Sonja Hakala

All posts by Sonja Hakala

I have been a professional writer since 1987. I've written for newspapers, magazines, worked in the book publishing industry, and published novels and non-fiction books. In addition, I've guided numerous authors through the process of independent publishing, and offer workshops in that same vein. I'm the founder of the Parkinson's Comfort Project and over the course of six years, we gathered and gave away over 500 handmade quilts to people with Parkinson's disease.

I picked up the habit of feeding birds when I was very young. My Grandfather Hakala had three large feeders in his backyard, and one year for Christmas, my Uncle Don built me a bird feeder that brought feathered critters (as well as squirrels) right to my bedroom window.

Every year when I hang the feeders, I watch and wait for the first chickadees to see how long it takes them to figure out that there’s sunflower seed to be had. Last year, it took the first one 20 minutes. This year set a new record at 16 minutes.

I have a great fondness for these amazing little ones. I just wish they’d stay put for a few seconds so I could get a better picture of them. This was the best of the lot. I think I need to try again.