Observations on Nature
While enjoying the coolest part of the house; the kitchen, at a balmy 80 degrees; I get an unfettered view of the birdfeeder that resides on a cinder block on the porch (because there are no suitable trees from which to hang it.) So far the only visitors to the thing are squirrels, who fight with each other, and one cute, industrious little chipmunk with white spots behind his ears who scampers up to the seeds, stuff AS MANY AS POSSIBLE into those little cheeks as fast as possible, and then scampers away. They will only approach the feeder when the door is closed (which has been often to keep out the heat) and so I've had the pleasure of the following observations:
- The squirrels only eat the sunflower seeds, scattering the rest of the feed over the porch in a wasteful fashion reminiscent of most Americans
- Squirrels are a brutish lot. They chase away the chipmunks.
- The chipmunk is quite industrious, seen make as many as ten trips in one set. I hope they'll eat well this winter.
- Gwen gives the squirrels the evil eye, but will 'chase' the chipmunks as they run across the porch. The squirrels are easily half the size of her, so she seems to know how to pick her fights.
- The squirrels will approach my sandals on the porch with extreme caution, and even then only give them the slightest sniff before giving them a wide bearth.
- The chipmunks however approach the sandals directly and even sit in them for a moment while waiting for the coast to clear. I think that says alot about the difference between squirrels and chipmunks.
