When Friends Come Calling

  It seems as if critters of all sorts have taken a liking to the Bayou and surrounding woods.  There are even tales of  Black Bears in the area so I would not be surprised if some day, I open my door to find one on the porch asking for a meal.  Actually, I would be happy to have one here simply because others do not take kindly to critters scampering about the place.  I am afraid that our neighborhood bear will wind up being shot by some stupid person that has a major fear of animals.  Most folks just cannot share their space.  I can.  But, back to my most recent encounter...which by the way, was not a bear.  

  Several years ago, two quail decided to pay a visit to the bird feeders out in the front yard.  I was surprised to see them and even more surprised that they seemed to be awfully tame.  At that time, I even pondered if they may have been domesticated pets.  I fed the birds and made friends with them.  They got to the point that the pair would eat from my hand and the hen would lounge under whatever lawn chair I was using.  She was most sweet.  These birds hung around for some time and then were gone.  I worried that the hawk had made a meal out of them.  I worried. 

  Two years past with no visit from the quail family.  Then, this morning, I heard the familiar call.  The male was calling from behind the shed but the female was not returning his calls.  I slipped out the front door and was intending on quietly finding the male when I realized that the little hen was back by the old benches that look over the Bay.  The pretty little thing never even worried about me coming out the gate.  She simply moved a few feet away from the bench and out onto the grass.  There she stopped, turned and stared at me.  It was as if she remembered something....something about me?  I am not even sure if these are the same birds or if perhaps offspring of the original pair.  I am just happy to have them in the yard.  A handful of birdseed seemed to satisfy the little hen and it was not long before she headed back behind the shed to be with hubby. 

  Yep, it is always a grand day to find critters making a return visit to the Bayou.  Now if I can just find that bear family!  I think I may need a bigger supply of handouts!