A Little Extra Bird Seed

  Since all of the properties to our west are being clear-cut to make room for more houses, the critters have no place to go.  No one ever thinks of that when they build (or buy) their new houses.  Hundreds of critters are displaced or die.  Many, many are crushed beneath the large tractors that do the clearing and many, many others flee their homes leaving behind their babies.   They have no choice.  It is saddening and I know it is just a matter of time before we, like the critters, are pushed out of our home.  

  Back to the critters, though, as they are what is important, at the moment.  The poor little things have not only lost their homes but have also lost their "hunting grounds".  Even those that we think of as non-predatory are suffering.   My brother and I have taken to putting out extra seed for the birds and table-scraps for whatever will eat them.   For a while, I was bothered that the squirrels would eat the sunflower seeds and chase the birds from the seed bench.  Then I realized that fat, happy squirrels do not raid the peach and plum trees of their fruit!  Fat and happy squirrels are being fed trice daily now!  

  I have come to the same conclusion that Pop did, so many years ago.  If critters raid the gardens, you just have to plant a bit more the next year.  They have to eat, too.  Although Pop often hunted and fished for food, he never once needlessly killed a critter.  The man had a kind heart.  I am glad that I learned from the best!  Help them...don't hate them.