Listening to Nature

Part of observing nature is in listening. At this time of year baby birds are calling to be fed. Most of these calls sound like distress calls. If you listen for these calls you’re in for some surprises.

We had such a surprise earlier today. Becky and I are working at my kitchen table on laptops today so we can do some website development. It helps to see one another’s monitor. About an hour ago, Becky said “what’s that noise?” and we heard some kind of loud noise - almost like a cat in distress. The calls continued and continued. We went out on the deck (second story deck) and could see a squirrel in one of the nearby trees. He was making the calls. He was on his stomach with his arms wrapped around a branch. The scene was almost comical - as if he suddenly discovered he was afraid of heights and was holding on for dear life.  We went outside to investigate.

As we approached the squirrel in the tree I said “Becky, there must be a predator nearby - this is a very excited squirrel”. As I said that, I turned to face Becky and saw our neighbor’s cat, Oscar. “Well, there’s the problem” I said.

I started to walk toward Oscar so I could take him home - although I’ve never known him to kill anything or chase the birds (earlier in the day Oscar was on my deck watching a squirrel and Titmouse feeding on the peanuts I set out- he seemed content to watch).  As I approached Oscar who was sitting on the grass nearby, he suddenly dropped to his stomach as if to hide or defend some prize. As soon as he made that move I knew he had caught something.  A few steps closer and I saw a motionless baby Robin. “OSCAR” I yelled and Oscar backed up. I figured the bird was hurt - maybe even dead - and as I stooped down to retrieve it, it almost jumped into my hand. I guess I was less scary than the cat!

The Robin seemed fine - mostly scared. I held the bird for awhile and then let go of it but it stayed on my hand, on my chest, on my arm, not wanting to go anywhere. After a few photos (thanks to Becky) and a little time to recuperate it was coaxed onto the branch of a tree. Soon one of the parent birds returned to feed it.

Last week I had a similar experience with a young Grackle which managed to land on my deck. The parents were reluctant to come and feed it and it was reluctant to leave. After about 1/2 hour of it’s squaking, I coaxed it off to a nearby tree where the parents returned to feeding it.

My yard must have a big “welcome animals” sign. Listen to nature- it’s calling!