I spend a lot of time with animals. As a Witch that identifies as an animist, my relationship with the Land includes animals. It is an important aspect in my life, as it builds so much joy, which fuels hope, and therefore resilience. Resilience breeds strength in my experience. The world needs strong witches right now, so – animal relationships breed strong witches. They also are often vehicles of messages and or lessons from the Universe.
Some folx find it fascinating how creatures just appear when I’m about. My partner comments often about how I see the creatures faster than anyone they know. I’m no Snow White, but Villa Westwyk is home to not just tended creatures but many a wild animal, too. I wanted to share a new-ish relationship that’s sprouted this spring as our gardens begin to mature and the animal kingdom takes notice.
Today’s focus is Fanny, a white-crowned sparrow that moved into my Black Madonna garden – a garden that came about after some powerful dreams and a calling from the Creator Mother. I am calling her Fanny, because that was whispered in my ear as I wondered what to call her when I was communicating with her. But no doubt also Fanny because she often is sassy and shakes her tail feathers at me. Lastly in 2026 is the year of ‘F’ for naming animals here on our Covenstead. It’s an old farmer’s tradition to keep track of how old your animals are – first year of raising, say chickens, = A; 2nd year = b…and so on. I’m currently making a list for ‘G’ names for 2027’s new animals. hehe.
Fanny showed up this year about the Spring equinox. She’s made a nest in the northern most dwarf tree in the Black Madonna Garden. Without delay they had a brood (I heard them chirping today), clamoring for ‘Freddie,’ Fanny’s partner, to feed them, since the males do most of the ‘cooking’ in the white-crowned sparrow kingdom. – oh, how I’d love to get a picture of their nest, but the conifer they are nesting in is THICK with branches and needles, and disturbing it is not my mission, but rather their success.
Freddie’s song is so sweet to hear and dominates over Fanny’s softer song, and near incessant-chatter whilst she forages. You can always find where they are singing from because they perch up high so the whole Covenstead and beyond can hear. They are a delight to watch while I sit on my patio and look at Komo Kulshan or plan the next garden. Fanny, particularly is fearless and wants to know why I’m on her patio!
Although white-crowned sparrows are mostly insect-eaters (according to my Sibley book), Fanny and Freddie have been gorging themselves and bringing up their new chicks with the leaves of my jungle of pea beds. They prefer a well-rounded diet, clearly, and must get their greens. As long as they leave the flowers to turn into pea pods, we’ll continue to co-exist. Also, I can always plant more peas.
Another interesting thing about this pair is supposedly they are not supposed to be breeding this time of year in our area. In fact the only time they are in our area according to most of the major ‘birding’ organizations (Cornell, Audubon, Nat Geo), they would be between breeding and migration times. But here they are.
As that animist Witch, I know that nature is constantly teaching me, exchanging energy with me. Also, I recognize the Universe uses its residents to provide signs and messages to the rest of us. I think Fanny and her crew are here to teach me, to co-exist with me and the other humans and animals on the Covenstead. It’s easy knowing what lesson they bring to me. It’s a message about uniqueness, diversity, and finding home in unlikely places. Fanny knows and shows that just because someone else says that you should be here or there, or do this or that, doesn’t mean that’s what works for you. You and your kin can sing loud and proud from the highest greenhouse and beyond. You can raise your babies in a gothic garden and help from unlikely sources may just go ahead and move a bird waterer closer to your nest. 🪺⛲
Hope you’ll spend summer singing from the roof tops, eating your greens, and being happy, healthy, and surrounded by love and kin. More photos below for the curious.
Hope you enjoyed this little taste of life of the Covenstead. Creating a place where wildlife feels welcome is certainly a part of our grand master plan here at Villa Westwyk. This may or may not become a regular feature – I certainly could entertain it monthly. Let me know if you like stories like this and how you think nature gives you little glimpses into your higher self or nudges you down your path.
