Do you ever catch glimpses of movement out of the corner of your eye, turn to look, but there doesn't seem to be any cause for it? This has been happening to me, way too much lately. So today, I started paying attention to what's going on in my own backyard.

Did you know spring has finally sprung? I know it's hard to believe, given the weird weather we've all been having. I mean, I just drove through a blinding snowstorm on my way home from Phoenix, Arizona, of all places, and had to take refuge in a hotel because I couldn't see the road, let alone the cars and trucks.

As it turns out, green grass has actually pushed up from the soggy soil. Daffodils and tulips have popped out of the ground and are blooming in all their varieties and color. The trees have budded, bushes are flowering, and believe it or not, the sun is shining. Hallelujah! When did all this happen? Have I been totally oblivious, too hunkered down, too depressed by the gray skies to look out my windows, or has Mother Nature finally taken things into her own hands, taken a turn for the better? I sure hope so.

And what about all that movement I've been so paranoid about?

It's birds. Yes, birds. And not your average, run-of-the-mill, every day kinds, either.


Though they may look like ordinary birds, these are tricky. They lay in wait, taking turns to see if they can outsmart the human. These winged-creatures are "smart-alicks"! They knowingly zip in and out, beneath the patio cover, taunting me, sneering at me, gloating over the fact that they can flutter just out of my line of sight. I swear each one takes bets on who can be the most sneaky.

I have only caught them unawares a couple of times. They are huddling in the trees, conspiring. I can see it. I can hear it. They are chirping to one another, most frantically, gathering twigs, string, leaves, and the like, hiding, building blinds, etc., etc. I have a sneaking suspicion that they think, I think, they are just building nests, but I know better. I see through their cleverness. Can't you just picture it?

Who knew birds could be so smart, so speedy. Robins are in on it, black birds, canaries, and finches, plus, who knows what all else. They are all in on the conspiracy, not to mention the obnoxious woodpeckers and magpies, who deposit wonderful splotches of poop all over the patio and deck.

And if you don't believe me, just ask my husband, who goes about banging noisy contraptions, whistling and yelling at all times of the day and night, startling neighbors during their family gatherings, and startling them out of their beds in the middle of the night, not to mention their dogs and cats.

Now, I don't want to give you the wrong impression. We love birds, just not the sneaky, out-to-get-us-kind-of birds. And you would be with me on this, if you were here. Trust me!