I spotted this new arrival a few days ago. A busy wee thing zipping in and out of the eaves and gutterings, gathering bits and pieces for nest building.
I wondered how the flock of speugies that live in the ivy beneath my bedroom window, and keep me amused with their constant chatter and squabbling, would take to this new arrival, particularly when it came to sharing the morning spread of peanuts and seeds.
On the first morning they kept their distance – watching warily from the depths of the copper beech hedge. They didn’t have long to wait though as the new arrival didn’t hang around long – just enough time to have a quick feed before getting back to building and strengthening its nest. As soon as it had left they descended on the table chittering and chattering – business as usual.
The next morning one or two of the speugies joined the new arrival at one of the feeders. Still a bit wary of this new visitor that looked so different to them, the rest of the flock remained in the hedge. Unawares, or too busy building new foundations for its future home, the new arrival ate what it needed and flew off to its tasks for the day.
On the third morning the new visitor was the first to arrive. Taking its time and sampling all the food on offer it was soon joined by the chittery chattery of the others. Along with the speugies it visited the table throughout the day. This morning they were all back again – getting down to the important task of feeding their bellies in preparation for the arrival of their new chicks.
We’re no different to these birds, really. Once we overcome our fear of change or difference we understand that we can achieve much more together than we can alone.
