Silly Season has begun...

 

Merlins

A few years past a pair of Merlins decided to make my neighbourhood their home. At the time they were uncommon in this town. I believe a reason for their settlement was the bountiful birds residing over winter. It was a feast for them, especially the plump Mourning Doves that overran every ones bird feeders.

Merlins are small Falcons, fierce when chasing prey, but o so elegant at rest on a fence or a tall tree limb; even soaring on wind currents. They soon became a species I was scanning the sky for sight of them and to hear their screeching cries when on the hunt. They are a beautiful rarity in my town.

This year I was thrilled to find them take residence in the wild wood of my summer home in the centre of my town. Soon after discovering the parents had nested, I saw their babes had hatched and was privileged to watch the four young ones become adults. One at a time they would leave the nest escorted by their parents to learn how to find food. They soared and swept the property clearing the gardens of mole and mouse.

During this summer I continued to seek them if only to hear their cry and was never disappointed. They are still on site, for now, but I won’t forget how regal they looked perched on high while waiting their opportunity to take flight with their parents.

Of course the photo was taken just after Babe 1 had left the nest. Its three other siblings were left waiting. Timing is everything. ~sigh~

 

anemone - haiku

anemone blooms

stretching towards Autumns sun,

her whiteness spreads light

Date at the Pond

 

Hoover returns

It amazes me how wildlife recognizes humans, even by name.

Two years past a sweet chipmunk moved into my garden. She was long in body with a very pointy face. She also cleared out the bird feeder in minutes. Hence the name of Hoover.

That year she disappeared for a month later returning with four babies. That was a year!

She returned last year minus the babes and her stay was here and there.

This year a wee one took residence and while it dined on sunflower seeds it scurried off when I appeared.

I resigned myself to Hoovers absence due to nature taking its course or the neighbours feckin’ cats catching her.

An August day I was on the patio and heard a familiar thump. Turning to watch the cushion box there was recognizable snoot peering out looking up at me. I had always sowed seed near it so she had a quick escape.

“Hoover? Is that you?” I whispered. No sooner had I spoke her name, she was out and ran over to me. I felt overwhelmed with the magic of the moment. I’m sure she said in chipmunk language, “Human! Is this you my favourite of all humans?!?”

Ever since when I see her either scurrying about on the patio, bouncing along the pergola or climbing the old walnut tree I whistle, call her name and she runs to greet me. Of course there is always a special fill of seed waiting for her.

One of these years she won’t greet me and that’s OK. At least I’ve had the enjoyment of her company, where she felt safe and I was her care taker.

Hummer and Red

It was late afternoon when Hummer arrived at her feeder. This lovely young Hummingbird had spent most of the summer in my garden, thriving on nectar from Hosta and Monarda blossoms. I switched up the feeder to give her an extra boost for her journey south.

Upon arrival she became anxious as the Red Squirrel had also arrived at the bird squirrel feeder which was too near to hers.

She hovered at hers, watching his antics with side-eye. That girl was curious! She spent minutes hovering 8 – 10 “ from his face no matter his position at the feeder.

He finally gave up and landed on the Walnut tree. That was not far enough for Hummer. She chased him around the tree trunk, up and down, and sideways. Always hovering and staring at him. He finally said to himself I’m outta here and scurried up the tree and into the hedge.

Dear Hummer returned to her feeder and drank until she was full then flew off. I couldn’t help but think way to go girl! You stood your ground and showed him who was boss. How interesting it was to witness this exchange.

Next year I’ll place feeders further apart, just so there isn’t a rumble in my jungle. :)

yew - haiku

 red berries of yew

glow as rubies in sunshine,

autumn has begun

Tree tops

In the setting suns glow

tree tops have begun their

transformation to Autumn colours

Hummer

The Hummer was busy sipping from the bountiful Hosta blooms the last month.  I didn't fill its feeder due to the suffocating humidity and horrid high temperatures.

This week the air has cleared and coolness has wrapped us in its arms.  This day I was reminded by Hummer, not once but twice that it was thirsty.  The nectar was created and feeder filled and hung.

Two hours later as I sat and scribbled its familiar thrrummm sounded.  It found the feeder and quenched its thirst. It returned three times this eve fortifying itself before the long journey south.  

My heart grew light and my smile grew bright as I watched Hummer in the waning light. 

silence - haiku

August evening

not a leaf stirs nor a frog sings,

beautiful silence

Lost sight

I finally realized I lost sight

of my own self worth when

volunteering my time to what now

I understand are worthless causes.

Events this week have left me

sad and disappointed with the outcome

of a major project dear to my heart.

So be it, I have regained my sight.

Breathing easier

 

We breathe easier this day,

a day of clear sky and gentle breeze

without the stifling temperatures

causing one to escape for days on end

to the coolness of their home.

This morn welcomed us with a slight chill,

a refreshing chill as walkers left their homes

wrapped with a sweater and such a smile

as their steps increased, their arms swung

with vigor confirming their survival.

Two months of 30 – 40F temperatures

was a tad too much in this northern climate.

As Canadians we do survive, although

crankiness has become our third language and,

the thought of snow-shovels crossed my mind.

Robins feast - haiku

 

turning the paths soil

Robin follows my foot steps

tugging worms for feast

An Honour

I received an invitation to my Towns’ Volunteer Appreciation soiree. This was in appreciation for my horticultural work at a designated National Historical property in this town. I was shocked and honoured to be recognized.

It was a grand affair taking place in a glass enclosed building along the river, while we were under a Tornado warning. Good times with an edge to it.

A delicious meal was served, prepared by Town staff; followed with speeches by Town officials, gifts and live music made for a wonderful afternoon.

My enjoyment was meeting so many volunteers from various organizations. The one thing we had in common was donating our knowledge, experience, and time assisting this Town to make it a better place to live. Volunteering is the best gig.

loss - haiku

 

loss of a loved one

who now soars through the star-field

has left me scattered

Toodles you...

The Nursery

When I last left off there were three mum squirrels who were very pregnant visiting the bird feeder. Normally I quit placing seed out for the birds in May but after seeing these rather plump females with a voracious appetite I felt for them and continued with the seeds.

Two weeks ago I noticed a small herd of smaller squirrels appearing. They were following the mum’s to the garden and the feeder. Hhmmm, I researched when babies were born and read anywhere from February to April. AHA! Dems the babies!

Well the garden has become a home for furry circus performers, Cirque du Squirrela takes centre stage every morning beginning at 6 am and lasting til noon. I swear the babes are born acrobats; chasing each other in spiral formation around the Walnut tree; wrestling each other; and engaging in general mayhem. It begins again early evening after they’ve had their nappie. There are two grey babies with one mum; and four to five black babies following their two mum’s. I can’t keep track who is baby of which mum. It seems to vary day to day.

I set out piles of seed in various locations and am very happy to see siblings and cousins sitting side by side eating. There hasn’t been an argument or squabble yet. That in itself is remarkable as the adults always fought. It’s nice to see beastie cousins get along when human cousins aren’t as amiable. If only we would learn.

Research states if babes are born early enough there will be another litter in September/October. Heaven help me as they are already eating me out of house and home.

 

O to be a Chipmunk

Last Autumn I had a Black Locust cut down, well almost.  I know right, me? cut down a tree?  Well it was nearly 40 feets tall, slim and really rocked back and forth in the wind.  I instructed the Arborist to cut it down to 6' with intention of placing a bird feeder on top.  That hasn't happened yet... 

Low and behold Bissell rather enjoys hanging out on it so I'll leave him be.  He's safe from the #(*^&#^ cats that prowl my garden looking for a meal.   Knowing how BL's like to sucker I was happy to see this one start.  This will give me a chance to play Edward Scissorhands when more sprout.

ripples - haiku

 ripples on the Pond,

yet there is no breeze this eve

frogs wake from deep sleep

First rain of Spring

 

First rain of Spring falls

on earth now warmed,

releasing worms to wiggle

their way upwards.

Buds of flowering shrubs

have begun to appear,

slowly unfurling their colour

reaching for the sun.

Robins are nesting

creating a home with grasses

dangling, held with mud

soon to hold eggs.

Crocus, Scilla, and Daffies

are blooming, spattering

the garden with their pallet

of purple, blue and yellow.

Fragrance of maple syrup

boiling in the woods

makes one deeply inhale

savouring this yearly event.

Skies are filled with Geese

returning from their southern break

Finches, Blue Jays, Black Birds,

among so many fill the feeders.

Windows are opened,

just a tad, inviting fresh air into

a home once closed, while

quilts are aired on the line.

Spring has arrived

ever welcomed from Winter

when senses and colours

are dulled, now there is life.

There is a renewal...

gathering - haiku

 

gathering of sap

has ended in empty pails,

hanging on in case

spring buzz - haiku

 

scilla opens,

gentle buzz of honey bees

thrive on its nectar

I watched

 

I watched you entering the garden,

still stately, tall and handsome.

Your long brown locks

tumbled over the brown collar

of the tweed blazer worn

with pride in family tradition.

Your eyes met mine;

did I see recognition

of a long lost love

or did you smile as you

always did in social circles.

I watched as your wife led you

along garden paths, her hands

expressing her designs

while truth be told she was

just a gardener, and I was

the creator of our Eden.

Winter Aconite - haibun

 

frilly yellow blooms

appears through earth too early

Winter Aconite

This winter, as have the past five, has been such a mix of rain and snow with May temperatures. Geese and Robins have returned searching for food. Protective snow cover left the garden two weeks past under bright sunshine and 50F temperatures. If it isn’t replaced with 20, 30 inches of snow in the next week our gardens will burn. The earth will be parched and drought will be forecast for months. Farmers will suffer most of all. The same farmers who provide us with fruits and vegetables that sustain us. Yes kids, climate change is real. I feel for the next generations as Earth won’t heal in 30 years, nor 50. May the Heavens help us.

fog - haiku

sitting in darkness

I watch while street lamps glow fades,

surrounded with fog

one less dove

 

Early morning when I hear an odd noise

resounding from the garden.

Peering out a window it was evident

all creatures had disappeared, except one.

One lone dove huddled against a pergola beam,

its head turned my way with startled eyes.

Scanning the garden my eyes locked

on a hawk sitting atop the fence,

grasped in its talons a dove, the partner.

Hawk-eyes met mine as it spread its wings

and flew away with its meal swinging.

For three hours its partner sat and stared

at me through the window pleading help.

What could I do but give my condolences

and wash blood off the house wall.

Feeding protocol

 

There is a feeding protocol in the squirrel world. In the deep of winter there were eight to ten of the furry ground rats dropping by. To prevent squabbling amongst them I spread seeds in and around the main feeder. Voila! Fighting ceased as they each enjoyed their own pile of feed taking their time even though there was a line up. Finally, there was peace in the garden.

breath -haiku

 

morning sun rises

sparkling over the marshland,

my frosty breath smiles

Disagreement in the menu?

 

day fades while night rises,

snow softly falls upon the feeder

cloaking it with a white table cloth.

Mr. Cardinal arrives for his evening meal,

his brilliant red against the white of snow

is a site to behold in the wane of light.

this watcher sighs as he dines alone,

knowing his mate fed solo an hour ago,

perhaps a disagreement in the menu?

Storm brewing

 

storm is brewing

clouds heavy with snow

blows over the land.

neighbours are disguised

with draperies of snowflakes

so thick the road is invisible.

Winter is not over

nor will be for months

til then we hold fast.

mole holes - haiku

 

through open window

sounds of night creatures feeding,

mole holes in snowbank

Seasonal sadness

 

There is a task, with sadness, I have to complete in January and that is packing up the Christmas tree and its ornaments. I spent three days dressing the tree and two days removing each bespoke ornament safely wrapped and stored til next December.

I take my time, each loved ornament wrapped in tissue and stored in labelled boxes. Harlequins in one, crystals and antique balls in others, feathered and china birds, those lovingly created by friends in another, and so on. I do not enjoy this job as the glimmer disappears in my home as does the enjoyment of memories but it is time.

Slainte to this December when I unwrap my beloved beauties and smile in remembrance of dear friends, and the fun of finding that one special ornament, when I dress the tree once again.

warmth - haiku

 

huddled together

seeking warmth from dryer steam

doves on pergola 

protected - haiku

water laden snow

now frozen, encases the land,

garden protected

Visit

Early morning before sun rises

tsk tsk tsk sings from the bird feeder.

I open blinds and see Mr. Cardinal

pecking at left over seed, frozen,

but worthwhile to eat.

Soon after the lonesome Dove appears

followed by a lonesome black squirrel.

Two lonesome single creatures

rushing to the feeder before the families arrive.

All day long squirrels and dozens of birds

descend on seeds, cleaning the feeder

and piles left on the ground

leaving an almost clean plate.

As sun descends and night rises

Mr. and Mrs. Cardinal visit accompanied

by the lonesome Dove. They peck.

Those three keeping each other company

until they depart to their own nests.