Winter Relief

I moved to this rural areal 12 years ago, on purpose, leaving the city far behind me. Winters are hard and by the time the snow starts to melt, I am panting for spring rain, crocus blooms and the sounds and smells of life. At last, I was able to stand out on my deck this morning, in the misty, predawn rain and see and hear the reasons why I left the cement ridden cluster-muck of city life.

There is a flock of turkeys on the southwestern ridge that were just yakking away a short time ago. Their funny calls answered by a mocking multitude of crows. I especially love crows and encourage them even closer to the property by throwing rotted meat out to the property line so they will come feast and maybe roost. It works sometimes, if they get to it before the other critters who may be interested.

The chipmunks and squirrels are in abundance, esp. the chips. They nest all year long here in a huge wood pile I have left for them, and they forage and explore the entire property and rarely show any concern when I randomly show up in their path. They usually stop, assess me with their hyperactive beady eyes and scurry off to finish their insane business of whatever it is they do. The squirrels on the other hand, usually just stake out the feeder and proceed in co-op missions of pillaging what isn't really theirs. Last year the main culprit was a rather large black squirrel whom I took an immediate dislike to, which was ok, because he didn't care for me too much either. Now, I have red squirrels, grey and that occasional bandit, 'the Black'. They do well for themselves and I don't complain about it as much as the birds. As long as I keep that feeder full, well, no one stays upset for too long.

I have a pair of doves that have returned already. They remind me of my summers when I was young and would waken to their romantic cooing. They are welcome to stay of course. The nuthatches and woodpeckers are long standing residents, but not as busy and visable as the chickadees, who flit around without rest. I eagerly await the return of the elusive rose breasted grossbeak who is my personal favorite. Him and his mate usually make a few appearances throughout the season and since they were the first bird I learned to identify after establishing my birdfeeder, they remain dear to my heart. There are many other birds through the summer who will show up and travel on and this is entertainment for my simple life.

Birds of course are small and non threatening. It is when the bear starts to come around that things get a little weird. The dogs of course start going ape and we try to be careful about making noise when we are going outside. This gives that young male time to move on. It is a decent arraingment between all of us. The feeder is way to high for him and too close to the house, so he doesn't try for it, but he does feast on the berry bushes that abound around us. We have only seen him once, two summer ago, and now he is about 4 years old. His markings have appeared on a few trees and posts, but honestly, he is more ghost than mammel to us. I hope to see him someday, safely of course, but nonetheless, I would really like to just see him.

Deer sweep through on occassion, but with all the brush around, they blend right in and they generally stay on the ridge line when they pass through. The fox though, now she is cool. She actually has ventured in very closely on occasion, and this year was the closest I was able to get to her. I am glad that I don't have any chickens yet and have to worry 'bout her getting into any nonexistant coop, but many of my neighbors have lost plenty of chicks, eggs and so forth to these highly intelligent creatures.

I guess with all this nature rambling, I sound like a nature freak, and it's probably the best way to describe my affliction. Despite the horrible economy in this area (one of the worst in the state) I find myself unable to pack up and migrate toward the cities where there is a greater financial opportunity. I live simply, freak out about my mounting bills, and work hard. For twelve years I have been reprogramming my thoughts and heart to tune in to Nature and all that she offers. I find Her gifts greater than any financial success I could be having elsewhere and choose to remain here, on purpose and with the intention of remaining Nature's student.