Springtime is so much fun in our backyard that connects to a large easement and to one of the back pastures of the Southport Equestrian Center. It is always possible to see and hear several horses in that pasture.
My wife, Lyn has been busy getting her garden planted. It is located back on the easement and close to a small creek. The building and fenced-in area (top and sides) that house our chicken girls is also located on the easement. It is a very safe facility for them.
Last week, one afternoon, I noticed a large bird flying around and sitting on a fence post near the chicken girl’s area. I grabbed my binoculars and quickly saw that it was a young owl that seemed interested in the easy life the girls were enjoying. I’ve also noticed several owl families in our area that are interesting to watch and study.
A couple of weeks ago, I was watching the morning news on television, glanced out a window where I can see the easement and, to my surprise, I saw several deer walking toward the creek. They seemed to enjoy their walk for a nice cool drink of creek water.
A few days ago, I was walking out to open up the chicken girl’s doors and I saw a tiny bird sitting on the steps of our patio. It didn’t move as I stepped closer. I figured that it might be injured. I tried to pick it up twice when it jumped and landed on one of my shoes. I was wearing a pair of old sweatpants and was surprised when it started climbing my pants leg. It climbed up to my knee and then flew away.
The bird only reached a couple of the bird feeders. I checked about 30 minutes later and it was gone. Later, I think it was the same type bird sitting on one of the feeders and watching me closely. It seemed to be active and doing great. I looked up what type of bird that I had become friends with, and I believe it to be a Black-capped Chickadee.
There are many wild animals and birds that use this small creek for drinking water. Coyotes, wolves, and foxes are often seen in the area. I find it very interesting when some of our neighbors tell their stories about the animals they have seen or encountered near the creek.
I also had heard some stories about a small young fox being seen along the creek. I looked out a few days ago and saw a small red fox. We made eye contact and it quickly vanished toward the creek.
Our dog, Stuart has learned over the years that many of those wild animals’ patrol around the neighborhood during the dark of night. He has developed a plan to hopefully ensure his safety. On his first trip out our backdoor each morning, he stands on the patio and loudly barks. It seems that he’s telling all the animals that might still be in our yard that it’s time for them to go home quietly. His plan seems to be working well.