Breakfast for Turkeys

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I live in town, a mile or so from its edge. Working by the window in my livingroom, I sit 20 feet from a flock of 9 turkeys passing through. The family has dropped in for breakfast. The birds rake through my hardy flower bed with their four great toes to liberate dried elderberries with the odd beetle for a hearty breakfast. I had not pictured turkeys when I left that last round of berries to the birds. I thought the berries might be “going to waste” (mulch aside) when they dried and fell. I can be so naïve at times. Grateful for the learning.

Weeks ago, I emptied the water from my cold soak tub over the roots of our filbert tree. A tiny frog peeked over its edge. “Hello!” I said. And then I realized how precious that water was to the little creature.

I had not set up my fountain yet and decided then to get to it. The fountain is housed in a pickle crock with a terra cotta planter saucer mounted on a canning jar (fancy!). Small rocks allow for bees to safely land and drink when the weather is hot. They use the water to regulate hive temperature and to dilute honey for feeding.

I felt thankful for that gentle reminder from the frog. Slowly, I develop an ear for my animal family. I begin to hear, see, and sense how I can support their well being. They never carry picket signs or publicize their thirst or hunger. The more I place my attention on them, the more I recognize their kinship to me. The more I notice. Sanding my porch last week, I heard one lone frog croaking in my garden bed nearby. I heard her again this morning. Precious song.

Where do you cross other animals’ paths? What are the signs you find in their wake? How do you care for one another?