Critters in MY Back Yard

Many days I am able to sit and look out through the doors that lead from the kitchen to the deck, and I am amazed at the variety of birds (nope, I don't know all the species) and large number of squirrels.  I have feeders hanging from the tree just out from the door, so this certainly helps keep the "drama" before my eyes.

I love to see the cardinals, blue jays, mockingbirds and doves as they interact with all the others that I truly can not name.  Of late, there has been an unusual romance taking place in front of my eyes.  A dove and a blue jay seem to have hit it off.  The dove usually shows up first with the blue jay close behind.  If there are no squirrels at the feeders, they will sit on the flat feeder and eat, but if the squirrels are there, they will sit on the tree branch above.  Now, I have to admit up front that I do not know the difference between the sexes of these particular birds, but these two seem quite smitten with one another.  This is not normal...

Blue jays and mockingbirds are normally territorial, and they will chase off other birds, even other animals.  Doves are quiet and gentle and will hang around the ground beneath the feeders when either of these two species are around.  So, what is going on here?  To be sure, I am not complaining, just curious.  It is amusing to watch.

Most days the feeders are full of squirrels, so all of the birds eat from the ground.  I have noticed that the doves will allow all other species to eat first and quietly wait their turn.  The thought came to me today of the dove used in Genesis and then again with the baptism of Jesus.  Their gentleness is certainly documented.  I wonder what lesson we could learn from these beautiful creatures?

Squirrels are a totally different story!  They are entertaining, but self-centered and messy.  They have no respect for others and seem to have a me first mentality.  They do not care about others of their same species, let alone those of another.  They remind me of the occupy group that is trashing some of our major cities...  Chattering and fighting for the right to take over and get all the free handouts, but won't lift a finger (or would that be a toe????) to assist another: just grab and take. 

Strange how one can see animal traits in humans, but even stranger to see human traits in animals--like this dove and blue jay.  Surely, there is a message here.