Lately we have not seen a whole list of our usual visitors, His Nibbs, Ghost, Little Red.
Our suet feeders are not needing to be replenished with any frequency.
So what’s up?
.
Judging from previous years, this appears to be a normal pattern.
It happens suddenly, as if in the middle of one night they all packed their bags and departed.
Now, just because we don’t catch sight of them doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t there. It just means we weren’t looking at the right moment.
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Grant was up with the lark (or sparrow) yesterday and, having time before leaving the house, he opened the door to let the cats out.
But they sat in the doorway, staring.
Looking to see what was so fascinating:
.
.
It’s been weeks since we saw them.
There they were at the end of the drive.
Do they look just a bit guilty to you?
My Rose of Sharon bushes are just about the height of those soft little noses and in approximately that location.
.
It’s alright.
No need to rush off.
Come back and see us soon!
Bring your Mum.
Dad too, if he’s in town.
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Grant drove off and I went out to potter, now that the deer had gone.
Nature provides images in the humblest of life forms, with the help of my iPhone.
Damp dandelions.
.
Swarovski crystal?
.
“Oh not you again!”
“I’m shaking all over!”
“I wos nearly chomped by a deer!”
“So mosey off and leave me to recover!”
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Tiny creatures can cast a big shadow.
Just like some people.
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The Cooper’s hawk has been around recently. Sometimes we catch sight but more often we see evidence of his successes.
Then I murmur a word to the spirit of the victim, but cannot be sad that another creature has found a meal.
Nature’s work after all.
Sometimes I pick up a feather. I have many. But often Nature decorates them beautifully, a sort of tribute to those she must sacrifice.
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Admiring the phlox, I interrupted another small creature:
“Oi! Watch where you poke that thing!”
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Which pair of eyes was I supposed to look at? Crab spiders have 8.
“Some spiders have 8 or less“.
Well then.
I have trouble enough focussing 2.
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I’ve come a long way with spiders but I still have issues with all those legs.
Centuries ago, I took Mum to visit friends in Australia. They happened to live on a farm.
As we took tea, several sets of long legs crept from behind a picture frame.
I’m very proud that I did not scream, but I was not happy until we were safely back in Melbourne.
There are plenty of course, with far more than 8 legs. I’ve had to redirect a few disorientated Tussock-moth caterpillars, of late. Galloping into the house, they were, so I escorted them out.
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Catching sight of deer and especially the fawns, is very much a matter of timing because they vanish so quickly.
Birds, except for the ubiquitous sparrows, move in time with the seasons.
But Ghost and Little Red were always nearby and with them it was more a matter of how many times a day you might catch sight of them.
So in their case, it is clear they have relocated. Often they come back.
Earlier this year we had begun to think the worst when Ghost was absent, but after several weeks, there he was again, perfectly fine.
.
Cheeky Little Red has not been around since the end of July but we’ve seen her clan if not her, rushing about at the end of the road near the pond.
Maybe they are on their holidays.
Or at a symposium.
It’s not as if their absence has caused a vacuum, you understand.
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A few weeks ago a new squirrel caught our attention because of her pale colour.
A child of Ghost? I named her Sprite.
She liked an overripe peach we’d tossed out. And she wasn’t the only one.
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Zoomer got very excited!
The photographs imperfect because of a reflection on the sliding door.
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Zoomer rushed off suddenly.
Reappearing moments later to see if the coast was clear.
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He’d been reading a recent NOTAC:
Notices To All Creatures
It mentioned that the local Cat Walkers Club has increased its membership.
And gave particulars:
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Willow.
Grey. Blends in to any background.
Champion mouser.
Fast and deadly.
You won’t see her coming.
.
Blackie
Most recent member.
Mousing talents not yet tested, but:
Yon Cat hath a (not lean) and hungry look.
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Of particular concern:
These last two members appear to be teaming up.
Suggest extreme caution during the hours: 0900-1000
any time after 1500 and dark.
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There was an addendum:
Nibbs.
Not seen recently, but known to frequent the area.
Be on the lookout.
Any time of day.
Thank you, Carolyn, for imaginative story! Beautiful, photos, as always!
Joanna
Fabulous pics and stories!
I’m for Nibbs. Is he up for sending me a postcard?
I wonder what will be discussed at a squirrel symposium 🙂. I really enjoyed the photos of the deer – so beautiful (and yes, they do look like they were caught in the act)! Oh yes, the ‘cat clan’ is a formidable team – beware little creatures!
Probably establishing a roster of days off but it will fall apart as always and when they return it will be the usual mad scrum for peanuts!
😂
Great photos, but I have never managed to settle with spiders. I still think they are horrible, and don’t take photos of them. Especially the Wolf Spider that bit my hand over on Hoe Rough. His/Her fate is sealed if I ever catch sight of it.
Best wishes, Pete.
If I saw a Wolf spider I would run the other way and I know they are around here.