The LADIES' MAN IN MY BACKYARD

The soap opera at the bird feeder became a lesson in life

- Theodore R. Johnson

DURING DAILY BREAKS from the world's many dramas, I encountered another: The blue jay in my backyard is a ladies' man.

Each day, he swoops onto the bird feeder and fills up on seeds and nuts. He's the only jay deft enough to stick the landing, so the resulting bounty makes him a good provider—an attractive mating advantage for birds known for monogamy and pairing for life. He plays the part well, dutifully ferrying food from my place to his home in a tree across the street. Then I noticed him paying regular calls to the row of oaks a few doors down, his mouth full and his feathers a preened electric blue.

Observing the jay's philandering turned me into a backyard bird-watcher. At first, that mostly meant using smartphone apps to identify birds based on their appearance or calls. It has grown into hunting for detailed information about various species and their behaviors. Over time, characters emerge and a little society unfolds, complete with its own rhythms and intrigues.

Studies confirm that bird-watching is good for the body and the brain, energizing us and relieving anxiety. But medical research also suggests that excessive drama is bad for our mental health, and the resulting stress puts a strain on our hearts. The good and the bad of keeping tabs on this avian Casanova likely cancel out each other, but the amusement is reason enough to stay tuned.