Birds, Birdhouses, and Writing

By Fran McNabb

Classic and Cozy Blog is primarily a writers’ blog so when you read an entry, I’m sure you expect some reference to writing and books. My topic today is “Birds, Birdhouses, and Writing.” I really wanted to write about our martin birdhouse because after nine years of watching an empty house, we have martins! I’ll figure out a way to include writing.

Before Hurricane Katrina we always had martins in the old birdhouse that was positioned on our pier. We lost both the pier and the birdhouse in the storm so after we settled into our new house, my husband ordered a brand new, really cute birdhouse. We were so proud of it, but when martins came into the area, they flew to ours, checked it out, then went to our neighbor’s house where they laid their eggs and raised their little ones.

Year after year this happened. It finally got to be a joke in the neighborhood because our

sparkling clean house stood empty while our neighbor’s old, dilapidated house attracted the birds. Not so this year. When the martins came into the area, we held our breath as bird after bird checked out our house and actually returned. Today we have six or seven nesting birds. Why this year? Who knows? The wind did shift the house slightly. Maybe they didn’t like the direction before it turned. We’re not questioning the why. We’re simply enjoying their presence.

Now how do I connect this to writing? It’s easy. In the mornings I sit on my chaise lounge in the sun room not far from the martin house. For the last week I have loved, loved, loved the sound of chirping as I work on my manuscript. Their constant chatter makes me happy.

I love living on the bayou harbor especially in the spring when life returns and everything seems to be active. This year is even more wonderful because of those cute little birds and their happy songs. No matter where you live, I’m sure there are birds that liven up your spring. Listen to them and let their singing help you tap away at your keyboard.

Fran McNabb lives on the Gulf Coast and uses the coast setting in many of her light romances. Her publishing credits include eight light romances, two entries in non-fiction anthologies, and several magazine/newspaper articles. As a former English and journalism teacher, she loves giving writing workshops. Visit her at www.FranMcNabb.com  and mcnabbf@bellsouth.net