Good morning everyone! It’s a beautiful sunny and mild morning here today. Looks fabulous to see the sun shining on all those new green leaves, they absolutely glow in that morning sun. And the blue jays really stand out against all that new green as well. It was nice listening to them calling this morning before I even got out of bed. It was 4:45 am. There were so many birds singing outside, so I got up to enjoy this morning chorus. Robins were singing about 4am, but they are always first in the morning and usually last to sing at night. There are some birds missing this year though, such as the other thrushes besides the robins. We have a few thrushes in our area and usually I hear them around here each year. But not this year which is very odd.

Also there are no phoebes around, or orioles, or mourning doves. Even the number of warblers is less than normal this year. Hard to imagine that all these birds had a bad winter for survival. Especially since they spend winters in different areas. Are they just late coming back? This would be very late. I miss listening to those thrushes at night and in early morning. I love their songs. There are no song sparrows nesting close by this year either. Oddly enough, not feeding birds can have a big impact on the numbers and varieties of birds around the area. Even if they don’t come to the feeders, they are still affected. Birds attract other birds. I have discovered that over the years.

Jasmine was here eating peanuts yesterday. She can eat a lot of peanuts in one sitting. Anyway, Leap came along, but he was on the railing and Jasmine was on the step by the door. “Don’t hurt Jasmine” I said to Leap. He looks at me. Chip. “I’m not taking sides, but you’re bigger than her”. Chip. “She’s meaner? Come now, you’re not scared of her are you?” Chip. “You’re not scared, you’re terrified?” Just then, zoom, and the chase was on! Leap jumped to the deck with Jasmine right behind him. They went in and out of the boxes, behind things, under the bench, in and out of the boxes again and finally Leap jumped down to the ground.

Jasmine just stood there looking down at him, then she went back to eating her peanuts. Leap chattered a bit and left. “Maybe you shouldn’t pick on all the male squirrels”. Chip. “No, I’m not taking sides.” Chip. “Yes, they could fight back.” Chip. “Yes, they are bigger”. Chip. “You won’t chase Jasper? That’s good. Would you like another peanut?” Chip. “You’re welcome.” And off she goes with it. I’m sure that Jasmine is actually Sylvie, but now she has her summer coat on so she looks different. That’s why she doesn’t fight Jasper. Have a wonderful, sunny day everyone and God bless!

Steve and Muffin.

©2021 Steve McLeod.