Feature: Sunflowers for my feathered friends

The many changes these flowers have gone through from the seeds, which we supply feathered creatures, from green to yellow, and to seeds again is simply a marvel to observe.

By Annette P. King

HappyNews Citizen Journalist

Verities of birds, throughout the winter like our backyard. The black-oil sunflower seeds that fill their trays maybe the biggest attraction. Ground feeders get their share of seeds from the birds who choose to feed on the wide platform surrounding the birdhouse nailed to a cedar post. Daily visitors the likes of blue jays, snowbirds, mourning doves, juncos, and an assortment of red squirrels are enjoyed by the likes of us. Bird watching from our kitchen window has become one mighty pleasure of the day.

When spring comes many unknown but glorious green plants began to lift their heads above the ground long before flower-seeds from my store-bought collection peek through the ground. We figure those industrious winter birds left behind enough sunflower seeds to send up numerous volunteers. Left in place, they grow all different heights and in a few weeks, some are six feet tall, others remained small as straw flowers. All face the sun as it moves toward the west in late afternoon. It is fascinating to watch.

Now that the end of summer has arrived, sunflowers have developed into unbelievable beauties. The black centers have a blue light the late afternoon sun along the coast is known to posses. I visit my unimaginable yellow gifts of nature daily. There is an added pleasure too, three smaller sunflowers standing in a blue vase, embellishing the dining table stretchers further a bright yellow world from window to garden.

The many changes these flowers have gone through from the seeds, which we supply feathered creatures, from green to yellow, and to seeds again is simply a marvel to observe. The center of these circles often measure twelve/fifteen inches across and the most intricate patterns, which are natures' exceptional work. The expanding flowers attract winged insects, bees, and grasshoppers. Who knows how many invisible to the eye in the meantime. Oh, so many bugs and things I cannot see—all storing nourishment from my volunteers. It is part of our world only one small link in the larger cycle of the universe.

The heavy rains of the past week curled the pedals taking them to an unattractive stage, but the seeds remain intact. The birds will search for such a feast by late fall. Though I'm drawn to the tight superbly woven seed arrangement and the thought of baking and salting a few to eat… my selfish plan of personal needs will not be acted out. Our sunflower seeds will be waiting for our feathered friends and hopefully a beginning of a new life's cycle.