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Where I lived In Washington there was no open view of the sky.
The house being on a wooded hill and surrounded by mountains, when rising of a morning, I had to extend my neck and tilt my head to see if it was overcast.
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Being able to watch the sky as the day progresses is an unexpected bonus of living where I now do.
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It is hard to focus my thoughts just now as they drift constantly to the fires in Los Angeles.
They are receiving unprecedented news coverage because of the exclusive location, though it is not only the wealthy who are affected.
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Devastating wildfires occur around the globe, but what makes these so attention-grabbing is that they have got deep into urban areas and have been so difficult to control.
Anyone of my generation has seen climate change if they paid attention.
Nature is sending powerful signals, yet too many of those in power pay no heed to this inconvenience.
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Human disasters are turned into opportunities for political posturing.
While questions certainly need to be asked, in the middle of a disaster they are a most unproductive distraction.
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White-barked trees stand out against a blue sky.
Thus, they always catch the eye, but there was something different in this one, so we stopped beside it.
An invasive vine had woven itself around the tree.
Additionally, a number of crows were perching in it.
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Moments later we saw that the crows were part of a group that was chasing off a bald eagle.
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Light snow on Saturday saw a re-match of the squirrel-crow nut competition.
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This time the crows came in force.
But the squirrel summoned a buddy.
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Which set the crows flapping.
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“Aow! I twisted my neck!”
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“You wouldn’t be laughing at my friend would you?”
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Squirrels being squirrels…
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…one had to chase the other off.
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When it returned:
“Some of my nuts are missing!”
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“Where’s that bird gone?”
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They tried creeping up two by two.
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But the squirrel protected its meal.
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“Oh well.”
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“I’ll try a beak full of this white stuff.”
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“Euk. Ma beak is froze.”
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In a moment’s inattention, the crows did finally manage to lift a nut or two and I promised them I would post an example of their triumph.
In the interest of consolidating our relationship.
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Witnessed by Little Man.
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It didn’t last long though…
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The squirrel soon returned!
Thank you so much, Carolyn, for the wonderful update on your fascinating world! I love all your photography!
Joanna
Wonderful banter between the squirrels and crows. We had a battle between four squirrels and a ginger tom today. No injuries thank goodness!
It’s great to visit your blog again after our holiday. And I’m so happy to see snow (and a beautiful sky and your own wildlife) … I really missed it! I love the series of photos of the squirrels and crows – I think I might be Team Squirrel (but I feel a tiny bit sorry for the crows) 🙃.
Squirrels and Crows showing how animals have to compete in the wild for food. Though I feel there is often some give and take where non-carnivores are concerned. The California fires are receiving unprecedented 24/7 news coverage in the UK, and I am sad to say I think it is mainly because of the high-profile celebrity residents who have been affected. If this fire had been in Detroit, I doubt it would have merited more than one day of reports.
Best wishes, Pete.
You are absolutely right. It is all sickening in many ways.