The ‘sham

The overnight rains have had an unusual effect on the bird life here in the suburb that I live in. There’s an orchestral banter that borders on near hysteria or maybe it’s just an expectancy of something to which we are not privy that makes me feel for the moment, left out.

It comes and goes that banter, in waves of busy, excited chatter on the one hand and whispered twitters on the other. Nevertheless, privy or not, they are comforting sounds here in the city. I live in the shadow of a wonderfully stoic macadamia tree, I wouldn’t have him any other way. He’s like this strong silent type that watches over me, who also from time to time, delivers delectable nutty gifts. Delivery days and times are ad hoc but then, they’re always welcome.

There are also orange and lemon trees planted years ago by the original owners, delightful craggy-armed hide and seek places for those decidedly social and chatty birdlife, among others. There is a decent-sized black bird that appears to float in and out of the branches of the orange tree throughout the day. I’ve looked directly into his eyes on more than the odd occasion and had to look away. He’s steely.

I call him “Blackey” for obvious reasons and I’m respectful, he’s one of the characters in my backyard. Today the backyard drips with a prolific array of naturally cultured raindrop pearl necklaces. They’re everywhere, I feel rich.