Learning to Trust

   Redwing Blackbirds are some of my favorite birds simply because they are brave (or daring) little birds.  The male is so protective of his territory that he will attack just about anything that ventures too close to one of the nests.  This is quite the undertaking because Redwing Blackbirds are polygamous so the male can be protecting up to a dozen or more nests at any given time in "his" territory. Once the females create nests, lay eggs and fledge the broods, it is solely his job to protect them all.  (Don't go feeling too badly for him as it is his idea to have this many wives.)  Anyway, the bird thinks nothing of divebombing the cat, a hawk, a snake or a human if any of them wander into the territory. He does a good job of keeping the females and little ones safe.

  The General ll takes his job just as seriously as did his forerunner THE General.  For several years, General kept the marshes pretty clear of any marauding critters.  After he passed, General ll took over and accepted the duties.  The first General and I had become good friends.  He knew that I would never harm any of his wards.  This came from my daily visits to the pier.  I would talk with the bird as if he could understand my every word. The bird would cock his head to the side and listen intently but would never leave his perch other than to strut his stuff on the pier boards.  General ll has not gotten to know me as well.  He is still wary of my presence but will, at least, sit atop the pier post or on a dead limb and listen to my prattle. We are slowly making progress.  

  Early this morning, General ll surprised me by flying from the dead limb to greet me.  There was no divebombing nor scolding.  He knew I was heading to the end of the pier so he flew to the post and started his song.  This is the first time he seemed to be fully relaxed.  He is getting to know my habits and is beginning to show a trust in me.  This makes me happy as I figure we had better get along since we will be seeing a lot of each other.  Welcome, General ll!  I look forward to our visits!

Froggy Sat

   While folks in other households were preparing to watch the football game, I was sitting on the steps conversing with a frog.  I figure I was doing something even more important than sitting for hours stuffing my gut with junk food and my brain with insignificant happenings.  At least, the frog is a lot more entertaining and a bunch cuter.

  This afternoon when the sun decided to warm up the place, I found that sitting on the front steps was delightful.  It did not take long before a friend joined me in the "sun-soaking".   A tiny green tree frog came out of its hiding place and sat on the weird moon lamp.  The lamp was right at my elbow so the frog was only a few inches from me.  This gave me the opportunity to study the entirety of the critter.  I was enthralled by the beauty of its eyes!  My goodness!  The eye was the color of polished copper but had the most unique bunch of squiggles throughout.  I promise...sometimes I thought I was seeing words or pictures in those squiggles!  Well, you know me.  I had to get a photograph of the froggy's eye.  I NEEDED an up close and personal photograph!  

  Never without the camera, I slipped on the macro lens and started work.  Froggy sat still.  The camera lens was literally about an inch and a half from the frog when I finally focused.   Froggy sat still.  Twenty three pictures later, I noticed that Froggy was dozing!  My little critter friend had complete trust that I would never harm him.  (In case it can be a learning tool, the bottom photograph shows the nictitating membrane (basically eyelid) that frogs have to protect their eyes.)

  After a bit, the sun started sliding down behind the pines and the air started chilling a bit.  It was time for me to head back inside and stoke the fire.  I reached over, stroked Froggy's little head and thanked him for the time spent.  I also told him to snuggle down in the hanging plant so he would be warm tonight.  (It is never a bad thing to show concern for your friends.)  I do believe my afternoon was far more interesting than being glued to a television set.  Froggy and I just sat still...and enjoyed each other's company.