit wisdom help us rediscover our own balance?
A Personal Tale of Feathered Friends
During the quiet of the pandemic, birdwatching became a real life-saver. I still remember that March morning in 2020—everything was still, except for the rhythmic drumming of a woodpecker in my backyard. When I stepped outside, there she was—a ladder-backed woodpecker, chipping away at our old maple tree, carving out the most perfect little circle. In the midst of uncertainty and chaos, it was this simple moment of nature’s persistence that felt like a gift.
Every morning, our little woodpecker flew off at dawn, only to return at sunset. Suddenly, I found myself eager to wake up before the sun and sit on the terrace in the evening, just to catch a glimpse of her flying into her cozy home for the night. It became our routine—watching as her eggs hatched, and soon, the whole family of woodpeckers made our tree their kingdom. Even now, when I see a ladder-back woodpecker at the feeder, I wonder, Could that be one of “our” woodpeckers? A grandbaby, perhaps?
Not long ago, a mourning dove decided to make a temporary pit stop in the blue jay’s old nest outside my kitchen window. She puffed up her belly full of eggs and hooted in the most hypnotic rhythm. I stood there in awe, feeling lucky to witness such a peaceful, everyday miracle. It made me wonder: had I always heard this call on my hikes, oblivious to its meaning? Then, as if on cue, her mate swooped down, gave me a Hey! You’re too close! look, and off they flew, in search of a more private nesting spot.
Of course, I had to look up the meaning of a mourning dove showing up like that (yes, I’m one of those people). Turns out, doves are all about hope and new beginnings—kind of like a gentle nudge from the universe to keep the faith. Ever since we put up those feeders to spoil our woodpeckers, we’ve welcomed all kinds of feathered friends to our yard. And every visit feels like a special message from nature itself.
Birdwatching: The Best Therapy You Didn’t Know You Needed
I can’t recommend birdwatching enough. There’s something about tuning into the simple, ancient rhythms of nature that can ground you in the best possible way. Birds, with their migrations and nesting, remind us that we’re part of a bigger, beautiful cycle. In these days of constant screens and endless notifications, watching birds can be a kind of meditation—a gentle invitation to be present.
In another post, I shared some tips on how you can get started with birdwatching—it’s easier than you think and a whole lot of fun!
Wrapping It Up with Gratitude
Looking back, we’re grateful that COVID gave us the chance to truly see, hear, and connect with nature. We’ve since decked out our yard with nearly a dozen bird feeders, each one attracting its own cast of characters—from the energetic, slightly bossy hummingbirds to our favorite woodpeckers. These birds are now our seasonal markers. When they come and go, we know the seasons are changing, and it’s such a joyful way to stay connected to the world around us.
And now? There’s no better time to tune into the birds! Our hummingbirds will be heading off to the tropics soon, so every day we get with them feels extra precious. Keep an eye to the sky in the coming weeks as you spot flocks migrating south—an awe-inspiring reminder of nature’s cycles. And don’t forget to cherish the hardy ones who stick around for winter. Put up feeders and a heated bird bath, and trust me—you’ll become the most popular stop on the block for your feathered friends!
