By Ash Merryman
Whether you enjoy watching birds flit about casually, are a dedicated birder, or keep a bird feeder going, it is likely some of our beautiful year-round birds have caught your eye on more than one occasion. For centuries, humans have observed birds for signs and omens (called augury or ornithomancy) as well as told stories illuminating the lessons birds carry. Birds have a wealth of wisdom to share with us, and this article highlights several of our year-round winged teachers who can be called on at any time in our hearts and, with some bribing, in our yards. These Michigan loyalists are the Black-Capped Chickadee, the Blue Jay, and the Northern Cardinal.
Black-Capped Chickadee: Honesty, Joyfulness, & Confidence. These pint-sized birds emanate joy and are sure to make you smile. Their striking black cap and bib in contrast with their white cheeks makes the Black-Capped Chickadee easy to identify. Also recognizable is their distinct warble, for which they are named after, sounding like “chickadee.” The number of “dee”s at the end of their call corresponds to the degree of threat in their environment, making chickadees excellent communicators who use their voices to empower those in their group (called a banditry) with the truth of things. Perhaps, this “call it like it is” approach is what lends Black-Capped Chickadees their observable levity as these birds are full of energy and buoyancy. In this way, Black-Capped Chickadees show us there is joy to be gained through honest communication. Additionally, Black-Capped Chickadee asks us: why not be happy on your way to happy?
For the Black-Capped Chickadee, light-heartedness is a state of being. This bird shows us that ease follows from a positive outlook and preparedness. With excellent spatial memories, these birds stash food away in autumn and can relocate those stash spots come winter. This teaches us to be grateful for the times of plenty and to prepare for the needs of our future selves for peace of mind. Finally, though small, this bird is mighty courageous! Easily one of the most confident birds at my feeder, the small Black-Capped Chickadee acts like a very big bird, reminding us to be confident in ourselves and our capacities. Call on Black-Capped Chickadee for the courage to be honest, for light-heartedness and optimism, in times of preparation, or when you need a boost of self-confidence to fly onward.
Read related article: Squirrels: Beyond the Cute
Blue Jay: Authenticity, Bravery, & Protection. Elegant and fierce, the brilliantly colored Blue Jay truly illustrates what it means to live out loud. Due to light refraction, a Blue Jay’s dull toned feathers appear a striking blue. Combined with the noble crest atop their heads and ornate black ring on their necks, Blue Jays steal the show with their regal looks. A member of the corvid family, a Blue Jay’s call is an unmistakable screech-like whistle that can be heard up to a mile away, and these birds love to be vocal. This unabashed guide recognizes its inherent worthiness, is loud and proud, and always arrives with flare. Blue Jay encourages us to embrace and express our authentic selves with equal vivacity. All the verve of Blue Jay is backed by strong actions, too. Blue Jays are extremely loyal to their life-long mate and flock, and tenaciously protect their flock and territory with great vigilance. This bird will even search for and rescue flock members who are lost or in danger. At my feeder, Blue Jay is the only bird bold enough to swoop at squirrels when peanuts in the shell are on the line. By facing both danger and the unknown with courage to protect who and what matters to them, Blue Jays teach us to have our flock’s back, to loudly advocate for ourselves and loved ones, and to bravely protect what’s important, whether it be a place or personal boundary. Call on Blue Jay to let your authentic self shine, to bravely face difficulties or unknowns, or to protect yourself, your flock, or what’s important to you.
Northern Cardinal: Home, Love, & Community. Spotting a bright red male cardinal in the snowy winter offers all the idyllic cozy feelings one could hope for in cold months. It’s no wonder the Northern Cardinal is a bird of home and domestic life. Adept nest builders, Northern Cardinals mate monogamously for life and work together to co-create a secure nest and raise their young. Northern Cardinals show us that flourishing in life begins with a stable home base and feelings of security. Often sighted in pairs, the model worthy partnerships of Northern Cardinals symbolize lasting romantic love. Whether we’re in love or single, Northern Cardinal has lessons on love to go around. For people in relationships, Northern Cardinals encourage us to re-commit to our partner every day and appreciate all they are and all they do. Cardinal pairs sing special duets that increase their bond, asking us how we might show up in our romantic partnerships as a harmonious duet.
For people who are single, Northern Cardinals offer the strength to be uncompromising on what we deserve–singing about a nourishing and secure love on its way. Lastly, Northern Cardinal is a sociable bird of community who flocks together with other cardinals and even other bird species. These birds are exemplars of peaceful coexistence by socializing with and welcoming both other cardinals and different bird species with open hearts and minds. In this way, Northern Cardinals teach us about being open to and welcoming of people who are different than us, showing us by example that this is what community is all about. Call on Northern Cardinal for a sense of home and security, in all matters of love, or to promote openness and acceptance in your community.
For all the beautiful teachings these birds share, we can show our thanks by keeping a feeder going year-round and offering sources of fresh water. We make a difference: Northern Cardinals have expanded their territories in recent years because humans make winter more comfortable for them with bird feeders. If you have a yard, turning this space into a bird sanctuary is an excellent way to cohabitate kindly as well as learn more about and from our birds. Plus, you get the bonus of creating and spreading abundance in your corner of the universe. The next time you share an encounter with one of the three feathered mentors highlighted here, listen for the wisdoms they sing to you–letting their song give you joy, grant you strength, and shelter you in love.
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