Bullying at the Feeder

When April comes to North Carolina, it brings with it those bejeweled and fascinating ruby-throated hummingbirds. Their frenzied activity and acrobatics have always been a source of wonder and delight. In fact, when the time came last fall for their migration, I so much regretted seeing them leave that I composed a little song:

Oh, the hummingbirds have gone away,

They’ll be coming back another day;

And I really, really hate to see them go.

I will miss the little things, I will,

With their busy little wings, but still

They just had to leave before the cold winds blow.

Now summer was passing. One day I realized that the activity at the birdfeeder had slowed almost to a standstill. Only one ruby-throat was in sight, perched on the red ant guard above the feeder, looking this way and that in case a rival should approach. Sadly, Mr. Bully Bird had taken over! Eventually, I decided to bring the feeder inside and let Mr. Bully find a new territory.

 As for the hummingbirds, my song changed to a lament:

Now I have no hummingbirds at all,

Though it isn’t even nearly fall.

Mr. Bully Bird has driven them away.

Though it’s true, they are no longer here,

Maybe they’ll come back another year;

And I hope the bully bird will let them stay.

 Bullying is not restricted to the animal world. Statistics of bullying-caused suicide among children are shocking. We adults need to be sensitive to the emotions of children and youth within our spheres of influence. Love can go a long way toward winning their confidence. Yet only when Jesus returns will perfect peace and harmony be restored. How wonderful that will be!

Lila Farrell Morgan