Friends That Matter

   I am constantly the brunt of many jokes about my preference of being alone.  I stay on the Bayou day in and day out.  I stay for weeks...or months...on end with no desire to go into the outside world.  Most people cannot understand why I have chosen this life but it is perfectly simple.  The "outside world" is full of nosy, inconsiderate people just like those who question my life.  They insist that I "need" friends,  that I "should" go places and that life "is" better as they live it...not as I do.  Still, it is my preference so here I stay.  I go only as necessary and not to fill a void in my life.  That void is not there.  My life is full.

  As for friends, I have plenty!  I have the type that matter.  The ones that stand by me, check on me and do not question my actions.  Of course, they are mostly of the critter sort but they matter!  First, there is Bat, the Bayou Prince Cat, that has proven he would lay his life on the line to defend me.  Once he even attacked cottonmouth just so I would not get bitten.  The snake was within inches of my barefoot when Bat darted across the yard to attack.  He is a protector and confidant!  I would definitely say Bat is the type friend that everyone needs...plus, he gives good snuggles!

 There is the barred owl that waits in the branches of the black gum tree to make sure the gardening is going well.  This beauty stands guard at night to keep the vegetable plots vermin free. Most every morning, I call "Good day!" to it before it glides down into the swamp to snooze away the daylight hours.  In the late afternoon, it silently flies in to take its post among the branches to keep watch.  I bid it "Goodnight" knowing my garden is in good hands.

  The dayshift of garden protection is carried out by friend, bald eagle.  Just about daylight as the owl is readying to retreat to the coolness of the swamp, the eagle comes to relieve it of its duty.  The eagle cocks its head in the oddest way as I call to it.  "Good morning, Friend Eagle!  You are welcome here but leave the cat alone!"  (So far, the eagle has only made one attempt at catching Bat.  The cat, thankfully, was wise enough to dart under the pier.) 

  Other friends include the watersnake in the pond, the black racer under the back steps and the ribbonsnake pair under the herb shelf.  All of these are helpful friends as they keep the smaller varmints at bay.  These are good friends, indeed, and all are welcome to stay.

  So...along with the myriad of other critters around, I have friends...lots of them.  They are unassuming, trustworthy and surely NOT busybodies.  They mind their own business and I do mine.  Let others feel the need to poke and pry...to gossip and fret...to go into rages at the drop of a hat...and be everything that I do not want to be.  I shall stay (as my sister-in-law says) the Hermitess of the Bayou.  I shall continue to do things the "old way", keep being the "Keeper of Weird and Wonderful Things" and always be just who I am whether others agree with it or not. 

 

Three...Two...One!!

  Early this afternoon, Mark headed out to help an elderly couple that we know.  They were having a bit of trouble with their truck so he volunteered to repair the thing.  No sooner had he left than I heard a strange ruckus in the back yard.  I listened for a moment then grabbed the camera and raced to the back door.  I recognized that cacophony!  There were bald eagles somewhere nearby and I wanted photographs, if at all possible!

  My efforts were rewarded!  I did not even have to get off the back porch before I spied these majestic birds.  Three....yes, THREE adult bald eagles were in a pine tree next to the house!!  Ok, ok..calm down.  If I wanted clear photos I needed to take my time and find the best spot to stand.  I quietly slipped off the porch to get the first pictures but an oak tree limb shrouded the birds.  the first photo of the three birds was not as clear as I wished. It was definitely a better place up on the porch.  Just as I prepared to take another photo, one of the eagles flew directly over my head and out of sight behind the roof of the house.  Drats!  Nope!  Do not be discouraged!  Concentrate on the other two.  Then the second bird flew in the same path and was out of sight.  Ok...I am happy with one! 

  The eagles fascinate me and I am happy to see that the numbers here are growing.  Obviously, the birds are being pushed more and more to our piece of property since it is one of the last "wild and free" places in the area.  I intentionally leave as many trees and as much underbrush to act as a safe haven for the critters.  It seems to be working.  The eagles are welcome to stay!

Aerial Battle

   Earlier today as I was out using the grinder on some wrought iron pieces, I heard that "squeaky wheel" call again...a lot of squeaky wheel calling for that matter.  Turning off the grinder, I saw that three Bald Eagles were directly overhead.  That was a tad unusual...three?  Then I understood.  This was a battle for territory.  A battle for mating and nesting rights was being fought.  The screeching continued as one poor bird was being pummeled.  Again and again, the eagle was being attacked by one of the other birds.  The third eagle simply circled the two and screamed.  The female probably thought the males were acting a tad ridiculous with all of their squabbling but the males were relentless. This battle was not going to end well.  One of the male eagles would have to leave the area.

  After a bit, two eagles flew off to a spot where I knew an aerie was being built.  I assumed the original pair were still together.  They have been nesting just east of the house for the past ten years or so.  I was just about to restart my grinder when a sad scream came from the west.  Oh, my goodness! The other eagle was still here.  I made my way around to the lane and spied the eagle on a low limb.  He was distraught and browbeaten but seemed to not be hurt.  My heart went out to the bird and I tried to console him.  I knew he could not understand the words but perhaps he understood the love and respect I have for him regardless of the fact that he had lost the battle.

  Life will go on for all of the eagles involved in today's tussle.  Since eagles usually mate for life, the pair nesting just east of the house will hang around for years to come.  The unlucky male that lost his battle today will find a mate and a new territory.  Most likely, it will not be far from here since he was born and raised in the area and there is a good food source here.  The rise in the numbers of eagles is a good indicator that things are going well and the Bayou is healthy. 

 

One Is As Good As The Other!

  Yesterday, Son and I spent 31/2 hours pushing lawnmowers up and down the hillside.  Although spring has not arrived in many parts of the nation, we seemed to have moved quite quickly into late spring or early summer.  This is not to say that we won't find another freeze making its way to the Deep South but, as of right now, it seems mighty warm.  All of the fruit trees are in full bloom and of course the grass has decided to grow by leaps and bounds.  About midway through our cutting, he decided it was a good time for a water break.  As we sat on the ground under the orange trees, a large, dark bird flew overhead.  A young eagle landed just in the top of a pine just just beyond the canebrake.  Being one that is never without the camera within easy reach, I eased my way to get a photograph.  As I rounded the canebrake, Son called to me that the eagle was overhead behind me.  The bird had exited the tree and went the back way around to the Bay.  Well, that ended that!

  Then, another "blob" in a nearby pine caught my eye. A beautiful osprey had been perched in a tree next to where the eagle had landed.  The osprey was not too sure of her visitor and hunkered down among the branches.  Perhaps she was a bit nervous with her huge guest because as soon as the eagle flew out, the osprey took off in the opposite direction.  The eagles always give me a thrill but I am just as happy with my ospreys.  

A Better View of a Gorgeous Bird!

  I will be the first to admit that my eyesight is extremely poor.  While I used to be able to see things far across the Bayou and beyond, that range is sorely declining.  Even with prescription spectacles, things are blurry at best.  So, this afternoon while on the pier, I could not identify a large, black blob that was in the top of a dead black gum tree on the far side of the Bayou.  What in the world was that thing??  It seemed large, was very black (dark) and showed a good bit of movement.  I knew it was a critter of some sort but to be that far up in a tree was something else again.  My first thought was a bird...perhaps the bald eagle.  As far as I could see, there was nothing else to do but make my way along the marsh edge to get a closer view of the mystery critter.

  The old dog and I eased our way along the marsh until we reached the wild persimmon trees on the east side of the property.  Here, I could get a better view if I slipped between the palmetto clumps close to the water's edge.  Sure enough, the critter was much easier to identify from this vantage point.  Instead of an eagle, my friend was an osprey!  The confusion was caused by the bird preening itself which hid the white underparts.  With wings outspread and head tucked, the bird hunched over like some menacing vulture!  Once the bird saw me, it took as much interest in me as I did in it.  The osprey tried to get a better view of who was hiding in the palmettos.  Once it decided that I was not a threat, it perched upright in its majestic position and let out a loud screech!

  Satisfied that I had positively identified my critter, I eased my way back out of the palmettos and up the hillside.  That bad eyesight might not serve too well in spotting a cottonmouth that may be lurking down beneath those brambles!  It was best to get myself out of the midst of things unseen!

Better Be Careful!

  The small critters of the Bayou had better be careful as a rather large predator is stalking the place.  I was painting on those windows once again when I heard a familiar sound.  Just outside the window in a nearby pine tree, a Bald Eagle was making its "rusty wheel" call.  This is what the bird's cry sounds like to me.  I remember the iron wheels on the old hay wagon back on the farm sounding a lot like an eagle's cry.  Once I heard the call, I stared out the window to see the eagle so very close to the house.  Geez!  I am glad Ms. Nycto, the Bayou Princess Cat, was inside!  I knew if I opened the door to take a photograph, the eagle would be long gone so an attempt at taking a picture through the window glass is all I could do. 

  While Bald Eagles are usually fish eaters, they will (and do!) dine upon small critters such as rabbits, squirrels, snakes and any other animals that are available.  The ones around here seem to be opportunistic and would rather steal a nice mullet from the osprey than catch their own but I have often seen them dive near the Bayou.  Still, the squirrels and birds were in a tizzy with the large visitor in "their" territory.  The bird feeders had been well stocked earlier this morning so, if the eagle had wanted, it could have easily had supper.  

  Personally, I think the eagles are searching for a quieter nesting grounds.  For years now, the birds have been nesting on the island across the Bayou but the place is full of construction work and the birds are having to vacate their home.  I am in hopes that the two pairs of eagles will find the Bayou and woods behind the Little Bayou House as promising nesting sites.  It would be nice to have them here. Hopefully, the pair of eagles will linger and I can get some beautiful photographs of them.  BUT...the other critters need to be careful! 

Birds of all sizes!

   A tiny friend came back to the Bayou in today's drizzly rain.  A wee Spotted Sandpiper flew in to rest on the pier.  While out checking the garden, I noticed the little bird.  It seemed to be not feeling too well as it was practically flat on the boards.  At first, I was not even sure the blob was a bird but figured that whatever was there needed my attention.  The trek to the pier should have only taken a moment but I was waylaid before I got there.  I heard a certain screeching in the sky and looked up to see the pair of Bald Eagles.  Alrighty then!  Perhaps I could get a photograph of these fine birds.  They soared about the hillside with such grace!  They swooped in between the pines and down near the marsh. They flew in circles about each other.  Not once, however, did they get in a good range for my camera!  I had to be happy with a long-distanced photograph where it could be argued if these were eagles at all.  The exciting interruption had not dampened my intentions of checking on my little friend, though, so down the pier, I headed.

  Sure enough, the blob was, indeed, a sandpiper.  I was relieved to find that the bird was not injured but just exhausted.  This lone sandpiper must have migrated in from parts unknown and made the decision to stop for a rest.  Even when I neared the bird, it made no effort to fly away.  It only stayed a few steps ahead of me all the way to the end of the pier.  Once there, it sort of squatted and looked at me pitifully.  "Please do not hurt me." I imagined it saying.  "Ok, little friend.  You are welcome to stay as long as you like." was my answer.

  The size difference in the two types of birds today is astronomical.  The tiny sandpiper weighs in at less than two ounces while the eagle can tip the scales at a hefty fourteen pounds!  The wingspan of a sandpiper is all of about fourteen inches while the eagle is nigh on eighty inches!  I do believe that the difference in size is massive but...what the little sandpiper lacks in size, it makes up for in personality!  The little squirt is adorable and has some funny little antics that make it quite amusing to watch!  AND...they are much easier to photograph!

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It IS the Eagle!

Today we were busy! Very busy in fact! Michael was on top of the house applying metal flashing around some places where that pesky squirrel gnawed numerous holes! He had decided that instead of just patching said holes, he would patch them with something that was unchewable! Mark was out back putting siding on the shed that he is building. He is using sheets of plywood as the siding and I was painting each before he hung it. I had decided to paint each sheet of plywood before it was hung so it would be easier for me to reach. I had gotten the idea from my sweet mother-in-law years ago. Before she passed away, she had told me the story about how she and my father-in-law worked together to build their house. He would apply a siding board and she would immediately paint it. I just sort of took her idea in reverse! I painted before Mark applied the plywood!

While I was painting, Michael called down from the rooftop that an eagle was overhead. Hmmm..was this another false alarm? Was that Turkey Vulture back confusing us? I pondered whether or not to stop painting long enough to investigate. Needing a break (and a drink of water!), I grabbed the camera and headed to the front yard. Sure enough, I could see a dark figure of a bird flying through the treetops. This did fly like the eagle! Still not totally convinced, I eased my way over between the Little Bayou House and my brother's place. Sure enough, I saw the bird swoop low into his yard. It was the Bald Eagle! I was excited! I have been hoping that this pair would nest somewhere near the Bayou! Perhaps this was the intent of the birds! I saw my two brothers sitting on the porch and made my way to them. The eagle was the topic of our conversation of course! From his porch, I was able to take several nice pictures. Then the other eagle appeared! Two! The pair stayed in his yard for quite some time. One in clear view of my camera..the other well-hidden in the top of a pine tree. My brother, Jimmy, was kind enough to let me stay on his porch to take several more pictures even though he had to leave.

No matter how many times I see the Bald Eagles, I never fail to be enthralled. They are such majestic birds! A little known fact...in this case, "bald" does not mean hairless! The word also means "marked with white"! Hence, the Bald Eagle is named because of the white feathers of its head and neck! (Just thought I would throw that in there for whatever it is worth!) My hopes of a nesting pair on the Bayou just might become a reality! With all the "progress" humans are making around here, this might be just about the only secluded place left for the Bald Eagles to nest in peace. The Bay offers plenty of fish and the surrounding areas teem with small wildlife making dinner an easy task for this bird of prey. Plus, since there are a number of ospreys around, a meal can always be stolen! The eagle is not above taking advantage of the ospreys' expert fishing abilities!

After finally capturing my eagle's image, I went back to work. By the time I picked up my paint brush again, Mark had almost finished putting on half of the siding. I apologized profusely for abandoning him with the work and offered the story of the eagle as my reason. He smiled and nodded. Bless his heart! He knows that I am a sucker for the wildlife here on the Bayou!

The Perils of Life on the Bayou

Life on the Bayou is usually a pretty laid back existence...except if you are one of the critters that inhabit the area. Then daily trials begin and end with the ability to eat but not be eaten. It is a constant struggle for most of the animals. The food chain can be dangerous! This morning early, the Bottlenose Dolphins were busy hunting mullet. These mammals work together to corral the fish. They made huge loping circles around the mullet schooling them in tight wads. Once they had a good many in one area, the feeding would begin. The dolphins would dive deep and come up under the mullet. Their huge swells would send mullet jumping every which way. The dolphins would even toss mullet high above the water. Again and again, they would chase the mullet into a tight mass only to devour them. This large, marine mammal is near (if not at) the top of the food chain in the Bay. I love watching the teamwork of the dolphins.

I could not get a clear picture of the Bald Eagle that was fishing for mullet. The eagle was following along after the dolphin pod. It was in hopes of catching a fish for its breakfast but these hopes were dashed when another raptor intervened. The Osprey decided that there were not enough fish in the Bay for the Bald Eagle to have any so it started darting at the larger bird. Again and again, it swooped at the eagle. Eventually, the Bald Eagle gave up on the fish and headed inland. The Osprey had won the fishing rights to the Bay and soon took up the Bald Eagle's game. The mullet were in constant danger from both below the water and the sky above.

A bit later near the marsh edge, another bit of the food chain was at work. Crabs usually eat whatever they can find that is already dead. Occasionally, they will catch small minnows and fish but more likely than not, they are the prey. When the crabs are small, most everything eats them. Most fish love dining on small crabs, shore birds will eat every one they can catch and even other crabs will make a meal of their neighbor. When the Blue Crab is in its soft-shell stage (when it is shedding its old shell), it is easy prey for anything that wishes to have a meal. The crab at this point is powerless to escape much less defend itself. For hours on end, the crab depends purely on luck to survive. It is helpless...but it is a different story when it is in its hard-shell stage. Then the prey can become the predator as was the case this morning.

A crab was easily seen in the about four inches of water near the marsh. This crab had hunted down and caught its meal for the day. It had actually caught another predator. The crab was scooting itself out into deeper water where it immediately buried itself and its dinner in the soft mud. At first glance, I was not sure just what in the world the crab had in its claws. The glint of the sun on the water made it difficult to see but once the crab was in the shade of the marsh grass, things were different. This Blue Crab had a death hold on my little Garter Snake! It was heading to deeper water to drown the snake! My poor little snake friend had succumbed to the food chain of the Bayou! Never once had it occurred to me that crabs would eat snakes! Good bye, Little Snake!

~Today was Hubby's birthday! We celebrated by having a perfectly lazy day! As much as the hallway needed finishing, we decided that fishing was much more important! I wish I could say that he caught this large red fish today but sorry, this is one from a fishing trip this past winter. (I just liked this picture!) Everyone needs a day like this! Happy Birthday, Mark! ~