We visited a dear friend at Christmastide, while he was recuperating in a lovely nursing home in town.  The great room housed a beautiful Aviary, with the sweetest chirping birds. My husband and I both commented how soothing it was to listen to the birds... 

could we ever have such a thing in our home....

And then, we moved to Rose Water Cottage...

and our wish has been granted ...by the Maker, Himself.

The Tulip Poplar Tree in our tiny front yard has become that Aviary.

The High Tea server, was hung from a branch, many weeks ago...

...anticipating the purchase of wild birdseed.

Eventually, the seed was procured and placed in the *feeder*... awaiting the little bird guests...

Yesterday, while enjoying my knitting time...Scout in my lap, napping ... I heard quite a commotion outside the front window...

I turned my head.... and realized it was tea party time for the birds. 

Oh, be still my heart!

They were hopping from branch to branch, singing their sweet songs, taking turns fluttering to the tea cup and saucer and plate... skipping about on the ground 'neath the china plates...gathering what had fallen.

A sweet little Chickadee perched atop the teacup...

I looked into my wonderful resource... 250 North American Birds in Song... to find photos of the birds I could not capture on film... for they flit around...

The Robin hops around in the grass....

Two mourning doves were sitting comfortably at the foot of the bench...enjoying the unusually comfortable weather.

There was my Aviary....right outside my window.

I noticed a squirrel making his way down the tree, inspecting and calculating the leap it would require to reach the seeds.  It was going to be impossible. The birds continued to flutter about, unafraid of the furry guest.  His manners were quite gentleman-like, and he retreated.

I felt compelled to find a way for him to enjoy the fellowship around the tree. I retrieved a pretty china dish...an inexpensive find at the antique mall... and filled it with seeds...heavy on the sunflower... brought the yellow birdhouse to the table there, and situated every thing just so. It did look rather inviting, I must say.  We shall see if this is an acceptable accommadation for Mr. Squirrel.

Each time I thought of this *Aviary Reveal*... I felt as if I had been given a special gift.... God knew the desire of my heart.  In His inconspicuous manner, without big ribbons and bows and fireworks, He quietly bestows.

The enchantment begins...

Rose Water Cottage would like to encourage all of our friends in the northern states to direct their feathered friends to the *Tulip Poplar Tea Room and Inn*.

 We are accepting reservations for the winter season, at this time.

The accommodations are quite lovely and the choices are as follows:

The Mourning Dove Suite (for all the honeymooners flying about)

Robin Red Nest (cozy and quaint, includes worm appetizers upon arrival)

Fiddle-dee-dee Suite (the favored choice of Southern Belle Chickadees)

The Cardinal Room (stately choice of refined sort)

***

with High Tea being served throughout the day, amongst the branches, in the celebrated

*Tufted Titmouse Tea Parlor*

Menu:

Sunflower Samosas

Peanut Petit Fours

Thistle Thumb Cookies (a slight variation on Tasha Tudor's Receipt)

and the refreshing Hummingbird Tea (made extra sweet for those visiting the South)

***

For More Casual Dining... your friends might enjoy Peter Rabbit's Porch

(If they have flown further south, around Atlanta, they may have dined at Pitty Pat's Porch)

High Tea amongst the Eaves

Bird Bath facilities boast Heated Water in the Winter Season

The view from the Dining Area is spectacular. Grandchildren come often for visits, and they always provide enjoyable entertainment.

Peter, himself, has been known to pop in, unannounced, making frequent inspections of the premises.


Oh, dear... he has spied the little blue cup left by one of those pesky critters...grandchildren.... tsk..tsk... Grammy will have to see about this matter...


He sniffs just a bit more....


He is happy to announce the renovations are coming along quite nicely, and the unpainted surfaces should be lovely and white in time for your guests arrival.

Scout is in training as hostess...she is learning to sit quietly and not growl at the guests. She has even been most respectful to Peter, the Proprietor...



She even contains her excitement as she witnesses the first visitor to try out the new bird bath
... an early birthday gift to Grammy from her Mum and Dad...in order that the birds are fully acquainted with its use, by the time her birthday comes 'round..


The newcomer seems to be a Carolina Wren... and upon perusal of the Resource... we find its photograph... I tap the button to hear its song... and the sweet little bird hops to the fence...
tilting his tiny head to the left and the right...
the titmouse and a  cardinal pair come flying to the nearby branches.
I begin to believe they have accepted me as a friend and welcome my presence.


How long it has been... since Grammy was a girl... that a nest of tiny Carolina Wrens was saved by her daddy and raised on the screened porch... bottle fed... and taught to fly... by Grammy's mum and siblings.
The sweet birds were then released at a bird sanctuary.

We promise to be gracious hosts here at Rose Water Cottage..
Home to the Tulip Poplar Tea Room and Inn
and
Peter Rabbit's Porch

********
The gift of this Aviary...
humbly welcomed, indeed...
to
 Grammy's House