Oh Those Critters
When we had Dakota, the wild animals kept their distance, to some degree. It wasn’t necessary as she didn’t chase anyone off as long as order was maintained. For she was a husky/wolf mix with a very strict code of conduct. I felt safe with her tending to all things outside.
But when she died, there was big hole in my heart for our journey together was one of lost and found, partnership and commitment, love and respect. She wasn’t replaced by another.
What did happen though was that the wild animals came closer and into our lives. I first really noticed it when I was outside in the garden, singing, one day. I looked up and saw a peacock (a peahen, more accurately) close by. I have no idea when she came from but she stayed for a couple of weeks, always coming close when I sang. It was fascinating, not only that she was called to my singing, but that she showed up and stayed.
And I began to notice other animals that were curious about us, coming closer to investigate. We are pretty low key, peaceful folks so animals grew more comfortable. The birds would indicate to Kevin when they wanted a misty shower during his watering time in the yard and such. Rabbits would lounge in the grass when we were outside. It felt rather magical and inclusive.
One summer we were gone for a few days and the garden seemed to have exploded, so I went out to do a bit of tending, pick a few carrots and such. Mind you, I have raised beds that are 3 feet high and it’s fenced. So it’s usually the lizards (skinks to be exact) that make me jump. They blend in so well, that we usually initially scare one another, then she looks over, smiles and laughs with me. Granted it’s not a big toothy grin but a lizard ‘hey, what’s up’ kind of grin. And on we go.
Well, I pulled one carrot and something over in the corner rustled the squash leaves so much that I let out a ‘AH’ and took a step back. If that was a lizard, it was a dinosaur lizard of humongous size, yeah, like Jurassic Park – that size. I wasn’t about to stick my hand in there, so we began a standoff. I tried to peek around the leaves but couldn’t see a thing.
Finally … there was movement. And what I saw, moving as quietly as it could, was a baby bunny that could fit in the palm of my hand. Oh man. I’m not throwing a bunny out of the garden – I’m happy to share, but share is the key word. I had noticed something ate our first tomato and a lot of my kale and squash leaves. Kevin was trying to pin it on a ground digger gray squirrel, but I wasn’t buying it. So now I knew. Rabbits. Baby bunny stew? (JUST KIDDING, I don’t eat rabbit).
I was happy to let it live there but I want some of my produce too. And I didn’t know how many there were. Ohhhh what to do. I’ve already requested mom (rabbit) to stay out of the garden, but I didn’t specifically say ‘keep your kids out too please.’ Maybe we need to have another chat. They must have been born there since it's so high off the ground - morning shower, fresh greens ... what's not to love?
We debated whether to scoot them off to the forest all around us but decided that it/they were probably born there and have never been out of the box, so, until they got bigger, we’d share the crops. Mom stayed close and we did make a higher fence for my tomatoes – she’s wasn’t sharing very well (with us). Within a week, baby had jumped out and joined mom in the yard. We reinforced the garden fence once we were sure everyone was out.
And on we went.
It was getting closer to September and I went out to the garden to harvest a few things and the twin fawns and mom froze and turned towards me. They were about to jump into our Wild Child garden plot to see if anything was left (they already ate most of my cabbage and broccoli). I began calming explaining to them that I didn't want them in there anymore. This went on for about a minute, then (apparently) Turkey mom had had enough, rolled her eyes at the conversation, and ran directly at them, showing me all I needed to do is wave my arms/wings and look like I'm going to attack them. It was rather funny watching the Turkey chase off the deer, but ... you know ... moms can get territorial and the turkey kids wanted to play in the grass. I get it.
Our wild friends continue to share their lives with us and it is quite a delight to watch the ‘kids’ grow over the years, to have quiet conversations and appreciate one anothers beauty and presence.
I wouldn’t want to live in a populated area with the windows we have, for I do not wish to have people looking in at us. But, I really don’t mind when I find I’m being stared at through the window by a deer or a squirrel or another local friend. They seem to be as curious about us as we are about them. Although I’m glad the cougars don’t hang around long …
Oh life ... never a dull moment.
