Mission Impossible #1 (gotta get a treat)
"Attempting to claim the treats" This is the first image in Robbie’s (Gray Squirrel) MI (mission impossible) series. I have to say, I wish I would have thought to switch to video mode. After this amusing encounter, I may have to change Robbie’s name to Tom Cruise.
As I was making the rounds to fill the bird feeders, Robbie was sneaking around in the foliage near the main feeder. He was following me but keeping his distance. I surprised him by placing some seeds and mealworms on a stone beneath the feeders. Although at first, he appeared to be slightly astonished by the gesture, it didn’t take him long to partake in the treats.
Meanwhile, the area where Robbie’s allotted amount of food is normally placed on the palm stump under oak one, habitat enhancements were underway. This was in order to give that feeding station a bit more character and stability. Actually, the entire area is getting a smidgen of a makeover so it will be more people-friendly for small gatherings.
Once the feeding station enhancements were completed, I set up the camera, placed some treats, and began to work on the trimming and relocating some of the plants in the area. I fully expected Marion (Female Northern Cardinal) to swoop in and grab the first bite. She generally keeps a watchful eye out for treats to be placed and usually beats everyone to the punch in this location. In other words, she’s not afraid of the clicking monster (me).
However, Marion and the rest of the gang stayed in the neighbor’s trees fussing at me for messing with the vegetation in the area. Apparently, they were extraordinarily displeased! I can only imagine what I believe to be modest revisions must look like an extreme transformation to them.
As I tended to the task at hand, I listened to the boisterous calls of my aggravated regulars. They seemed to be expressing their complete frustration and concerns about the activities at hand. Unhappy or not, their voices are still beautiful. Cranky cardinal, wren, tufted titmouse, and parula calls were carried far and wide. Not the bluebirds, they have not been visiting on a regular basis as of late.
Suddenly, I heard something rustling in the understory beside me. I looked to see Robbie slowly creeping across the ground towards the feeding station. He was checking out the changes and keeping an eye on me. Then with some impressive mission impossible style moves Robbie scampered to a tree stump that had been temporarily placed in the area.
He shimmied all around the stump while in the pancake position before moving on closer, closer, and ever closer towards the newly upgraded platform. Robbie had but one mission in mind, get those treats without being seen. Haha, I kept telling him I could see him but he totally ignored me and continued with his games. He would hide behind leaves, jump around, lay flat, and repeat.
But wait, what do I hear? By a shift in the sound of the bird's chatter, they were ready to forgive the intrusion and visit the yard for treats. Yes, the bird show was going to happen after all. The question became who shall complete the mission? Will Robbie be the first to get a treat or will Marion slip in and claim them for herself?
I hope you have a pleasant day, happy snapping.
Mission Impossible #1 (gotta get a treat)
"Attempting to claim the treats" This is the first image in Robbie’s (Gray Squirrel) MI (mission impossible) series. I have to say, I wish I would have thought to switch to video mode. After this amusing encounter, I may have to change Robbie’s name to Tom Cruise.
As I was making the rounds to fill the bird feeders, Robbie was sneaking around in the foliage near the main feeder. He was following me but keeping his distance. I surprised him by placing some seeds and mealworms on a stone beneath the feeders. Although at first, he appeared to be slightly astonished by the gesture, it didn’t take him long to partake in the treats.
Meanwhile, the area where Robbie’s allotted amount of food is normally placed on the palm stump under oak one, habitat enhancements were underway. This was in order to give that feeding station a bit more character and stability. Actually, the entire area is getting a smidgen of a makeover so it will be more people-friendly for small gatherings.
Once the feeding station enhancements were completed, I set up the camera, placed some treats, and began to work on the trimming and relocating some of the plants in the area. I fully expected Marion (Female Northern Cardinal) to swoop in and grab the first bite. She generally keeps a watchful eye out for treats to be placed and usually beats everyone to the punch in this location. In other words, she’s not afraid of the clicking monster (me).
However, Marion and the rest of the gang stayed in the neighbor’s trees fussing at me for messing with the vegetation in the area. Apparently, they were extraordinarily displeased! I can only imagine what I believe to be modest revisions must look like an extreme transformation to them.
As I tended to the task at hand, I listened to the boisterous calls of my aggravated regulars. They seemed to be expressing their complete frustration and concerns about the activities at hand. Unhappy or not, their voices are still beautiful. Cranky cardinal, wren, tufted titmouse, and parula calls were carried far and wide. Not the bluebirds, they have not been visiting on a regular basis as of late.
Suddenly, I heard something rustling in the understory beside me. I looked to see Robbie slowly creeping across the ground towards the feeding station. He was checking out the changes and keeping an eye on me. Then with some impressive mission impossible style moves Robbie scampered to a tree stump that had been temporarily placed in the area.
He shimmied all around the stump while in the pancake position before moving on closer, closer, and ever closer towards the newly upgraded platform. Robbie had but one mission in mind, get those treats without being seen. Haha, I kept telling him I could see him but he totally ignored me and continued with his games. He would hide behind leaves, jump around, lay flat, and repeat.
But wait, what do I hear? By a shift in the sound of the bird's chatter, they were ready to forgive the intrusion and visit the yard for treats. Yes, the bird show was going to happen after all. The question became who shall complete the mission? Will Robbie be the first to get a treat or will Marion slip in and claim them for herself?
I hope you have a pleasant day, happy snapping.