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