We've had some brutally cold arctic weather the last couple of weeks. Yesterday it was minus 15 in our garage when my husband went out to start his vehicle. That's been hard on the critters. We have a rabbit that lives in the big evergreen bush behind the house and about half a dozen squirrels that make our hundred-year-old Spruce trees in the unfenced side yard their home.
Our bungalow - in warmer weather.
Of course, there are always the Cardinals, finches and a few doves that make their home in the top of a neighbor's old garage that has fallen into disrepair after they passed away and it awaits probate and sale. I've been feeding them, and putting out water, not so much they forget how to forage but enough to help. Just watching "peanut wars" from the dining room window is entertainment enough.
The sideyard in warmer weather - the original homeowners
bought two lots when the Bungalow was built so we have a side yard
and room for a driveway and garage, not typical in the city.
The bunny wasn't joining in the fun until a few nights ago when he hopped out of the fenced yard over to the bird feeders to eat some spilled seed. I knew he had to be pretty hungry to leave the safety of the fenced yard as we have hawks, owls, and coyotes around due to the nearness to the forest preserve. The next night he was out at the same time, right at dusk, sitting by the feeder under the tree out of sight of any winged predators. The night before last I went out with some spinach and shredded carrot. He didn't hop away and just watched me from a few feet away while I set it under the bird feeders.
Last night he was there right on time as I put out some Alfalfa Pellets I got from Chewy. I'd barely walked away when he hopped over and started to chow down.
This morning it was a balmy 14 and the sun was peaking through the scattered snow showers.
As I went out the rabbit was waiting under the tree, the squirrels were watching and birds were fluttering over my head.
I felt like Snow White in that scene from the movie.
Stay warm and safe my friends.
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteLovely image of your garden... staying warm! YAM xx
Can just picture the Snow White scene. We think that's a very appreciative bunny.
ReplyDeleteThat is so very kind of you to do. We do worry about the critters here too. We haven't seen any birds in a very long time other than the pooping Canadian geese. No squirrels except for along the trail, and nary a bunny to be spotted anywhere. Mom says she might just have to leave something outside too, BUT in the front yard where somePups won't be tempted:)
ReplyDeleteWoos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
I bet our bunnies has been cold too (although nowhere near as cold as y'all's!)
ReplyDeletePretty soon you will have birds landing on your shoulders and pooping down your back. (Sorry, I just had that picture pop in my head...) Sounds like you have a new pet rabbit! Good for you, taking care of God's creatures.
ReplyDeleteGod takes pretty good care of me so I try and pay it forward. I didn't see the rabbit when I went out at the same time but I put out some safflower seeds and lettuce for him and as soon as I got back to the house there he was nibbling on it. He must have been watching from under the porch.
DeleteI think I accidentally deleted my comment instead of submitting it!
DeleteWe too have a break in this cold spell, but it is going to be back tomorrow. Hope all the critters stay warm!
We haven't seen any bunnies lately. They're probably holed up someplace warm. The squirrels are getting rather bold lately, though. We keep putting out the birdie seeds anyway. We don't want anyone to go hungry in this deep freeze!
ReplyDeleteWe fill the big feeder with safflower seeds. Squirrels HATE it and cardinals LOVE it so there's more for the birds. Chewy.com carries it. The squirrels won't starve but we won't let them be piggies.
DeleteWhat a wonderful thing to do for the bunny!
ReplyDeletehugs
Hazel & Mabel
Good for you taking care of the local critters! I feel bad for them when it's this cold.
ReplyDeleteBless you Snow White for your compassion and care. No doubt the local critters appreciate your efforts beyond words. Stay warm.
ReplyDeleteWe bet they all loved you for it too!
ReplyDeleteKeep Calm & Bark On!
Murphy & Stanley