Our kitchen is the only area of the house that enjoys large stretches of clear glass windows, greeting and welcoming the rising sun more enthusiastically than any other room. That could at least partially explain why I spend far more time there than in my own room, where even the wide open curtains only let in the faintest sliver of light, only a mere suggestion that it might in fact be day time. Like a moth drawn to the light, I’m likely to be found basking in the glow emitted by the row of windows adjacent to the fully transparent door downstairs, in the presence of all cooking activities surrounding. As much as I love this bright space, there are times when I curse the carefully constructed layout. It’s not entirely unusual to hear a sickening thud out of no where, and it’s instantly understood that another short-sighted bird mistook the solid surface as an opening.

If this happens when I’m around to hear it, I try to make sure that the feathered creature is alright, if a bit embarrassed. Although there’s little I could really do to help if they had seriously injured themselves, it’s a relief to know that my services are rarely need. Only once did the bird in question not immediately flutter off, shaken but stable. Looking more than a little dazed, I invited a particularly stricken victim of misperception inside to gather his wits and take a small breather. Accompanied shortly by two other worried friends, I asked them all to stay a bit, not wanting anyone to get left behind.

With both caretakers at his sides, it was no time before the whole trio was ready to set off again, behind schedule but wiser for the unexpected pit stop. Now I can fully appreciate when people put seemly absurd stickers on large glass surfaces, warning others to look where they’re going. Obvious to humans (in most cases), but a bird flying at high speed might not look twice otherwise. Maybe it’s time to invest in something of that sort, although unfortunately, I doubt that many of my winged friends will be able to read the warnings.

Birds are still a joy to have around for company, and if there were a way to have more of them stop in without literally hitting the side of the house, I think it would be the best for all of us. Visitors like the ones pictured here are extremely gracious guests, not at all demanding, and always courteous to their hosts, not to mention a snap to make. Requiring only the most basic crocheting competency and smallest amount of yarn, why don’t you adopt a few today?

Body:

Using an F hook and worsted weight yarn in the color of your choice, sc 6 into a circle
Sc2 into each st (12 sts)
Sc 1, sc2 into next st* around (18 sts)
Sc 2, sc2 into next st* around (24 sts)
Sc around
Sc 3, sc2 into next st* around (30 sts)
Sc around for 10 rounds
Sc 3, sc2 tog* around (24 sts)
Sc 2, sc2 tog* around (18 sts)
Sc 1, sc2 tog* around (12 sts)
Sc2tog around (6 sts)

Wings (Make 2):

Sc 6 into a circle
Sc2 into each st (12 sts)
Sc 3, sc2 into next st (15 sts)
Sc around for 3 rounds

Tail:

Sc6 into a circle
Sc2 into each st (12 sts)
Sc2 into each st (24 sts)

Assembly:

Stuff body firmly, gather remaining 6 stitches together and tie tightly. Fold tail in half and sew around outside edge. Sew tail with the flat (inner part) lined up with the last of plain single crochet on the body. With wings about halfway on the body, sew them on so that they are symmetrical, and the tail remains centered between them. Embellish with felt beak and plastic eyes.

Make a whole family, because birds of a feather flock together!