A few months ago I moved to a new house. For the first time in a couple of decades I have a proper back yard. I've taken to doing the standard things, mowing, planting a few pretties, but my favorite thing so far is I've started feeding wild birds.

I've noticed a lot of similarities between the birds at my feeder and the visitors to our RetouchPRO forums here.

There are the wrens and sparrows that feed lightly but often, chirp and tweet the best they can, then quickly leave.

There are the finches that eat voraciously for their size, but only one particular seed, maybe uttering a single peep before they leave, but probably not.

The blackbird comes, eats whatever he can, then generously repays with his unpleasant mechanical buzz. But it's ok, I know he means well, and is doing what he can.

The doves are the most useful bird I get. They constantly scour the ground for dropped seeds that would otherwise sprout. Plus their comical walk and pleasant cooing are so delightful that I feel I'm not doing nearly enough to make them feel welcome.

The cardinals are odd birds indeed. They come every day, but rarely seem to eat. Yet they sing their little hearts out. I suspect that might be the real reason they visit.

The bluejay swoops in, carefully making sure he's disturbed as many birds as possible, takes a couple of cursory pecks, caws once, then flys away. I won't see him for days at a time, yet I know he'll always be back. He does no real harm, and I'd miss his colorful presence.

The dreaded grackles, on the other hand, I could do without. They arrive, usually in a swarm, bully all the other birds out of the way, but then don't seem to have any interest in the food (I suspect they're criticizing it). Sometimes they make camp for a day or so, but usually they pass quickly.

And then there's the mockingbird. By far the most brilliant singer, but he knows it. He bumps aside other birds, but more out of indifference than malice. He eats piggishly, with food flying everywhere, and no other bird will come close when he's around. But then he flies to the top of the feeder stand, cleans his little beak, and lets his improv opera soar.

I love all the birds, but I'd miss the mockingbird the most. So today I gave them their own separate feeder, loaded with just what they like best, but quite removed from where the rest of the birds eat.

I guess the only real difference between birds and forum posters is that posters can choose their species.