2020 Summer Home and Garden

Page 30 2020 Summer Home and Garden Lincoln Daily News June 11, 2020 Backyard birds bring simple pleasures for all I f 2020 has taught us one thing, perhaps it is to enjoy the simple pleasures. The things that make us smile without places or people. The quiet times in our lives have become more vibrant as we have sought out the ways that we can be happy with less material things, fewer nights out, and less interaction, and for that perhaps we should be thankful. At this time of year and in the colder months as well, one of life’s simple pleasures comes from nature and God’s creation. Those little winged friends that frequent our greenspaces don’t care if we are wearing a mask, social distancing or if we’ve had a haircut. What they mostly care about is food, water and shelter. When they have all those things in your back yard, then they will bless you with their songs, and fleeting glimpses at the feeders. According to the website “What birds are in my backyard” there are several birds that frequent Illinois. In the spring and summer these are the most common birds you will find in our area. 1. American Robin (61% frequency) 2. Northern Cardinal (46%) 3. American Goldfinch (43%) 4. Song Sparrow (39%) 5. Mourning Dove (35%) 6. Indigo Bunting (32%) 7. Common Grackle (32%) CONTINUED u