Me and My Dog ...and My RV

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Squirrel 2 - Quail 0, and First bonfire of the season

I have a hummingbird feeder on one window, and a bird seed feeder on the other large window. I'm getting Verdins and hummers at one, but no birds have come yet to the seed feeder. I bought a huge bag of seed and wanted the birds to get some, so yesterday I decided to toss some of the seed on the ground for the quail. I was in the kitchen and looked out the window and there were 15 quail pecking at the dirt. I put the seed in a few places, so they were moving from place to place, and then back again. I just love the way the look. Does this look like a very sophisticated hat, or what?

So the quail were having a great time pecking at the seed.

Then our squirrel arrived on the scene. In the photo below, he's getting ready to spring up at them, and the quail both quickly jumped out of his way before any contact was made.

Then they settled down and seemed to be eating the seed side by side, and everything was okay.

Then suddenly the female came too close, and the squirrel went into attack mode. It looked like he went flying up and hit her. The bird flapped and jumped - you can't even see her in the photo below, except some feathers. I don't know if she's covered in the dust, or under the spread feathers. The male bird fluffed up and spread his tail feathers.

It was over in a second, no one was hurt, and then they ate side by side again.

This little squirrel is so entertaining. He always seems to be into something, or doing something funny. When I see him, I get the camera ready, because something's going to happen.

Last night I was just lowering my blinds, when I looked out and saw the bonfire. I couldn't miss the first fire of the season, so I bundled up, put Katie's coat on, and we walked over to join the group.