days end, dusk descends
Cardinals tsk tsk tsking,
song from the garden
Wednesday morn past I woke to squawking birds at the feeder. This wasn’t normal at 5 am so after dressing I ran to open the patio door thinking it was one of the bloody neighbourhood cats. I stood staring uttering “O Hell no!” and ran out flaying arms and shouting. Well, quietly shooshing as it was early and didn’t want to disturb my neighbours.
Sitting on the feeder platform was the largest raccoon I have ever seen. It stood and glared at me and I glared right back. Slowly it turned and latched onto the tree beside the feeder. I don’t know which one of us was more stunned.
Slowly it crawled its way up to a crook in the tree where it spent hours in the sun on one of the hottest days so far. I did feel for it. Really, just look at that cute face staring down for hours. Doncha feel an awwwww.
It disappeared before noon and though I searched I didn’t find its hidey hole.
Until...while night rose one more look out I found it backing down to the feeder. I was ready for it. The Ultra Super Soaker was locked and loaded. My aim is rather good and after delivering a soaking of water it disappeared into the darkness not to be seen again, at least for now.
Note that the feeder and patio is swept clean every evening and fingers crossed this night visitor will return to the park along the river.