Nature Knocking At My Door

In the past several days we’ve enjoyed watching the wildlife in our back yard. Two days ago, before the rain arrived, two squirrels raced and chased each other up the tree, down the tree, along the fence, around the bush, and across the lawn, then back again, as through completing a timed obstacle course. Meanwhile two bunnies dashed out of their way, then sat very still, dashed out of their way, sat very still. Finally the cautious bunnies tired of the ridiculous squirrels and made a run for the river rock drainage bed that doubles as an escape route to our neighbor’s yard.

Birds are back. The robins came first. Then the cardinals and blue jays. Finally the finches, who don’t usually show up (or get noticed) until a thistle sock lures them closer. I’ve also seen one greedy old crow surveying the situation from our willow oak. Fortunately he continued on his way, as I’m not fan of scavenger crows. Truth be told, the blue jays are scavengers, too. But who can resist their colorful, stately presence? Not I. 

My neighbor across the street has raccoons that recently tore up her glider cushions. We haven’t noticed them over here since we started using bungees to make our garbage bin inaccessible. I truly love those masked marauders. I find them fascinating to watch, when I get the chance, because of their dexterous hands. Foxes are prevalent, but not usually noticeable, with the exception of a week ago tonight. (See Midnight Mystery.) There have also been one or two coyote sightings in the neighborhood, down towards Doctor’s Run Park, and occasionally deer. But that’s it as far as big game go. No black bears, no bobcats, no mountain lions.

The world is quieter now. The pace of life, slower. We are home with open windows all around and a schedule that allows us to go outside on a whim. These are the perks, or potential pitfalls, of working from home. Time and opportunity to marvel at nature and its inhabitants is our daily reward.