Yesterday I was captivated by animal behavior. My backyard was a very busy place. Birds were darting and sparring, and aggressively flying from tree to tree. It looked like a game of tag and the treetops were home base. From my perspective it looked like most of the trouble was instigated by these two:
They look pretty innocent, but I'm telling you: They were a problem. I didn't get their side of the story, but it appeared it was them against these guys:
There were also a few sparrows, a cardinal, two blue jays, and another bird I have yet to identify. They were better at hiding from me among the leaves and branches, so not photos yet. I don't spend a lot of time thinking about the social nature of birds, or any other animal really. But this display really caused me to wonder about how they interact with each other, how they communicate, and what the fuss was all about.
Next, the chipmunks caught my attention. Before I started this project, I figured I would regularly see squirrels and chipmunks running about my yard. The truth is, I rarely see either. But yesterday, I saw a group of four seemingly working as a team. They were running to and from a wood pile just inside the woods. I watched them run back and forth for about 25 minutes. I didn't see them carrying anything, but it was clear a plan was at play.
I am not proficient at capturing moving creatures, so the below picture is quite blurry. This is the log these little guys would follow back and forth.
Next, the chipmunks caught my attention. Before I started this project, I figured I would regularly see squirrels and chipmunks running about my yard. The truth is, I rarely see either. But yesterday, I saw a group of four seemingly working as a team. They were running to and from a wood pile just inside the woods. I watched them run back and forth for about 25 minutes. I didn't see them carrying anything, but it was clear a plan was at play.
I am not proficient at capturing moving creatures, so the below picture is quite blurry. This is the log these little guys would follow back and forth.
Finally stopped for a moment:
Taking a small break on the trip back again...
I didn't follow their path through the woods or I could probably share more details. I wonder what they were up to!
And finally, my deer friend appeared. I waited her out. I saw her deep in the woods earlier in the day and hoped If I sat quietly she would find her way out. And she did! She came out for dinner I suppose as I watched her feast on some greens.
And finally, my deer friend appeared. I waited her out. I saw her deep in the woods earlier in the day and hoped If I sat quietly she would find her way out. And she did! She came out for dinner I suppose as I watched her feast on some greens.
Eventually my presence caused her discomfort and she disappeared into the trees. But not before looking back to say goodbye. Until next time!