In the critter world, it is more common that one ignores the other unless one is larger and is hungry. Then, both become quite aware of the other's presence. Most critters are not busybodies that have to be prying in their neighbor's business. They just go their separate ways and live life. However, there is a network of "Neighborhood Watch" participants that keep everyone informed of the happenings of the Bayou.
The other afternoon, a cacophony of bird calls led me to believe that something was amiss. I eased my self out the front door and listened intently to the calls. By now, a few squirrels had joined in on the party. The center of interest was a tall black gum tree near the edge of the property. A mama squirrel had made a rather large nest in the tree and had her little ones safe and secure...or so she thought. Since this nest is far up in the tree, the intruder was one of two things...a hawk or a snake. I was betting on the latter. By the time I made my way to the base of the tree, neither could be found. Only a dozen or so assorted birds were curiously eyeing the squirrel's nest. The onlookers were still yelling at the snake but it was too late. Mama Squirrel was frozen in fear and was not even attempting to give battle to the serpent that was performing the foul deed.
Lately, we have a lot of rat snakes living in the area. They are making a clean sweep of the squirrels' nests and even a few of the birds' nests, as well. While I hate to think of the little ones becoming prey, Son reminds me that I should let "nature take its course". I love having the rat snakes in the yard to keep the mice, rats and voles in check so I have to turn a deaf ear to the "Neighborhood Watch" team when they send out the alarm. There is no filtering out what is fair game for the snakes.
I have a habit of rising pretty early each day. I feel better when I am up before dawn and for some strange reason, that first mug of coffee tastes much better when consumed with the rising sun in view. This morning, I sat on the small deck in front of the house. The morning air was cool and the area quiet. I had brought out my breakfast which consisted of two pieces of toast and some fig jam. What a perfect way to start the morning!
While I was sitting there enjoying the peace and quiet, I noticed a bit of movement in the arbor to my left. At first, I thought this might be the mockingbird that usually visits but I was mistaken. A tiny squirrel was eyeing me cautiously. The tiny rascal was at that age where it still did not have great fear of humans. I wished the squirrel a good morning and continued with my breakfast. Well! That little tyke came right up and begged to share my toast! He crept closer and closer until he was just a few feet from me. He hopped up on the deck and eased his way toward me. Hmmm....I felt there was nothing else to do but give him a bite as much as I hated to share my fig jam! Little Tyke snatched the piece of toast and scampered off to the nearby tree to feast.
I have to admit that this little squirrel made my early rising worthwhile. To share breakfast with a wild critter is always a thrill. I have to think that my feeding the little squirrel made his morning a bit better, too. Sharing is good.
