Before I say anything else, let me assure you I'm absolutely carnivorous - I just don't want to hurt animals, myself.. Yes, I understand the total hypocrisy.. I'm SO much of an animal lover that I took one of the dog's extra water bowls and filled it with water (at least 6 times a day) because its 102-108 here every day, and set it in the courtyard on top of the brick wall, underneath our Oak tree.. From inside the house I see HUNDREDS of birds coming down to get drinks from the bowl.. sometimes they jump IN the bowl and frolic around..
So, the point of the story is, quite often I hafta take the trash out, or refill the bowl, or whatever I need to do out front.. I'll open the door, but if I see a bird getting a drink, I'll just stand there and let the bird get the drink - I don't wanna scare them off and have them go thirsty.. I've stood and waited up to 5 minutes before..
Another thing I'm doing, now, fairly consistently is when I hand water the front yard.. I'll see a bird (mostly Robins) eyeballing the water bowl, so I turn my back to it.. I'll turn around every few seconds to see the bird get closer and closer.. when the bird is on the water bowl, I'll turn completely around so he can tell I'm not looking at him and let him get his drink..
The sad thing is that minutes later I'll probably eat some sort of meat-based food...
Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..