feeding the neighborhood
I have started up the bird feeder and already the mammals are nudging out the birds.
Our first visitor to the feeder was a fat grey squirrel who performed some amusing acrobatics to enjoy ‘his’ sunflower seeds.
This year, I think I’ll keep a list of the marauders, who may outnumber the birds.
~
apples in the snow
~
she pauses, one foot poised
a lever beneath her, one hoof ready
to push off and fly
tail to flag her departure
tucked, ears up
~
everything still
the snow, the trees, the feeder
not caught in chickadee momentum, land
and shove away
~
three apples
at the edge of deep-freeze
draw her forward
~
© Jane Tims 2011
nichepoetryandprose 
It is interesting how the birds can be marginalized by some of the ‘hangers on’. It’s all fun to watch, though- and deer at a feeder are always a treat!
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Watching Seasons
December 21, 2011 at 8:31 pm
Hi Tracy! We are keeping a log of our vistors this year. We have fewer deer than in past years… one year there were seventeen deer who went by every few days. Jane
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jane tims
December 22, 2011 at 9:19 am
I love squirrels and chipmunks as much as I love birds – my inclination would be to try to feed them all, little charmers! But deer are nearest and dearest to my heart and your poem and drawing simply took my breath away…
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Barbara Rodgers
December 21, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Hi Barbara. I agree.. I like feeding them all. I’m glad you liked the poem and drawing. Jane
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jane tims
December 22, 2011 at 9:13 am
Hi Jane, Enjoyed your post! “apples in the snow” warms my heart.
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Ellen Grace Olinger
December 21, 2011 at 12:30 pm
haha the second picture is amazing!
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intomind
December 19, 2011 at 7:18 am
Hi. That squirrel is really flexible. He hung upside down by his rear toes for an hour, reaching up to the feeder and eating upsidedown! Jane
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jane tims
December 19, 2011 at 8:21 pm