WHATCHATHINKIN'

Each winter, when the trees are bare and it’s slim pickings for the feathered and furry creatures we call our neighbors at Backroads Central, we supply an abundance of nut and seed to see them through the Dark Days. Yes, it may make a bit of a mess but the entertainment factor far outweighs the spring clean-up. We get the usuals: juncos, nuthatch, wrens, finches and titmouse, mourning doves and blue jays, a variety of woodpeckers from downy to pileated and the occasional cardinal, which certainly brightens the feeders. We put up a couple of squirrel box feeders and, after the learning curve of sticking their heads in to find the nuts, they a quite comical and extremely voracious. We’ve even been able to train random visitors to take the nuts from our hands, caution show from both ends.

The hierarchy and ‘pecking order’ are very apparent with all who come to feed. After filling the boxes and feeders, I sit, with coffee in hand, and wait for the arrivals. The little ones will jump on the feeders to snatch up the prize seeds. Next up come the jays, with their aggressive behavior, taking over everything. They will try their best to get into the squirrel boxes after the peanuts, but once the squirrels wake up, they retreat to the nearest branch in hopes of a loose nut. The mourning doves, with their fluttering down swoop, send out a forward guard to make sure the coast is clear and then descend in droves. The woodpeckers have it easy, as they come one at a time to the suet feeders and seem to respect each other’s turns. Just recently, we had a melanistic, otherwise known as a black squirrel, make its way to our restaurant, but it seems he may have found better hunting grounds. To our dismay, and because we have basically developed a ‘killing ground’ with our feeding, the random hawk – Redtail or Cooper’s – have swooped in to snatch a bite in the form of a junco or the like. Oh, Mother Nature can be cruel.

Right, so where is my mind headed with birds and motorcycles? It occurred to me that motorcyclists have their own ‘pecking order’ and congregational tendencies. Yes, we’ve mentioned that in these pages before, and for as long as there have been more than two of anything, separation will occur. But let’s take a look at the comparison between those flying with wings and those on two wheels.

Most obvious to me would be the Blue Jays and the sportbike riders. Jays, with their bright blue coloring, stand out in a crowd. Their temperament can be aggressive and they are highly intelligent, having good problem-solving skills and a complex social system. Their calls, while varied, can be quite loud and are adept at mimicking other birds. Once in flight, they are graceful with a steady wingbeat. The typical sportbike rider is often characterized as thrill-seeking and passionate, with a need for speed and aggressive riding. Their motorcycles will mimic their need for attention with marques like Ducati or Aprilia, and the accessorizing will often include an aftermarket exhaust to announce their coming and going.

Let’s drop down in size to the sparrow-sized birds like juncos and nuthatch. These cute little things are quick on the draw, darting from branch to box to grab a snack. Their songs are varied and they are very social creatures. Similarly, those throwing a leg over a 125cc like the Honda Grom, Kawasaki Ninja or KTM Duke are often looking for a great deal of fun just scooting along with their pack, hopping from one gathering to another. They can be seen in large flocks, with a wide variety of customization amongst them. Also, like the sports bikes, their songs can range from melodic to chaotic.

How about the mourning doves? With their plump physique and long, pointed tails, I might be inclined to compare them to the cruisers. The dove is adaptable to open environments, and the cruisers are most likely to be found on the bigger, open roads.

Without a doubt, our squirrel friends are right in line with the ADV riders. The agility and ability to navigate complex environments are interchangeable. Squirrels communicate with barks, chatter, screams and body language while ADV riders traveling together may utilize the same techniques. Squirrels may be found running through the woods, up in trees, jumping from boulder to boulder or crossing small streams – yup, just about the same. Squirrels evasion techniques include zigzagging and camouflage – anyone been watching the Dakar races?

Next time you are quietly watching the wildlife outside your window, make your own comparisons. You’ll be surprised how these birds flock together.