Protector of the Tree

Varmit  hunting season is in full force. The almond tree that we planted 20 years ago is producing an enormous amount of almonds.  The squirrels and ravens have a heyday this time of year when nuts are ready for picking.  Some mornings there are 30 or more crows up in the branches of the tree.  When Niya goes outside they all scatter. There are plenty of times she has chased squirrels either back up the tree or outside the fence when they were eating nuts that have fallen.  Its funny to see Niya sitting under the tree while squirrels up top are merrily eating away and dropping the husks and shells on her head.

There is one squirrel that lives down the street. Reason I know this is because as I’m sitting in the backyard office, little squirrley, who has just been to the almond tree out  front,  jumps from the tree to the roof of the  house, from the roof of our house to the roof of my office, then to the back fence, up the telephone pole and  down the telephone wire about 5 houses down. All this with a huge almond (husk and all) in his mouth.  One morning I come out of my office to go to the house and catch the squirrel just getting ready to jump. I think we scared eachother. He took a step back and went for it. Right over my head! Now I just leave my office door open and can watch him make his trips back and forth all day.  He must have a pretty good stash of almonds, where ever he lives! Its Niya’s dream to catch herself a varmit!