Since my return from Santa Fe and the southwest every day has been mostly sunny and in the high 40's. The snow has been melting and dripping from the eaves all day. It took a couple of days for the squirrels and birds to discover my return and with it a replenished feeder. This morning, while the jays kept a cautious distance, the squirrels duked it out. One in particular seemed to have commandeered it and was holding his ground, hard fought, and wasn't about to give it up.
The large black squirrel, who seems to have slimmed down a bit in my absence, was attempting a coup. The Colonel, a large gray squirrel who'd placed himself in charge of the feeder, wouldn't let him anywhere near. He chased him into no man's land, in this case two trees over, and let him know in no uncertain terms those nuts and seeds were his by God, and he would not go down without a fight. While they tussled a couple of chickadees flew in and snagged a few appetizers. Shortly thereafter The Colonel returned and continued to gorge himself. As he grew lethargic a couple of blue jays set down near him and quietly set about picking through the leftovers.
Gluttony assuaged, he leapt, well, plopped really, onto a nearby crab apple branch, clung tenaciously to it while he got his bearings with all that new weight he was packing, then climbed down, and into the woods he went, to sleep it off, I suppose.
Those crazy little critters. How I missed them. And all from my kitchen window. Front row seats, here in the real world.
And for those who like a soundtrack, here is George Jones singing Alan Jackson's song, "Here in the Real World." Alan's good, but there's no one like George. Besides, my friend, Michael, does a spot on impersonation of him that had me in stitches at the Blue Corn Cafe on a cold night in Santa Fe, week before last. Here's George (Now, get up and dance, Kittie and Dick, Jack and Brenda, Linda and Art, all you couples out there, even if you're not a couple, dance anyway):
The Colonel, at the top. Cheeky little thing.
What an imperial sort that cheeky Colonel is, and what fun I had reading of his and Mr. Black Squirrels escapades. We once had a squirrel untie a pillow from a chaise on the deck, and proceed to drag it to who-knows-where, just as I discovered its mischief. Black squirrels are so beautiful, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteGeorge was so good, I swear I saw a few squirrels dancing out our way. tee hee
Fun post. Thank you.
Finally, the squirrels are out and about! Robins are back and I think a woodpecker was in the tree by my deck...Spring is surely on its way!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat they are really saying Teresa is 'Welcome Home...we sure are glad you returned!'
ReplyDeletelove the photo!
I like your names for the backyard critters.I have a babysitter for my feederes when I take off, I hate to lose my fans.
ReplyDeletePenny, It's so good to hear from you. Squirrels mischief is fun to watch, but stealing a chaise pillow is just larceny. :) Glad you enjoyed George.
ReplyDeleteLynn, Yes, spring is just around the corner and hopefully some tolerance and understanding, given the situation in your community. Best thoughts to you all.
Tracy, Thanks for that thought!
Steve, A babysitter - how kind of you. I bet they are true fans.
Someone said "In all chaos there is order". This seems to apply to the life of squirrels as well. Someone has to be in charge.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home. It sounds like it is nice to put your feet up.
So your squirrels lost weight in your absence. That's a very good squirrel picture. Did you have tons of snow? My daughter in Minneapolis says the shoveled snow banks are over her head. During the few nice days, it melted and water in the basement. I'm thinking spring. How about you????
ReplyDeleteHey Bill, It's good to be back at the homestead. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteManzi, They received less snow up here than in the southern half of the state. Although there was a fair amount when I arrived this past weekend, it's gone down considerably with all this warm weather. Slushy. Very slushy.
Spring? I'm ready!
Sounds like it's good to be home. Spring is such a tease!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story! I also follow the antics at home from my front window. I truly enjoyed your description of your furry and feathered friends!
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, Yes, it's going to be a bit unpredictable for awhile, but these warm days are a nice respite. It was a wonderful time out West, but nice to be home.
ReplyDeleteDJan, Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Aren't these critters a hoot?
I think Tracy is right, all the fine feathered and furry friends missed you while you were gone, such fun to have regular family outside your window.
ReplyDeleteYes, regular family they are. Including the squabbling. :)
ReplyDeleteGood God, and you're a George Jones fan too.
ReplyDeleteIndeed. The Possum knows how to emote melodically like no one else I've heard. Emote melodically? Maybe it's time to step away from the computer.
ReplyDeleteYou and the food drunk Colonel had me laughing out loud. I've sadly fallen so far behind on posts that I'm hoping by now, the other branch dwellers have had a chance to fill up too. Heading into the kitchen to work on a little gluttony of my own. I'll try and stay away from the birdseed.
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking today, that the diet of the birds, seeds and nuts, might not be a bad idea... that lasted about two seconds.
ReplyDeleteThe colonel has been practicing sharing. Shame does that. :)
"Shame does that"...more laughing out loud. My other half is going to think I've popped a cork. He loved hearing the Griffith/Prine you tube piece. Thanks again for that link.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great song. You're very welcome.
ReplyDeleteThis post is priceless! You are a born writer, that's for sure. Isn't it just the most fun watching the critters? One of my favorite things to do.
ReplyDeleteThank You, Cheryl! They provide unending entertainment.
ReplyDelete