February 7, 2008

Squirrels in the birdfeeder can be annoying to many. Fortunately for the few squirrels in my yard, I allow them to feast on the sunflower seeds, at least for now. The other morning I watched a squirrel munch breakfast in my large birdfeeder in the company of a cardinal and a nuthatch. In the nearest branch, a bluejay sat and waited his turn for his breakfast. In my observations of birds this winter, I have come to notice a bluejay and a cardinal never are at the feeder at the same time similar to the male and female cardinal taking their turns at the feeder while the other waits in a nearby branch. Yesterday, the squirrel brought company! They've overtaken one feeder, while there were three male cardinals in the other feeder.

Pesky squirrels, but they are actually cute, for now. You see, I have never had many squirrels, and I have put in requests to neighbors to send them over. Wildlife is great to have in the yard. Fortunately, I do have a cat to keep the rabbits away from my garden. They run around the yard, but the rabbits do not harm my garden at all. Not even the lettuce, which I think is one of their favorites. According to Winnie the Pooh, Rabbit loves carrots. In my garden, I have never planted carrots. Not sure why. Well, after making that statement, the reason is probably because by the time I get my garden going it is well into June. Maybe a bit too late for carrots, but this season I'll try them. I just hope the rabbits continue to stay away from them. Winter snow and cold have given me great opportunities to lay out my garden this year. There is also an area, I am looking to convert over into a beautiful cottage garden. In the next week, my goal is to draw up a plan. Of course, when I garden, I have a plan, but plans can change. That's how gardening works, changing with what you need to do. Next time, I’ll share some of my garden plans.

Wendy Jasper
MNLA Certified Professional
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