Warning: Crowded Chow Hall

It's the important things like setting up the kids rooms, arranging the kitchen items, and setting up the bird feeders that become the top three things to do when I move anywhere. Usually though it takes at least a week or more for the birds in our new neighborhood to discover the newest chow hall on the block. The birds in our neck of the woods now win the prize for being the fastest, stealthiest, and greediest birds that we have ever had dine on our "chow."

"Mommy, we have a cardinal! He must have followed us!" HS says as he peers through the sliding glass door at yes, an Eastern cardinal that looks very identical to the one that used to brain himself on Han's mirror as he "fought" for his beloved mate. This one, however, is not checking himself out, rather, he checks out our patio set. That is certainly his preferred perching spot. He must like the ambiance I've provided for him since he is always somewhere around taking his time chowing down on the birdseed in between naps on the chair cushion.

The other pack of birds is polar opposite from the cardinal's very relaxed and casual mood. Java sparrows are akin to watching drills by the Marine Corp. They do not go anywhere out of formation, and if one does try to step out of the line they are summarily reprimanded by the "gunney" bird. I've taken a lot of enjoyment out of watching their way of coming to the chow hall. They line up along the fence farthest away from the feeder and then process down in an orderly fluttering fashion until they get closer. Then it is as if they are ready for a war game of who can attack the chow faster. They are vicious....squawking, fluttering, pecking, and constant motion dictate how they eat. The cardinal continues his leisurely meal oblivious to bird World War III.

Our Brazilian cardinals always come in a pair. They are definitely large and in charge as the "marine" platoon allows them to feed whenever they want to take control. There is no fighting or squawking...merely total and utter domination of the Brazilian cardinals over the troop.

Yes, chow hall lines are so busy now that we have a waiting formation along our lanai roof. We've been discovered and the news has passed like wildfire around the island providing hours of entertainment for Kendo and the humans peering outside. I think it's time we provide another chow hall to combat the crowds.