Creating My Backyard Bird Sanctuary

 Sitting on the screened in porch on my deck watching many cardinals.  This started my summer project  of my  backyard bird sanctuary.  Which then took on a like of its own. I proceeded to cut Back many weeds and honeysuckle bushes to clear a huge area, I then sprayed poison ivy and many other ground coverings. I then went to the local garden store purchased a cardinal bird feeder, gathered my St. Francis statue that I had stored at my daughter's home.  I then saw my vision coming to life. My next purchase was a garden bench and a bird bath.  I hung another bird feeder.  I was seeing all minds of animal activities, birds of all kinds but speed of  cardinals.  Of course many squirrels, a fox on a chipmonk which I save from being eaten when I opened the door. But it was the deer family who hugely entertained me.  The deer were bucks with eight points,  a momma and two spotted babies.  I started placing pavers in the dirt which led to a small path with gravel and mulch that led to both the bird feeder and bench. 

As the summer progressed I tried to plant a few different perennials but with the summer being so so very hot this year, I knew I'd have to wait until at least the fall to continue with planting.  

My sanctuary brings me much peace and joy, but I have also been able to share it with many friends, neighbors and family!  This was not my first time creating such a garden area. I had done the same type of garden path to my gazebo at the home where Dick and I raised our family.  That one was focused more on the gardening than the birds but I had a statue of Our Mother Mary surrounded by daffodils and many other beautiful daylillys.

My take away is obviously I created an area but the beauty was created by God for all to enjoy.  I find much  solace and peace being amongst nature, be it a bike ride, a walk or just sitting and observing.