The Wild Show Continues

I really thought the spectacular critters of Chickadee Farm were done, at least for the moment. And, no, I haven't seen our delicious Indigo Bunting again, so I just had to republish his photo, he was that gorgeous. But I was wrong about the critter sightings being over. Boy, was I ever. Day after the bunting, I spotted this quite spectacular Baltimore oriole in our apple tree. Isn't he a beauty? And so you don't think I'm just about the flash, check out the sweet chickadee  and grosbeak. And the goldfinches are everywhere, of course. But as much as I love our birdies, as they used to say in Show Biz, "That ain't all, folks."

Picture it - one a.m., two nights ago, Muffin (our wee black dog) starts howling. Soon, Burt , our Brittany, joins in, as does Gracie, our basset hound.  For those of you who know me well, you've figured out what all the howling was about:  a bear. Not just any bear, but a Large Ursine Creature.  He or she (somehow, she seemed awfully female to me)  stole our feeders, which we should have not had out at night, and came right up on the deck while Bill , myself and the dogs were howling-shouting at her. She reached up and stole the suet feeder!  This was one gutsy bear. She hung around for about ten minutes, then vamoosed.  Sorry the photo isn't better, but here she is:

But are we done? Heck no! (I think Phil's been busy, sending this raft of critters  our way.)  The following morning, after we'd retrieved the feeders, yet before we'd put them out (now only during the day), we had another Large Visitor. This one is right in front of my office sliding window. Did I notice right away? Naw. See, I was busily composing  when I sensed a Presence ,  a Large Presence  looming. So I looked up, and what did I see? (No, not an out-of-focus shepherd's crook), but a bear, a different bear. This fella (or girl) was smaller, less gutsy, and far more tentative. Plus, he was out during the day. Unusual. Hysterical with excitement, I grabbed my Nikon, still set on the night-time setting, and shot away, hence the not-so-hot images. But, heck, I bet you get the idea. 

 

And today?  Gorgeous, sunny, and  filled with the smell of spring and an absence of large, furry creatures. Maybe they'll be back, or not, since we've taken in the feeders. But, you know, I figure we've been blessed. 

Comments

[Sheila E]

WOW!! Very Cool Vicki!! You live on sacred grounds and are visited by amazing power! How blessed you are!! I love hearing about all the creatures...and pictures to boot ;)

[Michelle]

What beautiful creatures and wonderful pictures...

[Lisa S]

Wow, indeed. What a magical place you live in, Vicki. I hope that our new spot is as special as yours. Note to self, bring the feeders in at night. :o)

[Vicki in Michigan]

I'm enjoying your gorgeous birds!

Bears -- oh my! Makes our nocturnal visits from skunks seem pretty tame............. :-)