Fat and Lazy!

  I have the fattest squirrels here on the Bayou!  Of course, some of these "fat" squirrels may be in the "family way" as it is about that time of year.  Other than that, the only contributing factor I can see is that I feed the birds.  Feeding the birds is fine and dandy but those rascally squirrels raid the feeders.  They chase the birds from the feeders then gorge themselves on the sunflower seeds.  This, too, is fine and dandy as I really do not mind feeding the squirrels.  They are cute, furry and downright fun to watch.  The only problem I can foresee is that by getting fat, the squirrels are also getting lazy and lazy critters run into trouble at times.

  Early this morning, the first hike of the day was in a dense fog.  This is our usual "winter weather"..fog, humid and hot.  That fog, however, makes for interesting hikes as it shrouds things from view and the dampness muffles the footsteps.  Critters have just the same problem as I do.  They cannot hear nor see a predator until sometimes it is too late.  A hawk, owl, fox or bobcat can have breakfast with ease on such mornings.  The fat, lazy squirrels are easy targets for all of the predators that roam the hillside in search of food.  This morning, I walked right up on the squirrels feasting in the bird feeders.  When they finally did decide to scamper, it was more of a leisurely stroll than a hasty retreat.  Then, one particularly fat squirrel decided to stop and rest just a few feet above my head on a small twig.  This choice of perching spots made it an easy target for a marauding hawk or owl.  

  Thankfully, the squirrel was safe this morning as no predators (other than me and, obviously, I mean them no harm) were out and about in the mistiness.  Perhaps I should stop stocking the feeders but, then, there is not a lot out there for the critters to eat this time of year.  Most of the squirrels have already gone through their stockpiles of stored goodies and the migrating birds need a bit of sustenance before they start their journeys.  Those fat and lazy critters need to keep a wary eye!