Benedictine Birding
Midday at the Monastery’s outdoor spaces in the Spring means a quiet wind accompanied by the swishing of leaves and grasses, and birdsong, which is now and again disrupted by the call of a goose or turkey. On occasion also, sounds of children, either very young from the Maple Tree Childcare Center, or older students from the Hill-Murray sports field, both nearby. The early morning and late afternoon, given that St. Paul’s Monastery is within city limits, become louder, but also present the opportunity to see more animals like deer or gangs of turkeys. These moments have something for all who visit.
Within the last year, the Monastery worked with a student from the Boy Scouts who built bird houses. This is our first Spring with these houses and therefore a perfect time to observe “who” is putting them to good use. I am happy to report that our new residents appear to be tree swallows. They are easily located due to their white belly and beautiful, jewel-blue and black on their wings. They will make our walks on the Monastery campus easier as they are built swift to catch and eat large volumes of flying insects.
“[The cellarer] will regard all utensils and goods of the monastery as sacred vessels of the altar, aware that nothing is to be neglected” (RB 31:10-11).
These bird houses are sacred space. Tree swallows nest in the hollows of old or dead trees, these are lately a rare commodity so, if these birds locate a prefabricated model home, they will take advantage. While they can’t tell us, I see their gratitude in how easily they have adapted to the Monastery space (This is the first I have seen this particular bird population at the Monastery).
I had the chance to interview the student who installed these houses and learn from him about his process. I was also anxious to hear his thoughts on the new tenants. I am grateful for his response. He is completing his first year of college as we speak, and studying for finals.
An Eagle Scout Service Project is a significant leadership-based community service effort that is required for a Scout to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. This project is one of the final and most challenging steps in a Scout’s advancement and is meant to demonstrate their ability to plan, lead, and execute a meaningful project that benefits a community organization.
As for how it came along, … actually it was not the most exciting story ever, my Scoutmaster had reached out and told me that there was an opportunity at the Monastery.
As for my initial design, I did not have a clear idea at the time, and decided upon that design after researching what the most ideal birdhouse dimensions would be for the birds that lived in that area. Some interesting things that I learned is that there is a pretty wide range of birds that lived in that area, I was expecting a few, but the wide range was a bit surprising. (It did initially create a bit of a challenge when figuring out the exact dimensions, but that was only momentary.)
I wouldn’t say I had any specific hopes for what kinds of birds specifically would nest there, rather that the birdhouses could provide a beautifying aspect for the monastery, and also provide a home for any birds who would use them.
The process of building the houses was relatively simple, we would cut some boards into the appropriate lengths, and with the right angles, drill holes for screws and screw them together, and then we would add the roost post. The actual design was something I had come up with myself after looking up what would work best for the majority of the birds in the area.
After we had finished building them, we later went back to install them on the posts we had placed initially. Yes, I did have help from a member of my Scout troop and [my] family when it came to installing the posts, birdhouses, and building the birdhouses.
I found it really satisfying to finally see all the houses installed, as it meant a lot to me to do something to maybe make others’ lives more happy. As for how I feel about the fact that there are new residents, I would say it makes me happy that they’re being used, I don’t really have particular feelings for the specific kinds of birds that are using them, just glad they are getting good use.
In the few years that I have worked at the Monastery, I have had the opportunity to photograph a few of the birds I have seen here. I have also heard quite a few, including cranes as they were passing through during migration. My most exciting moment was walking along above the retaining pond at the Monastery and coming across what could have been a green heron or bittern and managed to get a few photos. That is one I have never seen before or since.
I am not the only person that appreciates the birds. There are other staff and Sisters who keep an eye out for who will show up next. Those of us who watch, noticed this new population quickly and appreciated the new edition of color to the rainbow of birds present here. As we progress into summer, I anxiously await goldfinches and cedar waxwings. I have learned to keep the tripod and camera posted at my window so as not to miss the fleeting opportunities.
The birds are not the only reason for you to visit. They are more of an added bonus. You are welcome to come and appreciate them while you walk the Monastery grounds or the Labyrinth or when you attend a retreat. If you come here for the art gallery during the temperate seasons, be reminded that there is a whole gallery of nature outside as well. I hope this article convinces you to spend some time outdoors on the Monastery grounds the next time you visit us.
Melinda Markell, OblSB is the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for St. Paul’s Monastery and its Benedictine Center (since 2022).